Does the color of polymeric sand matter?
You don't have to worry about one color being worse or better than another. However, what you do need to know is that the quality of the polymeric sand will depend on the polymers or binding agents used. The better the polymer, the longer-lasting and higher quality the polymeric sand in question will be.
Weeds won't grow between the joints and the sand doesn't wash away. Some polymeric sand might have a blend of Portland cement and dry colored pigments as well as the polymer adhesives. The key point here is that you can get the sand mixture in different colors that will match or compliment the color of your pavers.
The key difference between polymeric sand and polymeric dust boils down to the size of the joints between the stones. In applications that have larger, natural stones with irregular contours, it can be difficult to create consistent ½” joints. For these jobs, polymeric dust would be the ideal product to use.
When watering in the Poly Sand, remember Goldilocks - "This is just right." 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.
The prep work is the most time consuming: you must have a clean, dry surface and joints. Unfortunately with polymeric sand replacement, you can't just uproot any weeds and top it up. You have to completely remove all the pre-existing sand in the joints and start fresh.
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.
There are two kinds of polymeric sand to choose from which will depend on what kind of pavers you have installed; there is standard polymeric and polymeric dust. Polymeric sand is used in paver patios with joints up to around 2” where polymeric dust is used in joints larger than 2” and can work up to 6”.
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!
Can You Pressure Wash It? Yes, you can use a pressure washer but strictly if necessary. If it's not possible to remove the hardened polymeric sand after a few days washing the surface, then you can bring on the “big guns.” The essential when using pressure wash is not to remove the polymeric sand between the joints.
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.
When should you not use polymeric sand?
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!
Before starting the process, make sure that there is no rain forecast for the next few days. As stated, polymeric sand will harden on contact with water. It will create a layer over the pavers' surface, very difficult for you to remove in some cases.
The most common type of sand for paver joints is silica sand. Silica sand is a type of sand that is made up of small, spherical particles of sand.
Polymeric sand is the more reliable and durable option for filling in the paver gaps. It outperforms regular sand when a homeowner is looking to lock the paver joints properly and wants a steady and stable path. It also provides a better appearance with its cleaner look and availability in varied colors.