This may not be as effective as using a compactor to ensure a proper bond, but it is the best way to make sure the joint is secure without the proper equipment. 2. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. It has several advantages: It is stable, so the sand won’t end up on the top of your pavers; it allows you to power wash your patio without displacing the joint sand; it gives the patio a cleaner,BUY ON AMAZON | $59. The joints should be filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. Sealing. We trust you have taken in a great deal concerning this article on the best way to compact pavers without a plate compactor, compacting soil, laying polymeric. Polymeric sand is a sand formula that is swept into the joints of pavers and natural stone to lock in the product, prevent weed growth and insects, and to provide the final touches of any hardscaping job. With a push broom sweep it into all seams of your paver surface. Polymeric sand is fortified with polymer to prevent washout between pavers. How deep should polymeric sand be? We recommend the joint width between your pavers be between 1/8th of an inch and 4 inches and the joint depth to be at least 1 inch . How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric sand. It takes about a minimum of 24 hours for polymeric sand to completely set. Alliance Gator Polymeric"Super" Sand, 50 lb. If the sand is still not hardening,. Most sands require enough water to saturate the sand just until the water stops soaking into the joint. When all joints are filled, remove excess sand on surface. This may be necessary if the first layer has been disturbed by wind or rain. After the compactor has frozen, you will need to take. Polymeric sand is a semi-permeable sand that contains additives and binding agents to lock paver joints into place. 86K views 2 years ago. compactor or cover the paver surface with SRW SS5 or EC8 fabric to help protect paver surface from damage and minimize dust. A bag is dumped onto the paving surface and. Generally we install an 8″ base using ASTM #57 stone and install in 4″ lifts. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. Minimize the machine’s production as much as possible. Seal the paving surface to preserve its color and luster. I'm reading mixed reviews online. A roller compactor is best for slab installation. Author: Mrs. patio, that means carting away about 2-1/2 tons of soil, and hauling in the same amount of gravel. The compactor scuffed every single raised cleft, chipped 2 pavers and broke 3. I'm wrapping up a patio installation. Once that level is compacted, add more material and repeat the process. 6. If you still have the compactor, use it on top of the brick (with the light layer of sand still present). In laying the bedding sand you should always remember to pour in an even 1/2" thick across the area and not to go over 1". Put down 3/4" of sand. Skill Level: Beginner. I'm hoping a shop vac can remove the dry polymeric sand. Follow. Set aside ample time for the project, haste makes waste. How to use polymeric sand: Don’t cheap out on sand. Joint compounds, on the other hand, can last as long as 20 years if correctly installed. . 22. Run the compactor over the patio area to compact the sand onto the base. Below, find picks for the best polymeric sand in a range of categories. Sprinkle a uniform layer of Gator Maxx g2 polymeric sand evenly over the surface of the project area. 1. Temperatures must remain above 32°F (0°C) throughout installationR. The recommended space between the pavers is 3 mm (⅛”). First of all, the goal is completely different. • In case of uncertainty regarding the installation of this product or for any further assistance, please contact technical support at 1 (800) 465-7325. • Clean, easy, fast and durable alternative to mortar jointing and stone dust. The result is a longer-lasting paver installation. Not compacting the base. Polymeric sand is an effective solution for compacting pavers without the need for a compactor. How Polymeric Sand Works; Possible Reasons For Polymeric Sand Not Hardening Properly. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. 2C. The pavers are placed in the desired pattern and the space between pavers is then filled with a polymeric sand. In the past, a typical polymeric sand installation looked something like this: 1. 7 kg | 50 lbs (bag) 56. Concrete pavers, slabs and natural stone should have ¾” modified stone base and concrete sand setting bed that conforms to ASTM-C33. Pour it on your hardscape. After our first 4″ lift, we will install a biaxial geogrid to add extra support to our open-graded base. Polymeric sand has a set of steps that are necessary to follow in order to ensure that it does not fail. Use a backpack blower to remove all dust. Finally, you should allow the pavers. Polymeric sand is used to fill in the joints in between brick pavers. Use the 2x4 as a screed to smooth and level the sand. After installation, a hard rain on polymeric sand that has not fully set up could result in polymeric sand all over the top of the pavers. If possible run a vibratory compactor over the pavers. BEST OVERALL: Black Diamond Coatings Dominator Polymeric Sand. However, certain manufacturers claim some products can last up to 15 years. Designed to work with the WEN Plate Compactor, this pad can be easily installed and lasts job after job without needing a new replacement. The compactor scuffed every single raised cleft, chipped 2 pavers and broke 3. of polymeric sand you will end up with a mess. I am setting the pavers over uncompacted sand about 1/2 inch above the sidewalk and will use a plate compactor to settle them (i hope) down to the. Contents. In smaller areas, pour in more from a clean yogurt cup and use. 14. The polymeric sand acts as a bonding agent that holds the pavers together once it is sprayed with water. Never use a vibrating plate compactor on the paved surface. . Repeat these steps until the joints are full to 1/8″ below the top of the paver or bottom of the chamfer of. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. Sweep polymeric sand over the pavers and ground it into the joints with a broom. Walkway will be built using Belgard concrete pavers (2-3/8" thick). Polymeric Sand Without Compactor. One of the most critical steps in a polymeric sand installation is properly compacting the sand into the joints. and a layer of landscape fabric. If compactor is not rubber-plated, cover pavers with a woven fabric while compacting to help protect paver surface from damage. The first time you should just sprinkle regular water on the sand, and the second time you should lightly mist or sprinkle only enough water to make the. • Surface must be perfectly dry to prevent moisture from activating the polymer that could make the sand stick to the surface and. Damaged pavements and driveways are more than just an eyesore- they can compromise the safety of your landscape. Plastic 4mm spacers should. Remove excess residue with a leaf blower. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it look like the cracks are full even though it is empty/hollow below the bridge. Once the area is damp, you will spread the polymeric sand across the entire surface of your project. This product is ideal for filling joints between pavers and natural stones up to 4 inches. Leiden Cambridge Blend. Slope the tubing about 1/4 in. If us- ing polymeric sand, you can install it after the sealer application has properly cured for 24 – 48 hours. It is different than regular sand, because regular sand not only is it missing the additives that help lock pavers in place, but it can also easily be. 5 – Sweep Everything Off. 1. A leaf blower on a very low setting is a good way to do this. This may not be as effective as using a compactor to ensure a proper bond, but it is the best way to make sure the joint is secure without the proper equipment. Immediately afterward, wet the same section for an additional 30 seconds until the joints are saturated. Minimize the machine’s production as much as possible. You should consider using a plate compactor when the patio or driveway is large. STEP 2. This type of sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. 1/2” LEVELING SAND SCREED NOTE: There are two types of joint sand. Late last summer, I tackled a couple of outdoor DIY projects using some new-to-me products – mulch glue and polymeric sand. Ivory. Installing polymeric sand is the final step in your paver project and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the longevity of the project. How deep should polymeric sand be?Polymeric Sand needs a minimum depth of 4 cm (1 ½”) to be effective. Plate Compactor Selecting the right plate compactor is key to getting your polymeric sand installation done right. My bad for not realizing it's polymeric sand. Step 2: prepare the substrate. Is hand tamping effective?Also, make sure to sweep the polymeric sand into the gap and tap the pavers together after the installation in order to ensure that the polymeric sand settles into the joint. This polymeric sand however, seems to preclude me using water as a tool to help it settle. UNDER-WATERING causes the polymeric sand to simply form a "crust" on the top. For wide joints: 20 to 40 sq. 5. Even the slightest mistake can throw your efforts off because polymeric sand repels water once it hardens, but is also re- activated with water. Try not to over or under-saturated, as is demonstrated by the image. The advantage of using this type of sand is that it can be used without a compactor. The list of items you might need for the installation process: Apart from Travertine Pavers, you would need a shovel, plate compactor, rubber mallet, sledgehammer, FlexBond, measuring tape, and strings. Next, pour the sand on top of the pavers. It is a type of sand that is created by mixing fine sand, binders and additives that help lock pavers together in place. The estimated coverage power is: For joints less than ½" wide: up to 120 sq. Now pour the sand. This is critical. This will generate a vibration and pack down the product. We then ran them over with the smallest compactor we could find quickly and briefly. Use a blower to blast out the joints again. To compact the pavers themselves without a plate compactor, you're going to use a rubber mallet. I show you the entire process for interlocking, but the same process can be used. After our first 4″ lift, we will install a biaxial geogrid to add extra support to our open-graded base. 1How to portable sand without a compactor . 79. Use concrete sand and only 3/4" under the pavers. base installation. This will cause the sand to consolidate. Before laying bedding sand or pavers, your gravel base needs to be flat and firm, without any bellies or rises of more than 1/8″. Steps for installation: Spread product evenly on a small surface. Step 2: prepare the substrate. Be careful not to overwater, as excessive water can wash away the sand; Allow the polymeric sand to dry and cure. The joints should be filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. The joints are tight, largest about 3/8", smallest nearly 0. But this isn’t an issue with polymeric sand, which reduces the amount of water that will work its way into the space between your pavers. ft per 50 lb bag. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. The vibration of a compactor is vital to settling sand or polymeric sand into the joints between pavers. Walkway will be built using Belgard concrete pavers (2-3/8" thick). Then you'll need to get all the excess off the surface of the pavers before you water the sand to set it. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. • Temperature must be above 32°F (0°C) for 48 hours following installation. It is best toPolymeric sand usually lasts three to five years but can last up to 10 years if appropriately applied. Sunniland. and on the width of joints. Step 6: clean the vibrating plate. I tried to look. This typically means that the sand needs to be dry for a minimum of 24 hours. When applying the polymeric sand, it is important to use a tamper or vibrating compactor so that the polymeric. Paver Set must be placed in the full depth of the joint. That means in most cases you’ll want to dig down about 6″. without ever contracting. The entire installation is built to take advantage of it. or paver installation. Updated on March 1, 2023 by Anton Giuroiu. Obviously it'd be much quicker to do the latter. 5-inch layer of bedding sand needs to be applied. . Never compact or activate polymeric sand with water until entire surface is clean and free of dust. Joints sand level, must be at least 1/8″ (3 mm) below top of paver’s surface or 1/8″ (3 mm) below the chamfer. Planning on a 4" base of compacted crusher run, and a 1" bedding layer of granite sand (pretty typical walkway installation). 2C. to remove all the sand from the paver or slab surface prior to using the plate or roller compacter. Step 6: clean. If you choose to install polymeric sand without a compactor, it is important to ensure that the sand is firmly packed into any cracks or joints in order to prevent the sand from spreading and to ensure that the sand is secure. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. All compaction is usually performed with a plate compactor or hand tamper. Sweep a broom across the pavers at a 45 degree angle to fill joints. May 16, 2022 A paver installation requires many steps. The recommendation for over preparation is that the base material should extend past the paved edge an equal distance of the base depth. How to Use Polymeric Sand. Use a low-pressure spray nozzle on. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor . Wait 24 hours after rain. I'm reading mixed reviews online. Hose The result is a longer-lasting paver installation. How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor . Find My Store. Includes wheel kit and poly pad. All-purpose sand is the go-to product for sealing paver joints. Polymeric sand is a type of sand that is used in construction. Polymeric sand is a special blend of fine sand and polymer additives that stops the growth of weeds, resists erosion, and helps protect pavers and other hardscaping projects. This special type of sand comprises pulverized materials. This helps set the sand and makes it easier to work with. Selecting the right plate compactor is key to getting your polymeric sand installation done right. red92s Discussion starter. Put down restraint edging (some people move this step to 6. Convert the volume to cubic yards if needed. Water the sand according to the directions. Not compacting the base. Not every pressure washing company offers th. The additives help lock the fine sand particle. Following the layout, start digging out the soil. 1. The pavers were high quality Cambridge with faux bluestone clefts. Any sand left on top will stain. Try this next time you doubt compacting as a proven method: 1. In order to properly set polymeric sand, you will need to wet it down two times. Follow with a spray of water to settle the sand; add more as. STEP 6 INSTALL BROCK PAVERBASE PANELS Starting against a straight edge of the patio, lay the Brock panels, ensuring that the side flanges overlap. Re: polymeric sand vs regular sand for paver patio There is absolutely NO EXCUSE to use anything but polymeric sand in 2012. It has exceptional joint stabilizing properties, making it suitable for high-traffic areas such as patios, pool decks, pavements, parking lots, and driveways. 7. Water tank allows for easy operator use on hot and cold. Don’t ever install porcelain pavers without the required 4mm spacing between them. Pour a layer of concrete sand over the patio area. 4. ft per 50 lb bag. And although it is not completely waterproof, it can hold its structure by firming up when completely dry. When installing polymeric sand for your concrete porch overlay, you will want to ensure that you are using a polymeric sand that is specified for overlays. Use a garden hose to spray enough water over the joint area to activate the polymeric sand and form a hardtop barrier. Shower your pavers to seal and harden the sand. Step 5: Apply a layer of sand. 9. Check the underground in the pit carefully. Can I Use a Hand Tamper for Polymeric Sand? In the use of polymeric sand, the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) recommends compacting the pavers. Use a quality plate compactor (I recommend WEN 56035T) to run over the surface and let it help put the sand down. The process is quite DIY-friendly, making it a convenient solution for issues associated with patios. )The most effective way to compact ground without a compactor is to use your feet by walking over the area. The pavers are then compacted again until the joints are full. Using too much water can cause the sand to wash out of the joints. the walkway has stood up to a few winters without any problems. This process also helps to secure the pavers into place. 5 in. Do this at a time when it won;t rain for at least 2 or 3 days Buy an appropriate amount of Polymeric Sand (get a bit more than you think you need) and rent a. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. My intention was to sweep the sand over the patio and run the plate compactor over top of the stones. This product is ideal for filling joints between pavers and natural stones up to 4 inches. Keep this guide of what NOT to do in mind on every job and you’ll be set up for success! Don’t overlook the need for drainage. Plate compactors work to level the foundation material before you lay concrete or pavers. To calculate the amount of sand needed for pavers, measure the length and width of the area to be paved. Step 2: prepare the substrate. It does not work as well if you fill the joints with regular sand and then put a shallow layer of poly on top. • Compact again to minimize voids in sand joints. The application of polymeric sand marks the final stage of any paving project. Compress the sub-base by 30% for your pavers and patios. Step 6: Filling up the air pocket is vital in installing polymeric sand, and many people tend to skip this step, but you shouldn’t. The paver panels need a thin layer of leveling sand as a base. Cleaners – Any cleaner specifically designed for pavers may be used for color restoration or general cleaning. (1) Should I use polymeric sand or just mason sand for the joints. Techniseal. Activate With Water. Using too much water can cause the sand to wash out of the joints. A leader of innovation in the hardscape industry for more than 35 years, Techniseal introduced the very first polymeric sand for paver joints on the market in 1999. Use a vibrating plate compactor to compact joint sand/polymeric sand prior to activation/stabilizing. Now, on permeable paver installation, things works quite different. This process may be repeated to ensure complete coverage. For wide joints: 20 to 40 sq. Polymeric sand is usually used in construction with horticultural projects to fill the joints with loose-set pavers on walkways and patios. It might be necessary to use a hand tamp like the one above if you’re working within a limited area. 1. It is crucial to remove any traces of cement sand after spraying it with water as it will solidify on the surface of the tiles. Please note that coverage power largely depends on the type of material being laid down, as well as on actual joint width and height. . How to use polymeric sand: Don’t cheap out on sand. . Installing polymeric sand on a damp or wet surface could cause the sand and polymers to stick to the surface and become difficult to remove. G2 polymeric sands feature a special NO DUST / NO HAZE formula and only requires a single watering to activate. The sand provides height and support for the pavers while promoting drainage. A final layer is gently swept into the gaps, without the aid of any compaction. It is important to dampen the sand thoroughly for it to settle and properly harden between the jointed pavers. Add the Sand Layer. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. Sweep in the sand. Bad Weather Conditions. Vibrating the sand into the gaps is just a by product of the compactor. If the area is large enough,6. Place the flagstones on top of the sand in the desired pattern. We just spent 2 weeks laying pavers ourselves and used sand (non polymeric) to set them. Step 1: protective clothing. After the initial compaction, you'll notice that the height of the sand will drop dramatically about 30-50%!Oct 10, 20183. A polymeric sand installation requires the use of a controlled and methodical watering technique. This will help the polymeric sand stick to the pavers and prevent shifting and erosion. I’ve read the use of a plate compactor when putting in the polymeric sand into the paver joints is just to get vibration to help it settle. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. Eventually, the crust will break away, eroding the joint. Because they easily follow soil movement. Check the weather, you will need two days of sun and dry weather. Apply a uniform coating of polymer sand over the. Sweep the paving surface to remove any obstruction to the compacting machine. I laid 12" square, 1-5/8" thick concrete pavers. First, clear the area of any debris, weeds, etc. 6. Typically our guys only do this for vehicular applications, not pedestrian. Share. In addition, pavers themselves can be tamped with a hand tamper. If you’re not careful, there are many. 86 to 2. Cement sand solidifies rapidly, making. 8. It’s that simple. From planning the layout, to choosing the right pavers, bedding, and sealing. Lightly rap with the hammer down the length of the groove until the paver breaks apart. )The joints should be 1/4" wide and as deep as the pavers. Because they easily follow soil movement. distribute polymeric sand evenly across surface. Your pavers should initially rest on 1 to 2 inches of bedding sand without any polymeric additives. Installing polymeric sand is the final step in your paver project and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to. How Polymeric Sand Works. You can use a stiff brush to scrub the solution into the surface of the pavers and loosen any remaining haze. Compaction shakes the sand deeper into the joints, which helps with making the sand more permanent and getting good sand density in the joints. Don’t skip the step of compacting. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. Perfect for patios, pool decks, walkways, and other pedestrian projects. How long does polymeric sand last? Polymeric sand can last up to 10 years before replacement is necessary. Rain means that we cannot install. All were built on a raised patio hybrid pavement structure. The vibration of a compactor is vital to settling sand or polymeric sand into the joints between pavers. , installed over 1 inch (25 mm) of bedding sand, which will allow proper drainage and a successful polymeric sand installation. Estimated Cost: $40 to $60 Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. Water the sand according to the directions. These colors complement red pavers and create a harmonious, natural-looking finish. 10. Sweep sand into joints until full, being careful not to push product over long distances on the surface. 3. First, use the utility knife to open the sandbag. Add a gravel base to the area. Once the pavers have been installed, the polymeric sand should be swept between each of your pavers to level with the top of the unit. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. Make sure to let the material dry completely before walking on it or using the area. Superior Bonding: Polymeric sand contains additives that activate. Curves will require more spikes. The first step is to wet the area you will be using the polymeric sand on. G2 polymeric sands feature a special NO DUST / NO HAZE formula and only requires a single watering to activate. All sand. Builder’s Sand. e. You will not use a hand tamper at this part. It should also be installed 1/8″ below the top of the product or the bottom. It is different than regular sand, because regular sand not only is it missing the additives that help lock pavers in place, but it can also easily be. Polymeric sand should be installed according to the instructions provided by the producer. Today, I wanted to check back to give you a review of how things are holding up one year later. Sweep sand into joints until full, being carefulThe 4 Polymeric Sand Alternatives. We then. 5” min depth when using PolySweep, 1. Accel Dust Preventing Paver Polymeric Sand 40-lb Shadow Grey Polymeric Sand. Pavers must be dry as a bone. On the contrary, using too little can result in the product not setting up properly. First, examine the pit’s interior. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor . To calculate the amount of sand needed for pavers, measure the length and width of the area to be paved. Installation Conditions: Bedding must be made of dense graded sand. Step 2: prepare the substrate. Remove the sand base sand that's there now (compact also) 2. Remember, you shouldn’t over-pour the sand initially. There should be two inches between the top of the sand and the top of the patio edging. (Keep in mind, narrow joints require more care to completely fill. The binding agents in polymeric sand help lock pavers together and keep them together for a longer stretch of time. Polymeric sand is a semi-permeable sand that contains additives and binding agents to lock paver joints into place. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. ) Sweep and blow residue off the surface. It is important if you do this step that you use the biaxial geogrid instead of the uniaxial. ft per 50 lb bag. Fasten screws on all sides. Project no. I'm currently working on a brick garden edging project. Polymeric sands have really come along way since their inception in 1999 by Techni Seal. Sweep sand into joints until full. You can slide the pavers into place. 10 – DON’T activate polymeric sand without thoroughly sweeping your pavers. Joint sand/polymeric sand should not exceed the bottom of the chamfer or 1/8" below the surface of a non-beveled or tumbled paver sur-face. Please refer to this product's technical data sheet for complete. Log in to see your price. 140 Reviews. Using a plate compactor with a protective rubber mat, vibrate the pavers and polymeric sand down into the bedding sand. of centrifugal force. 1. 35 to $2 per square foot, depending on the size. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? Spread the polymeric sand over the entire surface until a. Perform The First Sweep 3. We just spent 2 weeks laying pavers ourselves and used sand (non polymeric) to set them. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric sand. Sealing is not required.