A compactor is a machine that is used to reduce the size of objects by compressing them. The binding agents in polymeric sand help lock pavers together and keep them together for a longer stretch of time. Ideal for flagstones and natural stones. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. You should be able to apply your sealer over the sanded joints, though it may not prevent this issue from happening again. 9. Sealing is not required. I'm reading mixed reviews online. Your polymeric sand should have a minimum of 1″ in depth in the joint to be able to create a strong bond. This material has a fairly simple installation. How to use Polymeric Sand . . 2. makes it more difficult for weeds to grow. There are several important reasons. This polymeric sand however, seems to preclude me using water as a tool to help it settle. You should not use this sand if there is unevenness in the gravel base. 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. It was raining on our project today and we were in the final wrap up stage of installing the jointing compound on this one. Walk on them again trying to move or scuff them. Platinum Pavers, 2022, notes that polymeric sand is cleaner, more economical, and. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. )The joints should be 1/4" wide and as deep as the pavers. The sand provides height and support for the pavers while promoting drainage. The sand gets swept around the pavers and a rubber mallet is used rather than a plate compactor with a pad or a roller compactor to consolidate the sand to the bottom of the joint. In this video I show you how I renovated my patio by removing the old polymeric sand and spreading new polymeric g2. Joint compounds also can handle winds, higher temperatures. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. Seal the paving surface to preserve its color and luster. 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. First, use the utility knife to open the sandbag. Generally we install an 8″ base using ASTM #57 stone and install in 4″ lifts. Techniseal NOCO Polymeric Joint No Compaction Desert Tan 50 lb. makes the pavers move less under your feet. Sealing. The cost of a 50 lb bag of polymeric sand ranges between $20 and $40. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. Planning on a 4" base of compacted crusher run, and a 1" bedding layer of granite sand (pretty typical walkway installation). Crystalline silica. Check the underground in the pit carefully. ) Sweep and blow residue off the surface. Spray nozzle and garden hose. The video I'm watching suggested to use polymeric sand between the bricks. 3. You can compact any type of soil by adding the right amount of water so that it replaces the pores inside the soil. Ad. Polymeric sand also helps to protect and maintain the stability of the pavers. This is a DIY patio paver restoration pr. Again, failing. . Never use a vibrating plate compactor on the paved surface. If you only have a crust, you don't have a proper bond in the joints. . Adding good drainage behind block or stone walls is crucial for long-lasting, bulge-free walls. This product is ideal for paver joints of up to a maximum of 2". • Sprinkler system must be turned off. Read the Instructions. EDUse a polymeric sand or polymeric dust (for joints over 1”) (25 mm). Using too much water can cause the sand to wash out of the joints. This step is critical to obtain solid, durable joints. Finally, you should allow the pavers. of centrifugal force. Once all the pavers are set on their designed location, add a polymer sand on the gaps between the pavers. 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. Step 4: Build the base course. A lift and re-lay will make the project look better. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. Put down restraint edging (some people move this step to 6. Step 2: prepare the substrate. Perfect for joints from ¼ to 4 inches wide, NOCO is the ideal jointing solution for pool decks, patios, and walkways. (1. • Temperature should remain above 0°C during the 48-hour drying period. • Temperature must be above 32 °F (0 °C) for 48 hours following installation. Author: Mrs. What is the best way to apply polymeric sand? A tightly compacted joint has the best opportunity for long term success. Compact following industry guidelines. Set aside ample time for the project, haste makes waste. In a permeable paver installation, you actually the water to infiltrate it. It took me a while to understand the importance of following the instructions that are included on your bags of sand. . 1 SPREAD THE SAND BEFORE YOU BEGIN: • Test product on a small zone. It might be necessary to use a hand tamp like the one above if you’re working within a limited area. If you don't own a compactor, you may be able to rent one at a local home improvement store. . . Discover compactor machines for your next project at Lowes. Joints sand level, must be at least 1/8″ (3 mm) below top of paver’s surface or 1/8″ (3. 9. which may result in and low volumes of the soil and HPB and can be put in place without compaction, but may settle slightly. Add the Sand Layer. 180 posts · Joined 2012. Traditional masonry sand is swept into the paver joints to fill the joints. Polymeric sand cannot be installed in pavers placed on stone dust. Before starting work, you should put on the correct protective clothing. This is completed by using an appropriate vibratory plate compactor with a protective layer between the compactor and the pavers. After that, check if there’s still space to be filled in the joint. Avoid foot and vehicular traffic during this process to allow the sand to be fully set. Incorrect application of polymeric sand ruins the pavers. Sand the surface. Wait 24 hours after rain. Share. We recommend that you do that in small sections, and always be careful not to step on your previous work. Let me show you how we install polymeric sand to complete this pave patio. So as. It also helps to ensure that pavers are firmly set and secure on the surface. -deep layer of compacted gravel. 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. All three wettings must utilize a fine misting spray. • Clean, easy, fast and durable alternative to mortar jointing and stone dust. Scroll down to the heading that says “How to install stone dust in between your flagstones”. Once the area is damp, you will spread the polymeric sand across the entire surface of your project. How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor Step 1: protective clothing. 180 posts · Joined 2012. It was raining on our project today and we were in the final wrap up stage of installing the jointing compound on this one. If polymeric sand is installed prior to sealing, be sure surface is dry for 24 hours before applying sealer. Step 4: Build the base course. Sweep the paving surface to remove any obstruction to the compacting machine. With a push broom sweep it into all seams of your paver surface. ft per 50 lb bag. 6 Sand must be at least 1/8. The rest of the ingredients are some type of filler and the proprietary glue. 7 kg | 50 lbs (bag) 56. It’s ok to surpass it a little. If the sand is still not hardening,. Seal the paving surface to preserve its color and luster. For existing jobs, you’ll want to use 3,500 lbs. Sweep polymeric sand over the pavers and ground it into the joints with a broom. ) Pour the sand. Model # 497410. After the sand is spread, use a plate compactor to gently compact the pavers. 2. Pavers Contain Moisture At The Time Of Installation; 2. Polymeric Sand Installation Step 3 IMPORTANT 30-30 WATER ACTIVATION NOTES. Polymeric sand was installed in most of the pavers. 35 to $2 per square foot, depending on the size. Step 6: clean the vibrating plate. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor Step 1: protective clothing. 7 kg) of this product will cover between 20 to 30 square feet (1. 4. Like your bare feet, Then polymeric sand again, and a padded compactor, to set it all solid, then a bit more polymeric, to refill the voids, then gently sprinkle water to activate the polymeric, let dry and seal if you want, but not necessary. This product is ideal for filling joints between pavers and natural stones up to 4 inches. The compactor scuffed every single raised cleft, chipped 2 pavers and broke 3. Simply mist or trickle water over the soil until it pools on the surface. For existing jobs, you’ll want to use 3,500 lbs. HoseHow to Use Polymeric Sand. I'm wrapping up a patio installation. 5-cu ft Brown Leveling Paver Sand. In Stock at Alpharetta GA #172. The base has been prepared with approximately 6" of 3/4" road base which has been compacted with a vibratory plate compactor and 1" of screened sand on top. Draw the chisel across the paver in the same way you might cut cardboard with a utility knife. The best polymeric sand is made of binding materials such as quartz, silica and. Sand the surface. 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. 1How to portable sand without a compactor . Compact the sand into the joints of the pavers. When all joints are filled, remove excess sand on surface. The additives help lock the fine sand particle. of centrifugal force. Put down 3/4" of sand. Alliance Gator Super Sand Review. Even the slightest mistake can throw your efforts off because polymeric sand repels water once it hardens, but is also re- activated with water. Planning on a 4" base of compacted crusher run, and a 1" bedding layer of granite sand (pretty typical walkway installation). It takes about a minimum of 24 hours for polymeric sand to completely set. which may result in and low volumes of the soil and HPB and can be put in place without compaction, but may settle slightly. Updated on March 1, 2023. After joints are filled, sweep excess product from the surface. With the sand exactly where I wanted it, I grabbed the hose and set it to the “shower” mode. It is important if you do this step that you use the biaxial geogrid instead of the uniaxial. 1. Stone dust traps and retains moisture which causes polymeric sand to fail. Use a garden hose to spray enough water over the joint area to activate the polymeric sand and form a hardtop barrier. 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. If using polymeric sand, a tighter seam must be maintained: 1/4-inch to 1-1/2-inch. I don’t expect you to measure the gap but just set them beside one another. I show you the entire process for interlocking, but the same process can be used. Now pour the sand. It’s that simple. and a layer of landscape fabric. 0. Pass the plate compactor over the entire surface to compact the sand. Compress the sub-base by 30% for your pavers and patios. New jobs will require 4,000-5,000 lbs. Credit: Charles F. If possible run a vibratory compactor over the pavers. Polymeric sand can also be used for this process and is generally worth the cost upgrade. 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. Use a plate compactor to vibrate the sand down into the joints. Polymeric sand is used to fill in the joints in between brick pavers. How Polymeric Sand Works; Possible Reasons For Polymeric Sand Not Hardening Properly. One of the most critical steps in a polymeric sand installation is properly compacting the sand into the joints. Polymeric sand is a specialized construction material typically used for landscaping projects like sealing pavers and driveways. This may however not be necessary. The most obvious inherent problems of polymeric sand relate to when and how it is used. Install over a drainage base and bed (sand-set). Step 6: clean the vibrating plate. 2C. Using the broom, fill joints completely. It is used heavily in construction projects, hence its name. Polymeric sand and plate compacting. Step 2: prepare the substrate. We then ran them over with the smallest compactor we could find quickly and briefly. Pad measures up to 27. Do I need a compactor for polymeric sand? One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. It is a type of sand that is created by mixing fine sand, binders and additives that help lock pavers together in place. A paver installation should be performed to ICPI specifications, i. 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. Slope the tubing about 1/4 in. Go over the installation at least once before applying the polymeric sand. Compress the border’s encircling thirty to forty cm to provide an edge. Place the drill bit in the screw holes and drill the wood with a slight slope. All-purpose sand is the go-to product for sealing paver joints. If the pavers are damp the polymer will leave a stain on the pavers. Now is finally time to add the sand to your patio. You’ll have to use the compactor one more time. You can slide the pavers into place. Do your best to saturate to the level of the sand. You need to lightly compact the pavers during the sand application so the polymeric sand settles all the way through. Sometimes referred to as a compactor, a tamper is a tool with a handle similar to a shovel's and a heavy, square base that is used for packing and leveling materials like dirt, sand, and rock. 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″. Determine the thickness of the sand layer (usually around 1 inch) and calculate the volume in cubic feet. 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. The material will settle when you hose it down, so. New jobs will require 4,000-5,000 lbs. Yes, you can apply a second layer of polymeric sand. Patios take maintenance. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. PACKAGING Polymeric Sand Product Code Color Retail Size Units per pallet RG+ 291-637 Tan 50 lb. The vibration of a compactor is vital to settling sand or polymeric sand into the joints between pavers. The joints are tight, largest about 3/8", smallest nearly 0. 86K views 2 years ago. If you put a thin layer over regular sand, it will peel off. 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. Using Quikrete polymeric jointing sand is relatively easy. For Video Instructions, click here. Additionally, polymeric sand helps to keep pavers from becoming loose or wobbling in areas susceptible to erosion or weathering. For the joints, use a high quality polymeric sand designed to be used with porcelain pavers. Step 1: Plan and Prepare the. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent. Step 1: protective clothing. Run the compactor over the pavers in overlapping passes. The sand gets swept around the pavers and a rubber mallet is used rather than a plate compactor with a pad or a roller compactor to consolidate the sand to the bottom of the joint. Lay landscape fabric over the gravel; this suppresses weeds and separates the gravel from the sand layer. The estimated coverage power is: For joints less than ½" wide: up to 120 sq. Step 1. First, clear the area of any debris, weeds, etc. Use a vibrating plate compactor to compact joint sand/polymeric sand prior to activation/stabilizing. Make sure there isn’t any dampness prior to diving right in and dumping those. Don’t overfill the paver joints. Let me show you how we install polymeric sand to complete this pave patio. Now pour the sand. of centrifugal force. After the initial compaction, you'll notice that the height of the sand will drop dramatically about 30-50%!Oct 10, 2018 3. 4 – Adding Sand. Ad. polysand) Ideal for filling gaps between pavers, stones or bricks in patios, walkways, driveways or any hardscaping project. Vibratory Plate Compactor 14". The joints should be filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. Polymeric sand 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, more finished look. Bag, (Slate Gray) Advanced Haze Free Technology Can be used for joints up to a maximum of 1 inch (2. Clear the area. 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. Find My Store. Cement sand solidifies rapidly, making. Includes wheel kit and poly pad. Fill The Gaps. 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. Plate Compactor Selecting the right plate compactor is key to getting your polymeric sand installation done right. #1 · Sep 3, 2015. Make sure to fill every grout line, moving the pavers slightly to compact the sand between them. Sweep the jointing material over the surface following the manufacturer’s guidelines and filling the joints of the pavers. Afterwards, you can spread the polymeric sand on your installation, making sure to sweep the sand around to fill every joint between the pavers. 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. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. Gator Maxx G2 helps prevent weeds and damage caused by ants. Place the drill bit in the screw holes and drill the wood with a slight slope. Step 1: protective. Installing polymeric sand the right way ensures that it lasts for a decade. The stones are laid on top of the sand and almost ready to sweep polymeric sand on top. Pour a layer of concrete sand over the patio area. 140 Reviews. 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. You need a vibratory plate compactor to work the polymeric down into the gaps,. In order to properly set polymeric sand, you will need to wet it down two times. Sprinkle a uniform layer of Gator Maxx g2 polymeric sand evenly over the surface of the project area. Stone dust traps and retains moisture which causes polymeric sand to fail. Can you use mason sand between pavers? This is the recommended sand for use under pavers. Generally we install an 8″ base using ASTM #57 stone and install in 4″ lifts. ft per 50 lb bag. 1/2” LEVELING SAND SCREED NOTE: There are two types of joint sand. The stirrer should now be placed over the pit. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. Over time, the sand will also become brittle and start flaking off. . Epic Fail #1: Too much or too little watering. Make sure that the pavers are dry and that the forecast is sunny before continuing on. Before choosing a compactor, you must know what soil type you will be compacting. This will prepare you for the next step. Pour two inches of sand over the landscape fabric. 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. Get it away. tamp the sand and recheck to make sure you do not have any high or low spots. • In case of uncertainty regarding the installation of this product or for any further assistance, please contact technical support at 1 (800) 465-7325. When the joints are filled, sweep off any excess sand from the surface. Application Step 3. A proper interlocking concrete paving installation starts with a 4" to 6" of COMPACTED base material graded to reflect any desired drainage pattern. If the pavers are damp the polymer will leave a stain on 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. 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. The compactor scuffed every single raised cleft, chipped 2 pavers and broke 3. Polymeric sand is easy to install and requires no special tools or equipment. That means in most cases you’ll want to dig down about 6″. I am installing concrete pavers on a 6" base of compacted gravel with 1-2inch sand on top. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent that can be used to fill spaces between pavers, tiles, and more. is recommended to plan for at least 24 hours without rain in order to obtain optimal performances. After the compactor has frozen, you will need to take. Applying Polymeric Sand for Paver Joints. It is vital to ensure that the weather isn’t going to count against you when you use polymeric sand for any project. Improper Compaction. To prevent this, simply run a plate compactor with a protective pad over the surface of the pavement after sweeping the polymeric sand into the joints and sweeping any excess off. Pour the sand onto the pavers and sweep it into the joints. Use a stiff bristle brush to push the sand into the joints. Gator Maxx G2 helps prevent weeds and damage caused by ants. red92s Discussion starter. Sealing is not required. The joints should be filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. 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. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. But there’s an easier way. Polymeric sand improves the overall durability of the hardscape you install. 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. B. Then, hold the nozzle about 12 inches away from the pavers and move it in controlled, overlapping motions. This helps set the sand and makes it easier to work with. The joints are tight, largest about 3/8", smallest nearly 0. per foot. Repeat these steps until the joints are full to 1/8″ below the top of the paver or bottom of the chamfer of. Don’t use the wrong base material. Then, you will need to put the sand into a compactor. 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. I tested 2 bricks but don't like the look of it. Determine the thickness of the sand layer (usually around 1 inch) and calculate the volume in cubic feet. Step 1: protective clothing. Wait 24 hours after rain. the same consistent force as our gas-powered compactors. As stated by Lawnsite, 2018, paver patios without polymeric sand over winter may require a major effort to clean out for polymeric sand in the spring. A leaf blower on a very low setting is a good way to do this. Bag (56 bags/pallet) No Compaction. Put down restraint edging (some people move this step to 6. The estimated coverage power is: For joints less than ½" wide: up to 120 sq. (1) Should I use polymeric sand or just mason sand for the joints. • Surface and joints must be dry. Its gas engine produces 4,496 pounds of force, slamming the. Rain means that we cannot install. CheckEspecially grade level cement. The sand should sit around 1/10th inch below the top of the paver or even with the lower edge of the bevel. In this blog post, we will explore the functionality and benefits of the Polymeric Sand. 3A. Step 4: Build the base course. Please note that coverage power largely depends on the type of material being laid down, as well as on actual joint width and height. distribute polymeric sand evenly across surface. For red pavers, the best choice of polymeric sand color would typically be a brown or tan shade. Put down 3/4" of sand. Polymeric sands have really come along way since their inception in 1999 by Techni Seal. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? Spread the polymeric sand over the entire surface until a. This will effectively clean the haze without. 3. Steps for installation: Spread product evenly on a small surface. Skill Level: Beginner. Use a broom to fill gaps. Screed over the entire base of the patio and fill in any low spots and shave down high spots until the base is even.