Do you have to seal polymeric sand?
Without any kind of sealer, the sand in your joints will blow and wash away. Fortunately, if you use one of Seal \'n Lock's paver sealers, you won't have to worry one bit about purchasing or installing polymer sand.
If polymeric sand is used in areas without proper drainage, then the water will expose the sand to prolonged periods of wetness and moisture, making it vulnerable to washout. In order for the polymers to harden, the water has to be able to escape.
Traditionally, concrete paver manufacturers have recommended waiting at least 90 days after polymeric sand installation to apply a protective sealant to a paver surface. Nowadays, a 30 day delay is sufficient to allow the evaporation of any remaining natural efflorescence contained in the pavers.
Don't use too much or too little water. The amount of water you use is a critical element to an installation. Using too much water can cause the joint to over-saturate and result in polymer washout, mushy sand, and a weak bond.
Polymeric sand is the most popular and useful filler used under brick pavers. It is a mixture of fine sand, adhesive and is most widely used in paver joints. Typically, polymeric sand lasts for up to 10 years. But if you use high-quality polymeric sand, it can last for approximately 15 years.
We get daily calls and emails daily from homeowners that have heard of “Polymeric Sand” and that it hardens in the joints and will not allow weeds or insects through the sand and will never wash out. They ask us if the polymeric sand we use is “weed proof”. Unfortunately the answer is no.
You can't pressure wash and apply polymeric sand on the same day. I should warn you that getting the stain off is a huge problem so it's best to take the time to avoid it in the first place.
1. Polymeric sand hardens quickly. This can be a benefit—you don't have to worry about it creating a mess that you can't get rid of, and it makes the finishing process simple. However, you should NEVER install polymeric sand when it is raining!
If polymeric sand is installed prior to sealing, be sure surface is dry for 24 hours before applying sealer.
A minimum of 24 hours drying time is required prior to allowing significant foot traffic and 48 hours for vehicular traffic on the paver surface. Polymeric sands are designed to soften and re-heal.
How long does polymeric sand last on pavers?
Polymeric sand has a life expectancy of 5-10 years. However, the life expectancy of polymer sand will vary depending on the climate and weather conditions in your area. If you live in an area with high humidity, polymer sand may not last as long as it would in a drier climate.
Polymeric sand hardens quickly
However, you should NEVER install polymeric sand when it is raining! Rain activates the polymers before the sand is in the joints which will ruin your hardscape by producing a haze and adhering sand grains to the surface of the pavers.
You can't pressure wash and apply polymeric sand on the same day. I should warn you that getting the stain off is a huge problem so it's best to take the time to avoid it in the first place.