Choosing the best paver sand for a solid, weed-free surface

Driveways, patios, and walkways are popular choices when it comes to paved surfaces in houses and businesses. They offer a clean, beautiful look to any property but also allow for long-lasting and low-maintenance surfaces. The only issue with such surfaces is that the weed tends to grow in between these pavers. When weeds grow through the cracks between pavers, they can eventually do damage to the surface by causing the pavers to move and become uneven and untidy.

The solution to these problems involves the selection of joint sand that is laid between pavers. The proper sand aids in gripping the pavers in their set position which prevents them from moving over time. It serves as a barrier that prevents weed establishment, while minimizing the frequency of hand pulling or the use of herbicides to target weeds. This can help greatly with the stability, durability and overall look of the paved area.

Paver sand comparison: Polymeric sand vs Regular sand

There are two primary types of sand when it comes to laying pavers. It is important to be aware of the difference before settling on either of the two.

1. Regular Sand

Regular sand is a type of fine-grained material, typically found in quarries, rivers, and on beaches. It is basic sand and no binders or chemicals are added which makes it an easy and cost-efficient option to fill the joints between the paving stones.

Advantages

• Cost-effective: One of the least expensive choices is regular sand. Its low cost is particularly helpful to large projects that will require much sand.
• Easy to Apply: It is actually fairly easy to make use of routine sand. It can simply be spread between the joints and settled in place with a sweeping broom and compactor.
• Flexibility for Future Adjustments: Regular sand will not settle or harden like hard material, which means if there is need to make a modification in the future, this will allow it with ease. It implies that when lifting or replacing pavers, there is no need to break the joint material.

2. Polymeric Sand

Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sands and polymer binders that, when activated by water, harden to create strong and durable paver joints. This bonding process creates a greater stability in the sand and reduces erosions; perfect for high traffic paver installations or environmentally stressed installations.

Advantages

• Forms a Solid, Weed-Resistant Barrier: Polymeric sand is a sand like material that becomes hard once mixed with water. It creates a stable strong and dense immersion that prevents the development of weeds as well as deters the entrance of pests into the joints. This makes them a popular choice for a hard wearing, free surface.
• Enhances Paver Stability and Longevity: When polymeric sand is added, all pavers are sealed in place so they do not move, settle or eventually become uneven. The end result is a smoother, more durable surface that will not only look great, but also last for many years longer than surfaces filled with traditional sand.
• Reduces Maintenance Needs: Polymeric sand is a wiser choice than regular sand because it calls for much less maintenance. After setting, it safeguards against erosion and weed growth while helping to maintain sand levels, no longer requiring regular application.

Drawbacks

• Higher Initial Cost: The cost of polymeric sand is one of its main drawbacks. Although the ongoing cost-savings and reduced maintenance requirements may outweigh that initial expense, yet initial cost is way higher than regular sand, which makes some property owners worry.
• Installation Requires Careful Attention to Weather Conditions: Polymeric sand must be installed on a dry day since it requires a moisture free atmosphere to properly activate. If it rains, the sand can be washed away before it sets, which results in a joint that is uneven or improperly filled. This can make the installation more difficult than regular sand.
• Not Suitable for All Paver Types: Although polymeric sand is compatible with most paver surface materials, it may not be the ideal material for all types. For instance, some paver styles with irregular or very narrow joints may not be practical for polymeric sand; the sand can be difficult to settle between the pavers correctly.

Key considerations to install paver sand

When choosing between polymeric sand and regular sand for the paver installation, it’s important to consider several factors discussed below:

1. Durability

The polymeric sand is stronger as compared to regular sand. Its blend with polymer binders hardens when it gets wet, forming a stiff joint to prevent erosion of sand by rain or migration under the pressure of heavy foot or vehicle traffic. Regular sand is not long lasting, it fades away and sometimes even has to be changed regularly.

2. Weed and Pest Control

Polymeric sand is fantastic for preventing weed growth and plant damaging pests. Polymeric sand creates a hard, tight barrier that weeds cannot root in the joints, providing long-term weed-free surfaces with minimal maintenance. Regular sand allows weeds to grow between the joints, requiring the ground to be weeded regularly in order to keep it clear.

3. Aesthetic Considerations

Polymeric sand looks better on paved surfaces, providing a cleaner, unified look. Its fine particles take up all of the joints and make the jointing look smooth as if it had been carried out by a professional. However, the problem with regular sand is that it often moves around and washes out, creating uneven gaps that can really ruin the whole look of those pavers.

4. Cost Analysis

At a higher initial cost than regular sand, polymeric sand is typically worth it in the long run. It lasts and reduces maintenance cost which makes it more cost effective over time for home owners or property managers who will have to keep track of sand that has to be frequently refilled (like regular sand) as well as pay recurring repair bills. Even though polymeric sand will cost more initially, over time, its longevity and lesser requirement for maintenance make it the cheaper alternative.

Installation process for polymeric sand

Proper polymeric sand installation is essential for the longevity of the paver surface while providing it with a finished look. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to installing polymeric sand:

1. Surface Preparation

The top surface should be well prepped before you use polymeric sand. This preparation ensures good adhesion, sand application longevity and an attractive finish.

• Clean the Paver Surface: The starting step is to make sure the surface of the pavers is clean. Sweep away any rock, dirt or leaves out of the joints with a broom or leaf blower. Alternatively, you can vacuum the surface and then apply sand.
• Ensure Dry Conditions: For optimal results, the surface and joints will need to be dry. The moisture in the joints can inhibit the activation and bonding capability of the polymeric sand. Ensure that there is no rain for 24 hours to avoid any interruption in installation.
• Fill the Joints: The joints between pavers should be 1/8 inch wide to allow sand. Polymeric sand might not work well if the joints are too narrow.

2. Sand Application

After the surface is ready, you can apply polymeric sand.

• Spread the Sand: Evenly pour the polymeric sand over the paver structure. Spread some sand with the help of a shovel and let the sand fill all joints between pavers. Use a fair amount of sand, but not so much that it spills over the edges of the pavers.
• Sweep the Sand Into Joints: Use a broom to push the sand into joints, so that it fills each space between pavers. Fill the sand right in the joints ensuring there are no void spaces. When putting pavers, place sand or gravel in the joint to prevent shifting.

3. Compaction

Compaction is crucial in the use of sand as a pavement stabilizer.

• Use a Plate Compactor: After filling the sand into the pavers, take the plate compactor and some protective mats to compact the sand. This will allow the sand to set in the joints and bind properly with the pavers.
• Repeat Sweeping and Compaction: Re-sweep after compaction to fill any joints as some of the sand will have settled during this process. Continue sweeping and compacting until all the joints are filled in and the pavers are secure.

4. Activation with Water

Another reason for polymeric sand being so effective is that it bonds together upon activation from the water.

• Lightly Mist the Surface: Mist the surface of the sand with a garden hose that has a fine spray nozzle. Remember, do not oversaturate the surface as flooding it will wash away the sand before bonding. The aim is to merely wet the polymeric sand activating the polymers that will bind together the sand particles.
• Curing Time: The sand needs a minimum of 24-hour to cure before attempting to use the topped surface. Do not allow any heavy foot or vehicular traffic over this period so that the polymeric sand can cure completely and create a strong barrier.

5. Final Cleanup

Once the polymeric sand has been activated and has had time to set, clear away some of the extra material.

• Remove Excess Sand: When the curing process is complete, clear all traces of sand from the surface of the pavers with a leaf blower or broom. The sand is supposed to only go in the joints, not be on top of the pavers.
• Final Inspection: Check all joints from corner to corner for good fill rates and no sand left on top of pavers. Check for any gaps and fill them in with more polymeric sand and then re-activate the surface by using water again.

Maintenance and longevity tips

Follow these paver joint sand tips to ensure the long-term effectiveness and appearance of polymeric sand.

1. Reapplication

In time, the sand in the joints may settle or wash out due to heavy rains, freeze thaw cycles, and even traffic walking over it. You should check to see if the joints are settling periodically. If there are gaps or the sand has eroded at all, reapply with more polymeric sand, just sweep it into the joints again, then activate by compaction and watering. 

2. Sealing

Using a paver sealer can protect the polymeric sand. A good quality paver sealer blocks out the elements so water and dirt cannot enter the joints. A sealant will not only enhance the pavers, make them look shiny and add an extra layer of defense against erosion and weed growth. People will also need to reseal the surface every 1-3 years, depending on the climate and traffic. 

3. Regular Cleaning

Regularly clean the paved area to keep the polymeric sand in top shape and extend its lifespan. Organic matter can collect in the joints and promote weed growth so clean any leaves, dirt or debris from the surface using a broom. Keeping a clean surface also prevents moisture from building up and dissolving the sand.

4. Inspection

In the long run, paver surface inspection is mandatory for its sustainability. Regular monitoring for cracks, dips, or harm to the polymeric sand joints in a driveway. If you find any problem, then address it on an urgent basis by increasing the amount of sand or repairing the paver structure to avoid further damage. A timely prevention prevents costly maintenance.

Summary

The selection of paver sand can really play an important part in creating an aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting, and solid paved surface. Regular sand is a less expensive alternative, but it certainly has less benefits than polymeric sand. It holds the pavers in place, preventing weeds between pavers and cuts down on maintenance. While it is a low maintenance solution, polymeric sand can last quite a long time, provided that the product was installed accurately and maintained properly.

If you are a gardener, Growcycle has excellent suggestions on how to take care of plants so the backyard remains lush and beautiful and the hardscape remains sturdy. 

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.