• Sprinkler system must be turned off. which may result in and low volumes of the soil and HPB and can be put in place without compaction, but may settle slightly. If the thin pavers are slightly higher than the border pavers, the plate compactor can settle them into the sand for an even height across the entire patio, according to McShane's Nursery & Landscape Supply. Tomahawk Power 6. The recommendation for over preparation is that the base material should extend past the paved edge an equal distance of the base depth. distribute polymeric sand evenly across surface. Pad measures up to 27. Let me show you how we install polymeric sand to complete this pave patio. Polymeric sand does not merge with old sand but given its newness, it might work to fill the gaps - it really depends. Shower your pavers to seal and harden the sand. If possible run a vibratory compactor over the pavers. After that, check if there’s still space to be filled in the joint. Polymeric sand. Polymeric sand improves the overall durability of the hardscape you install. 5. Convert the volume to cubic yards if needed. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it look like the cracks are full even though it is empty/hollow below the bridge. Level and straighten: Use a level to make sure your pavers are flat while. . 180 posts · Joined 2012. Now pour the sand. After the initial compaction, you'll notice that the height of the sand will drop dramatically about 30-50%!Oct 10, 20183. Do not use a plate compactor to compact the sand. R. Concrete pavers, slabs and natural stone should have ¾” modified stone base and concrete sand setting bed that conforms to ASTM-C33. I'm wrapping up a patio installation. The next step is to put the compactor into the freezer for a few minutes. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric sand. If compactor is not rubber-plated, cover pavers with a woven fabric while compacting to help protect paver surface from damage. 4. Blow across the pavers, not down, otherwise you can blow too much sand out of the cracks. This material has a fairly simple installation. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. When all joints are filled, remove excess sand on surface. 6 Sand must be at least 1/8. I tried to look. I tried to look. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. A roller compactor is best for slab installation. Because they easily follow soil movement. Without using the knife, you are very likely to get frustrated while opening the waterproof bag. Let me show you how we install polymeric sand to complete this pave patio. Never compact or activate polymeric sand with water until entire surface is clean and free of dust. 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. Don’t install the sand until the pavers are secure. Its gas engine produces 4,496 pounds of force, slamming the. Paver Set must be placed in the full depth of the joint. Your polymeric sand should have a minimum of 1″ in depth in the joint to be able to create a strong bond. Problems during the curing process can decrease its lifespan. UNDER-WATERING causes the polymeric sand to simply form a "crust" on the top. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent that can be used to fill spaces between pavers, tiles, and more. Sweep in the sand. I don't know what polymeric you are using but the two brands I've used work in much smaller gaps than 1/4". 5. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. Weatherproof – Unlike regular jointing sand, which can be washed away by rain or. We then. The result is a longer-lasting paver installation. If existing project, properly clean out joints before applying polymeric sand and skip to step C. To compact the pavers themselves without a plate compactor, you're going to use a rubber mallet. It was raining on our project today and we were in the final wrap up stage of installing the jointing compound on this one. Below, find picks for the best polymeric sand in a range of categories. It involves sweeping the sand into the gaps between the pavers and compacting them to ensure thorough distribution. e. 9. A roller compactor is best for slab installation. Sweep polymeric sand over the pavers and ground it into the joints with a broom. It is important if you do this step that you use the biaxial geogrid instead of the uniaxial. Walkway will be built using Belgard concrete pavers (2-3/8" thick). 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. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. You can also use cement as an alternative, but it is. This may be necessary if the first layer has been disturbed by wind or rain. Use a blower to blast out the joints again. Use a plate compactor to vibrate the sand down into the joints. Alliance Gator Super Sand Review. Install your pavers. This is why itÕs important to sweep in more sand to ensure the joints get filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paverÕs edge or chamfer. An alternative is to use a rubber-roller compactor for the final compaction. . Yes, polymeric sand can be activated with sealer. I tested 2 bricks but don't like the look of it. You should not use polymeric sand if the area you are trying to fill with it is prone to high levels of rain and water runoff, as the sand can be easily washed away. You should stop every 4 feet and pull a string line along the laying face, with a screwdriver, adjust that face to the string line. Rain means that we cannot install. The joints should be filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. Once that level is compacted, add more material and repeat the process. Read more to learn the proper ways to install it and the common mistakes you should avoid. 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. This may however not be necessary. How To Polymeric Sand A Patio (DIY) If you are a homeowner that wants to take on a paver project, check out this video to learn how to install polymeric sand in the joints of the concrete. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. In addition, pavers themselves can be tamped with a hand tamper. 3. In smaller areas, pour in more from a clean yogurt cup and use. The sand should sit around 1/10th inch below the top of the paver or even with the lower edge of the bevel. The binding agents in polymeric sand help lock pavers together and keep them together for a longer stretch of time. Add a gravel base to the area. Updated on March 1, 2023. Ad. After the sand is spread, use a plate compactor to gently compact the pavers. The goal of the polymeric sand in an installation is precisely to keep water from infiltrating it. It also requires at least 48 hours before vehicular activities are allowed on pavers with polymeric sand. Let me show you how we install polymeric sand to complete this pave patio. 5-cu ft Tan/Brown Leveling Paver Sand. Double check any corners as these are common places for excess polymeric sand to remain. Check the underground in the pit carefully. Then see how quickly it sets up and hardens. Drive spikes at the ends of each length of edging, and about every 18 inches in between. Following steps should be followed if you want to DIY compact soil (sand or clay) without a machine-like plate compactor. 5) 4. Spray water over the gravel to wet it down so the stones compact better. The second layer should be applied in the same manner as the first layer. section at a time. Polymer sand takes 12 hours to cure and 24 hours to dry. Rain is an inherent risk of any polymeric sand project. Considering this,how many square feet does a 50 lb bag of polymeric sand cover? One bag of 50 lbs (22. Put down paver base (compactible gravels) and DO compact for every 2" of subbase. Plan A – Shop Vac I started with a shop vac to suck up all of the sand. Compact the sand into the joints of the pavers. , installed over 1 inch (25 mm) of bedding sand, which will allow proper drainage and a successful polymeric sand installation. Building a pathway from the driveway to the front porch over the long weekend. Sweep a broom across the pavers at a 45 degree angle to fill joints. This step is critical to obtain solid, durable joints. Put down restraint edging (some people move this step to 6. Make sure to fill every grout line, moving the pavers slightly to compact the sand between them. To calculate the amount of sand needed for pavers, measure the length and width of the area to be paved. Pour The Sand 2. 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. Installation Instructions: • Distribute PolySweep evenly across surface. Application Step 3. Model #. 5. Make sure your joints are dry. But there’s an easier way. After it is installed, the sand needs to be dampened and thoroughly tamped or compacted with a plate compactor or hand tamp to fill any voids. Step 6: clean the vibrating plate. 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,Check Price on Amazon. . Activate With Water. Installing polymeric sand the right way ensures that it lasts for a decade. You’ll want to repeat sweeping and compacting until the joints are filled and consolidated. Make sure that the pavers are dry and that the forecast is sunny before continuing on. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. Log in to see your price. Check Price. Before pouring the sand, you must dry clean the surface to remove any debris or dust. These include types and ratios of the. The joints are tight, largest about 3/8", smallest nearly 0. without ever contracting. I did this over our entire patio until it was all wet. If using polymeric sand, a tighter seam must be maintained: 1/4-inch to 1-1/2-inch. 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. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. We once did this before removing the pavers, but then stacked the pavers and the old dirty jointing material just made the pavers dirty again. Install over a drainage base and bed (sand-set). compactor or cover the paver surface with SRW SS5 or EC8 fabric to help protect paver surface from damage and minimize dust. Rinse any remaining jointing compound off of the surface. Polymeric sand is a great way to fill the gaps between pavers to prevent weed growth and to help keep the pavers in place. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric sand. BEST OVERALL: Black Diamond Coatings Dominator Polymeric Sand. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? Spread the polymeric sand over the entire surface until a uniform layer is obtained. Unlike polymeric sand, joint compound is permeable and excess water can go through the joints. 5-HP Honda 20-in x 28-in Plate Compactor. And don’t forget a protective pad for under the plate compactor! 4. 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. This sand is made of polymers, which are small molecules that are bonded together to form a larger molecule. When applying the polymeric sand, it is important to use a tamper or vibrating compactor so that the polymeric. Polymeric sand is a sand formula that is swept into the joints of pavers and natura. Wait 24 hours after rain. Go over the installation at least once before applying the polymeric sand. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor . This helps the sand settle into the gaps and ensures a better bond; Once the pavers are compacted, lightly mist the polymeric sand with water. Step 1: protective clothing. . Below, find picks for the best polymeric sand in a range of categories. Before starting work, you should put on the correct protective clothing. And don’t forget a protective pad for under the plate compactor! 4. (1. After the initial compaction, you'll notice that the height of the sand will drop dramatically about 30-50%!Oct 10, 2018 3. The sand provides height and support for the pavers while promoting drainage. • Temperature must be above 32 °F (0 °C) for 48 hours following installation. Paver sand is typically composed of coarse bleached white sand, which is washed and screened to remove impurities. Polymeric sand cannot be installed in pavers placed on stone dust. This is why it’s important to sweep in more sand to ensure the joints get filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. 7. Ideal for smaller projects like interlocking paving stones, trenches, landscaping and maintenance or any confined area soil compaction. 25” min depth when using X-Treme). You’ll want to repeat sweeping and compacting until the joints are filled and consolidated. Step 5: Apply a layer of sand. All sand. Please refer to this product's technical data sheet for complete. Polymeric joint sand will essentially harden like concrete between your pavers. Spread polymeric sand in sections. Before pouring the sand, you must dry clean the surface to remove any debris or dust. I laid 12" square, 1-5/8" thick concrete pavers. This typically means that the sand needs to be dry for a minimum of 24 hours. See moreThe vibration of a compactor is vital to settling sand or polymeric sand into the joints between pavers. If you still have the compactor, use it on top of the brick (with the light layer of sand still present). 86 to 2. The process is quite DIY-friendly, making it a convenient solution for issues associated with patios. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. 10 – DON’T activate polymeric sand without thoroughly sweeping your pavers. A worse way to go about it would be to lay the flagstone upon a bed of gravel and then cement the joints between stones. Walk on them again trying to move or scuff them. Polymeric sand has a set of steps that are necessary to follow in order to ensure that it does not fail. Stone dust will only get hard "under" the pavers and actually hold water, which is another issue. . We then ran them over with the smallest compactor we could find quickly and briefly. Bag (56 bags/pallet) No Compaction. Cutting Corners. The estimated coverage power is: For joints less than ½" wide: up to 120 sq. You may need to cut the PVC pipes to fit curves in your layout. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. Traditionally, concrete paver manufacturers have recommended waiting at least 90 days after polymeric sand installation to apply a protective sealant to a paver surface. Not every pressure washing company offers the. One of the most critical steps in a polymeric sand installation is properly compacting the sand into the joints. If you're in a freeze/thaw cycle climate that can also cause that. Step 5: Apply a layer of sand. Polymeric sand should be installed according to the instructions provided by the producer. Can I lay a patio without compactor? Yes, you can lay a patio without a compactor. Can you use mason sand between pavers? This is the recommended sand for use under pavers. Tampers are ideal for leveling dirt and mulch after planting shrubs and small trees, leveling and packing paver base before installing a. Polymeric sand is a blend of properly graded fine sand and a binder compound (polymer) that is specially formulated for filling in the joints between bricks, pavers and natural stones for hardscapes such as patios, driveways and walkways. Step 1: protective clothing. Drive a rebar into the sub-base with a mark after every inch. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? Spread the polymeric sand over the entire surface until a. Compact following industry guidelines. Compress the sub-base by 30% for your pavers and patios. A compactor is a machine that is used to reduce the size of objects by compressing them. Polymeric sand is easy to install and requires no special tools or equipment. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric. 5” min depth when using PolySweep, 1. 35 to $2 per square foot, depending on the size. 10. This may be to save time or to cut costs, sometimes both. Polymeric sand is used to fill in the joints in between brick pavers. Selecting the right plate compactor is key to getting your polymeric sand installation done right. Keeping this in view,do you wet paver 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. If the sand is still not hardening,. Use a soft bristle broom and fill the gaps to their full depth. 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. Polymeric sand is not used in all hardscaping projects. Start by testing the pressure washer in an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage the pavers. 7. I used this little multi-tool to scrape out the old stuff and then sucked it up with the shop vac. • Sprinkler system must be turned off. Polymeric sand is a fine sand that is combined with additives that form a binding agent when exposed to water. Step-by-Step Instructions. It is best to compact in several directions to ensure there. Add the Sand Layer. 2. Once you’ve done that, you can form the base layer and flatten the area. Immediately afterward, wet the same section for an additional 30 seconds until the joints are saturated. . You would also need crushed limestone (also called crushed gravel), polymeric sand, rope, sand, and safety equipment. These are four of the most common mistakes users of polymeric sand tend to make. Polymeric sands have really come along way since their inception in 1999 by Techni Seal. Brush sand into joints at a 45-degree angle. This will prepare you for the next step. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. When installing polymeric sand, it needs to be completely dry before it can be exposed to rain. walk on the freshly pavers and twist your feet as you walk, you should notice a slight movement in the pavers as they are flowing on top of the sand. 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. ft per 50 lb bag. Polymeric Sand Concentrate – 20 lbs. The sand remains hard when dry and flexible when wet. It is vital to ensure that the weather isn’t going to count against you when you use polymeric sand for any project. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. This type of sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving. Once you are positive that there is. Pass over the paving surface twice using your plate compactor. Screed over the entire base of the patio and fill in any low spots and shave down high spots until the base is even. This product is ideal for stabilizing joints and gaps between pavers, providing professional-grade results with its revolutionary ceramic flex technology. Use a garden hose to spray enough water over the joint area to activate the polymeric sand and form a hardtop barrier. How to use polymeric sand: Don’t cheap out on sand. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. First of all, the goal is completely different. Step 2: prepare the substrate. Ceramic Flex Polymeric Sand for Perfect Patio Joints. The advantage of using this type of sand is that it can be used without a compactor. With the sand exactly where I wanted it, I grabbed the hose and set it to the “shower” mode. Before starting work, you should put on the correct protective clothing. Reply Quote. 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. Once the sand is poured and leveled, there’s nothing else you need to do. You accomplish this kind of precision by properly. Draw the chisel across the paver in the same way you might cut cardboard with a utility knife. Re: polymeric sand vs regular sand for paver patio There is absolutely NO EXCUSE to use anything but polymeric sand in 2012. . Eventually, the crust will break away, eroding the joint. Sweep the paving surface to remove any obstruction to the compacting machine. How long does it take for polymeric sand to harden?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. This may be necessary if the first layer has been disturbed by wind or rain. You use the compactor to compact the pavers. Sprinkle a uniform layer of Gator Maxx g2 polymeric sand evenly over the surface of the project area. Walkway will be built using Belgard concrete pavers (2-3/8" thick). Now pour the sand. 4. It takes about a minimum of 24 hours for polymeric sand to completely set. I'm reading mixed reviews online. Lastly, fill the area evenly with sand and compact the area. 2. Check Price on Amazon. Most sands require enough water to saturate the sand just until the water stops soaking into the joint. And although it is not completely waterproof, it can hold its structure by firming up when completely dry. • On an existing installation, when replacing the sand, always use HP NextGelMC jointing sand. The compactor scuffed every single raised cleft, chipped 2 pavers and broke 3. I hand tamped the paver base and don’t have easy access to a plate compactor. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor . 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 plate compactor from HD. Use a low-pressure spray nozzle on. (Keep in mind, narrow joints require more care to completely fill. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. 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. Using too much water can cause the sand to wash out of the joints. Sealing. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor . The video I'm watching suggested to use polymeric sand between the bricks. Step 6: clean the vibrating plate. Your pavers should initially rest on 1 to 2 inches of bedding sand without any polymeric additives. Patios take maintenance. Using a hose on a gentle spray ('mist', or maybe 'flat' if you're adventurous), wet the sand in the gaps. Step 2: prepare the substrate. the walkway has stood up to a few winters without any problems. After joints are filled, sweep excess product from the surface. For existing jobs, you’ll want to use 3,500 lbs. These include cleaning the surface, sweeping the sand, consolidating the sand with a vibratory plate compactor and a protective layer between the compactor and pavers, repeating these steps until the joints are at. Plate Compactor Selecting the right plate compactor is key to getting your polymeric sand installation done right. Discover compactor machines for your next project at Lowes. 1. A lift and re-lay will make the project look better. 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 . When it comes to laying pavers , paver compaction machinery vibrates the pavers into the ground, setting them and helping to ensure uniformity in the installation. Please note that coverage power largely depends on the type of material being laid down, as well as on actual joint width and height. Now, on permeable paver installation, things works quite different. Step 6: clean the vibrating plate. How Polymeric Sand Works. Applying Polymeric Sand for Paver Joints. the same consistent force as our gas-powered compactors. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All-purpose sand is the go-to product for sealing paver joints. Installation Conditions: Bedding must be made of dense graded sand. 5-cu ft Brown Leveling Paver Sand. 7. polysand) Ideal for filling gaps between pavers, stones or bricks in patios, walkways, driveways or any hardscaping project. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it. You need to go the depth of the paver with poly sand. ) Spread and sweep the sand. Using Quikrete polymeric jointing sand is relatively easy. • In case of uncertainty regarding the installation of this product or for any further assistance, please contact technical support at 1 (800) 465-7325. ft per 50 lb bag. Drive 8-inch nylon spikes through the holes on the edging and into the ground. The best polymeric sand is made of binding materials such as quartz, silica and. Ad. 7 kg | 50 lbs (bag) 56. 2C. It will eventually fill up. Step 2: prepare the substrate. Step 1: Get the Substrates Ready. BEST BANG. Hand tampers are usually used to compact the soil in the garden or other outside areas before installing pavers for walks or patios, garden fountains, fire pits, garden tool. Proper use of polymeric sand is an important component to installing a paving stone patio, driveway, walkway, entrance, or any other paving stone project. G2 polymeric sands feature a special NO DUST / NO HAZE formula and only requires a single watering to activate. Yes, polymeric sand can be activated with sealer. Before choosing a compactor, you must know what soil type you will be compacting. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright. Position the chisel in the groove. If the pavers are damp the polymer will leave a stain on the pavers. We recommend that you do that in small sections, and always be careful not to step on your previous work. Handles light duty applications of sand and gravel into crevices to lock in pavers, bricks and blocks using a 14" plate. B. Step 4: Build the base course. How Polymeric Sand Works. ) Sweep and blow residue off the surface. Use a vibrating plate compactor to compact joint sand/polymeric sand prior to activation/stabilizing. On the contrary, using too little can result in the product not setting up properly. Apply a uniform coating of polymer sand over the.