Regular sand can wash away after a heavy rainstorm. Exactly. But if you want your pavers to stay in place and have a finished look, you need to fill in the gaps (known as joints). It is made from a mix of fine sand and various additives that become a powerful bonding agent when it comes into contact with water. This sand will create the structure in the joint which helps to interlock the system together. Because the sand is very coarse, you must use it regularly. How To Install Gator Base. Gator Dust or Gator Maxx it is an advanced polymeric sand mixture that has wide gap applications. Stabilizes paver installations - follows soil movement. Use a broom to fill gaps. DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand - Best for Professional Use. EnviroSAND and white-washed sand are the two best alternatives to polymeric sand. Regular sand can also last long but will require adjustments every 2 years so that the pavement doesn't shift. Spread polymeric sand in sections. Model # 70970567 Store SKU # 1000786061. Sand, or silica, makes up 80 percent to 95 percent of the mixture and is the primary ingredient in jointing sand. Play Video. Gator Nitro. I would not however use it on block paving the suppliers say you need a fairly wide gap of 3mm and to go in at least 20mm. Our paving stone pool deck and patio is nearing completion but the joints have not been filled yet. Packaging. Model #. Pros. The environment and usage of the surface will ultimately determine the lifespan of the joint stabilizing sealer. For best results, make sure the joint sand is dry before the sealer is applied. Can be installed rain or shine. Obviously, there are others, but this is probably an average mix of pavers you would see anywhere in the country. STEP 3. It is one of a few different jointing compounds available on the market to fill the joints of pavers for the purpose of achieving horizontal interlock in the interlocking concrete pavement. The minimum joint depth is 1”. 7cm) joint. 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. Fill the crack with the sand, tamping it down firmly as you go. To lock this material into place between the joints of the pavers, you can apply a joint stabilizing sealer. Made of graded sand and binder, this highly reliable residential jointing sand flows smoothly into the joints and lets you install pavers quickly and efficiently. Credit: Charles F. Nails. However, this is not a black-or-white issue. If your polymeric sand didn’t harden up, it’s pretty much guaranteed there’s a moisture issue. Proprietary formula with stronger resins and quick-activating catalysts delivers: 25% More strength; 25% Faster setting time; Colors. Geogrids and Geotextiles. We prefer joint stabilizing paver sealer over Polymeric sand for several reasons. Designed for joints up to 1/2 in. 98. Keep repeating this step as. EnviroSand, on the other hand, is water permeable, so water can flow away. The minimum joint depth is 1. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent that can be used to fill spaces between pavers, tiles, and more. This polymeric sand comes in beige, slate gray, ivory, and black. Regular sand is just what it sounds like—a combination of small rocks and minerals that are ground down into fine grains. **Nitro Sand should never be stored in direct sunlight or exposed to heat above 120. . Cutting Corners. 7 kg bag can cover up to 4 m2 (40 sq. Read page 2 of our customer reviews for more information on the Quikrete 50 lb. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” to a maximum 2” joint width. Often called “white sand,” it is also available in beige or tan. The Gator Maxx is the way to go. Paver sand helps your pavers to stay in place like tiles. Furthermore, polymeric sand in taupe color gives a darker shade comparatively but still keeps its beige color. PREPARATION INFORMATION (IMPORTANT NOTES)Sand is ultimately a much safer option than stone dust for paving projects. Pretty every single manufacturer of polymeric sand in the marketplace has three main ingredients: Quartz silica. Aqua Rock Permeable Stone. This creates a stable surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic and various weather conditions. Gator Nitro is Alliance’s newest resin-based product. Speak With An Expert. Be it thisll result in a similar issue in a couple years again. For instance, it is easy to use, suitable for numerous applications, and available in many colors. Estimated Cost: $40 to $60. 2. 4. Polymeric sand comes in various colors. Apply an even, 1-inch layer of sand on top of the compact gravel. Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint *. Regular sand will need a touch-up every couple of years, while touch-ups for polymeric sand would only be once every decade. However, if the gaps are wider or between 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch, the same bag will only be good for 30 to 60 sq ft. Moss or another low growing ground cover is another optionCorrect answer. GATOR NITRO OINT SAND eo ate : 08032023 Page 3 of 7 PREPARATION INFORMATION (IMPORTANT NOTES) A. Key point with polymeric sand is to clean the pavers of it so it is only in the gaps. Play Video. Putting it very simply, polymeric sand prevents the growth of any biological life amongst the grout lines of pavers. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of using polymeric sand for making bonds between the paver stones. Exterior Use. Remove excess residue with a leaf blower. Its organic binder, Organic-Lock, is water-permeable and forms a gel as it absorbs water during rainfall. Polymeric sand is commonly used to fill the gaps between pavers or stones, but it can pose a potential risk to dogs. Product Details. Gator Nitro Joint Sand Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Here are a few pros and cons of polymeric sand. 225 Blvd Bellerose West Laval, Quebec Canada H7L 6A1 24 hour Emergency Phone : CHEMTREC (800) 424-9300 CHEMTREC International +1 (703) 527-3887This allows for it to prevent washout, but inevitably it will washout over time and will be subject to weed growth more so than polymeric sand. Foundation. Gator Edges and Fasteners. This sustainable material (LEED certified) helps prevent paving stone erosion. Builder’s Sand. It’s also rain-safe within 15 minutes of setting, which can be a lifesaver. After the material is added to the. If you only have a crust, you don't have a proper bond in the joints. Allows for. Ideal for Gator Nitro Joint Sand Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Model # SN264189 Store SKU # 1000144920. Its high. These colors complement red pavers and create a harmonious, natural-looking finish. Set aside ample time for the project, haste makes waste. As a result, the material won’t need. I had assumed that was the case, but I was going to ask separately. ft. While regular sand is made out of a combination of tiny particles of several different minerals, polymeric sand. Ideal forNever pressure wash polymeric sand immediately after you install it because it will ruin it. These are four of the most common mistakes users of polymeric sand tend to make. But if you have irregular gaps for your. G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand should be installed at a minimum of 1/8 inch (3mm) below the edge or chamfer of the paver. Activate the sand by lightly showering the pavers with water according to the manufacturer’s directions. So getting one initial complete drying "set" is very important to the long-term performance and lifespan of the product. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather. This non-staining sand resists erosion, weed growth and insects. wide. Durability and Longevity. After curing, a strong andPrimary Ingredient. 00 $. UNDER-WATERING causes the polymeric sand to simply form a "crust" on the top. It is more flexible than fine dry sweeping sand but should not be used in driveways. 4. The key difference between polymeric sand and polymeric dust boils down to the size of the joints between the stones. First off, polymeric sand is designed to improve the interlocking capabilities of paving bricks, slabs, and stones. STEP 5. 95. There are a couple of drawbacks to polymeric sand. On the other hand, if the joint is too wide, the polymeric sand will easily lead to a washout during activation because there is too much water on the surface. How to use polymeric sand: Don’t cheap out on sand. 0 out of 5 stars 1,932. I used Easy joint in my slabs and it was brilliant over a year and no trace of a weed. In most cases, the polymeric sand is completely set in twenty-four to forty-eight hours after activation. Go with SAKRETE, The Pros Choice since 1936. The minimum joint depth is 1” (25 mm). It's UN. Minimum joint width. What’s the difference between Gator Nitro and polymeric sand? Nitro is admittedly new and hot right now, but is it right for every job? Come learn when to use Nitro and when you’re better off sticking with polymeric sand for. Easy to apply: unlike polymeric sand, regular sand is quick to install. Details: GATOR MAXX G2 is made with a state-of-the-art manufacturing process. Minimum joint depth is 1” (2. So getting one initial complete drying "set" is very important to the long-term performance and lifespan of the product. Durability is a major selling point for pavers, and employing polymeric sand will just extend the lifespan and stability and resilience of your project. The purpose of polymeric sand is to fill the joints between pavers and to help stabilize the surface of a patio, walk, or driveway. GATOR MAXX SAND is a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand available in Beige and Slate Grey. The key difference between polymeric sand and polymeric dust boils down to the size of the joints between the stones. Biogenic/ Bio-organic Sand: Sand who’s makeup is largely from coral, shells and the skeletons of marine life. 3. @DanielWoodward Yes, that's a valid point -- polymeric sand is usually for joints of a certain width. For expansion joints, I've seen backer rod squeezed in, self-leveling goop put in, then sand sprinkled on top. Use a push broom to spread it and the. Two years ago I power washed all of the existing polymeric sand from my pavers. 3 out of 5 stars 43 5 offers from $80. Polymeric Sand: The 5 Main Differences The easy-to-find, most affordable sand is regular dry sand. Play Video. POLYMERIC SAND: THE 5 MAIN DIFFERENCES. The installation methods for the polymeric sands and Nitro Joint Sand mix are almost identical to regular paver joint sand except for the application of water. com before installing. Most sands require enough water to saturate the sand just until the water stops soaking into the joint. It is suitable for all types of paving material provided there is a gap of at least a3mm wide and 25mm deep (narrow joint compound). Another similarity shared by both polymeric sand and silica sand is that they are both extremely fine. Gator Paver and Stone Sealers. Reduces weed growth. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather,. A leaf blower on a very low setting is a good way to do this. In order to implement the goal, we recommend you use a non-selective herbicide. Choosing the right polymeric sand. Durability. For any hardscaping project to bear fruit, it must last a long time. Rated 1 out of 5 by Shannon from Might as well be ant food This stuff might as well be ant food. Packaging. patio, that means carting away about 2-1/2 tons of soil, and hauling in the. 5. Polymeric Sand Concentrate,20 lbs-Polymers and. Polymeric sand is not intended to be a replacement for. 4 and cover the entire excavated area. Jointing sand – – is a fine and coarse sand mix that will lock the pavers together by friction. However, you will find that there is a stark difference between ordinary paver. This high-quality polymeric sand is generally the best sand for pavers among the masses. This material has a fairly simple installation. No blower needed and the intelligent polymeric sand requires only one watering. Due to the hard acrylic surface that it creates, this substance has the ability to protect your pavers from stains, grease, oil, and fading. However, as soon as it gets wet the additives activate and it turns into a hard, resistant gel. However, the life expectancy could vary based on the specific products. Enviromom writes that, unlike other filling products, polymeric sand is a human-made product and is a combination of fine sand particles and binding agents such as silica. In short: sweep the stone dust into the joints, hose down. They’ll withstand the rain. Alliance Gator Maxx G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand for Paver. . EZ Sand Techniseal polymer sand prevents weed growth, repels ants and other insect infestations. Pros of polymeric sand. This sand is flexible, durable, and self-healing solution for joint stabilization. Washed sand may be any kind of sand that has been. Stone dust for stone - Why and how to use it. The most obvious difference between regular sand and polymeric sand lies in the materials that they’re made from. Mortar is absolutely the stronger and longer-lasting of the two. Now, one year later, the mortar is breaking apart from the flagstones and crumbling. Then, you'll also pack the gaps between the stones or bricks. Polymeric sand is used in paver joints because it helps prevent most weeds and ants: Its bonded surface. What applications make the best fit? Gator Nitro Sand is a great fit for hardscape contractors and masons who prefer using mortar over polymeric sand. Use for installing new pavers and replacing existing joints. GATOR NITRO JOINT SAND is the ideal air cure, permeable jointing material. Therefore the polymer has an organic backbone whereas the silica gel has an inorganic one. It is very fine sand, and it has a white or yellowish color. It is not recommended to use polymeric sand for filling large gaps. Crystalline silica. PowerLoc Jointing Sand into the joints and mist with water; the product hardens, locking the pavers into place. Now that we know what makes them similar, let’s figure out what makes Easy Joint and polymeric sand. Mortar is absolutely the stronger and longer-lasting of the two. Combined with additives, including silica, that bind when exposed to water, it produces a strong, stable, durable surface. Soil refers to a mix of organic material, minerals, and rocks particles that help support plant life. 4. Another similarity shared by both polymeric sand and silica sand is that they are both extremely fine. These colors complement red pavers and create a harmonious, natural-looking finish. Gator Nitro Joint Sand Residential and Commercial Pedestrian applications with Porcelain Tile with Gator Tile System, Natural Stone, Wetcast Stone and Concrete Pavers For. Polymeric sand is a type of sand that has been treated with a polymer. This quick guide breaks down the product’s features and benefits. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. 99I haven’t come across polymorphic sand, but avoid resin mortars like the plague as they are designed to form a hard impermeable surface. Today, we still offer the highest performing jointing products on the market. Exterior Use. This new generation of Intelligent Polymers neutralizes haze and dust. On the other hand, if the joint is too wide, the polymeric sand will easily lead to a washout during activation because there is too much water on the surface. This new generation of Intelligent Polymers neutralizes haze and dust. And a $50 gallon container that covers 100 square feet. Easier Paver Patios. Buy On Amazon Buy On Walmart. GATOR NITRO JOINT SAND is the ideal air cure, permeable jointing material. 22. Follow POLYBIND COMPLETE SAND G2 installation steps 1 to 4 for a new paver surface. Use for installing new pavers and replacing existing joints. Polymeric sand improves the overall durability of the hardscape you install. If the joints remain wet after the installation, they will remain soft until they dry. Paving surface must be pre-wet. However, you should think carefully about the long-term benefits; polymeric sand may cost more initially but add up. g. Polymeric sands boast outstanding durability, weed and insect resistance, and a selection of colors to highlight or. Polymeric sand is fortified with polymer to prevent washout between pavers. DIY ACCEL® dust-preventing polymeric sand is the easy way to install beautiful, durable pavers. Gator Base. Poly sand on a concrete overlay will not harden properly, it will stay fairly soft because of the drainage issue. Furthermore, polymeric sand in taupe color gives a darker shade comparatively but still keeps its beige color. 0. Check out 40 Pound Titanium Gray Polymeric. Play Video. The 4 Polymeric Sand Alternatives. Designed for joints up to 1/2 in. No, polymeric sand does not harden in the same way that concrete does. 1. Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint *. The minimum joint depth is 1”. Unlike the natural sand tone, the taupe color for your polymeric sand brings a warmer shade. Aberdeen (large slab pavers) 216-483. Once the crack is filled, spray down with a hose to wet the sand and keep it in place while it dries. 7/8. Gator Nitro Joint Sand Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Sunniland. STEP 5. Easy Joint is 27. And although it is not completely waterproof, it can hold its structure by firming up when completely dry. As a family-owned manufacturer and supplier of building materials for over 70 years, Reading Rock is excited to offer more product solutions for your projects. •••. Easy to remove: when the time for reinstallation comes, you can wash. A sloped driveway may be more subject to erosion than a flat patio. Spread polymeric sand in sections. Horrible idea. This means that water can flow through it. Sweep off excess SUPERSAND G2 from the paved surface, first with a hard-bristle broom, then a soft-bristle broom. No, you cannot use polymeric sand instead of grout. Magic Sand/Paver Locking Sand is an advanced polymer modified binding joint sand used in paver and slab joint applications. Superior to regular sand for paver and slab joint applications, Stone Mason® Magic Sand/Paver Locking Sand is an advanced polymer-modified binding joint sand. If the joint is too narrow, there will not be enough polymeric sand to create a proper bond. Using polymeric sand instead of its regular counterpart saves homeowners time, money, and effort. 20. Your reputation is on the line with every job you build so don’t compromise on your polymeric sand. Silica sand has 95 percent or more silicon dioxide as its main component. This gel effect helps keep the sand particles in place and resist washing out. . Nitro Sand & Polymeric Sand Simplified Calculator Enter sizes in Imperial measurements Note: Pavers with large spacer bars will typically use 10 to 15% less sand than this calculation. Updated on March 1, 2023. Polymeric Sand and Dust. Sold in a 40-pound packet, the DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand sits atop my list because of its strength and flexibility. These are the best buy products with high ratings from 116,271 objective reviews of consumers, we ranked the top 20 products you may be keen on the Best Polymeric Sands. Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Washed sand may be any kind of sand that has been. Description. The grout that was used was a polymeric sand made by Alliance, the product name is XP. A water-activated polymer is introduced to the sand. Determine the thickness of the sand layer (usually around 1 inch) and calculate the volume in cubic feet. Shower your pavers to seal and harden the sand. (63) Questions & Answers (18) Locks pavers into place. Although polymeric sand is very durable, mortar is simply more so. The minimum joint depth is 1”. This product, applied with a brush or sprayer, fills in the gaps between pavers and hardens to prevent weeds and insect infestations. PowerLoc Jointing Sand. Sweep clean. 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. Interior vs. Made of graded sand and binder, this highly reliable residential jointing sand flows smoothly into the joints and lets you install pavers quickly and efficiently. jointing sand for a fast, clean, durable and profitable installation. Poly Sands & NOCO. Watch on. That process will give you the best long term patio. Both are made from the linkage of repetitive units. Polymeric Sand: The 5 Main Differences. Compacting the sand is an important step. (25 mm). Polymeric sand is a semi-permeable sand that contains additives and binding agents to lock paver joints into place. Note: This is for control joints, not expansion joints. It is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and proprietary resin formula which cures when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. That includes mold, mildew, weeds, and even insects. The Patio is Bluestone natural cleft with 4 different sizes in the pattern and half inch grout joints. Step 2: Now you have to take the biggest challenge on your way to installing polymeric sand. Minimum width between pavers: 1/16 in. When used for something like sealing paver joints, polymeric sand should last for 10 or 15 years, whereas grout will only last for three to five years. This may be to save time or to cut costs, sometimes both. In smaller areas, pour in more from a clean yogurt cup and use a hand broom. Paint 2 coats of paver sealant over entire patio. The only downside is its price. Button. Polymeric sand is also easy to find but will cost you more—anywhere from $20 to $90 per 50-pound bag. This creates a fairly strong bond between your pavers that is less likely to be eroded by weather. A bag of polymeric sand that weighs 50 lbs will be good enough to cover 75 to 100 sq ft of your patio area if the gaps in between your pavers are narrow or less than a quarter of an inch. This type of sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving. Sakrete Paver Set. STEP 5. The best polymeric sand is made of binding materials such as quartz,. Some types of relatively easy fixes become a major pain when the sand is glued to your pavers. The minimum joint depth is 1”. Besides that, its versatility, low dry time, and durability make it a very attractive option. Minimum joint width: 1/16” Maximum joint width: 4”*The blue stone was laid on a dry base which consisted of four to six inches of minus compacted, with about a half inch of sand and then the stones. I would not however use it on block paving the suppliers say you need a fairly wide gap of 3mm and to go in at least 20mm. With a push broom sweep it into all seams of your paver surface. #1. 3. It is designed for professionals who demand excellence and know the paver installation. Can be installed rain or shine. Play Video. This can occur if the sand is not. When activated, poly sand helps to prevent the pavers from shifting and from allowing weeds and moss to grow in between the joints which is a huge. For a typical 10 x 12-ft. Cutting corners and not following the manufacturer’s instructions tops the list. Magic Sand vs. Spread polymeric sand in sections. Simply install the pavers, get rid of the excess sand, and spray down the pavers with water. GATOR MAXX G2 is recommended for a variety of uses including pool decks, patios, footpaths, driveways. Polymeric sand can cost anywhere from $20 to $90 per 50-pound bag. Thus, you need about 0. The 2020 Show Season Has Officially Begun. Even some of the areas where the joint was far wider than 1/4in only found 2-3 weeds in the entire patio a number of places where the sand had come out, possibly because of a few torrential downpours we had recently. ) Note that this product's coverage power can vary depending on the type of paver used. In 1999, Techniseal launched the first-ever polymeric sand for paver jointing. Available in 15. Polymeric sand is a specialized construction material typically used for landscaping projects like sealing pavers and driveways. This type of sand is designed to resist erosion and retain its original shape. Play sand should be kept in the sandbox rather than in the pavers. Made with fine sand and a cement free formula to aid in easy installation but is. Poly is the best thing that ever happen to pavers, my biggest gripe about selling pavers to people are weeds grow in the joints, been using poly for 6 years with 99. SEK’s PolySweep is made with a blend of native sands conforming to the ASTM 144 standard, and polymer binders that allows the joints to expandCheck out our EZ joint sand compound, perfect for all your projects. Joint stabilizing sealer. However,. Polymeric sand is so durable that it can actually be power washed, with care. It is definitely a good option, but slightly more expensive. Polymeric sand is not intended to be a replacement for. The grout that was used was a polymeric sand made by Alliance, the product name is XP. It'll use more sand than you expect, but once it dries it should be fine. 1. This polymeric sand consists of a 10: 1 ratio of polymer and sand to form a strong and unbreakable substance for filling and mending hard surfaces. Some unscrupulous contractors or naive diy'ers have been known to 'thin' the polymer sands by mixing in a trowelful or two of kiln dried block. Polymeric sand is made mainly out of sand, silica, quartz, and other materials, whereas mortar is made primarily out of cement, lime, and sand. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent that can be used to fill spaces between pavers, tiles, and more. Skill Level: Beginner.