If you’ve been making plans to use paving stones in your landscape, you’ve probably noticed that there’s some debate between contractors, landscapers and even homeowners in regards to the types of materials to be used during installation.
One of the biggest points of contention is whether you should or shouldn’t use polymeric sand.
Polymeric sand for pavers is anew products that has been introduced to the market.
This may leave you wondering whether you should stick with the tried and true method, or try a newer alternative.
We’ve decided to break down the pros and cons of using polymeric sand for your pavers.
Polymeric Sand
Before we can dig into the many advantages of polymeric sand for pavers, we must understand what polymeric sand actually is. This material is comprised of a high-tech mixture of both properly graded sands, as well as a polymer (the polymer is used as binding compound). This is a perfect blend for filling the joints of pavers. Since its inception in 1999, polymeric sand has completely revolutionized the process of installing pavers.
Benefits of Polymeric Sand
Polymeric sand is the ideal option for filling the joints between paving stones. Here’s a look at 3 of the top benefits of polymeric sand for pavers:
Benefit #1: Keeps Pavers in Place
Once your pavers have been installed, the last thing you want is for them to shift and pull away from one another. This creates an uneven surface, which is both dangerous and unsightly.
Polymeric sand works to combat these problems by not only binding the pavers together, but by remaining flexible. As the pavers shift the polymeric sand will shift with it, preserving the integrity of your paver path, walkway, patio, driveway or other surface.
Benefit #2: Withstands Water and the Elements
As an example, there are products that have been developed to re-soften when exposed to moisture so that any cracks could have the opportunity repair themselves. While this may sound like a smart concept, it actually only re-introduces problems that polymeric sand was designed to solve.
If the compound is subject to high levels of moisture, it may wash away, enabling pavers to pull apart from one another or sink into the base filler material below.
Polymeric sand, while flexible enough to withstand the expansion and contraction due to changing seasons, is water-friendly, and can even be power washed once it has been properly cured. This helps to preserve the longevity of your pavers, while allowing them to be even easier to maintain.
Benefit #3: Prevents Weeds & Pests
Have you ever seen a paving stone walkway with weeds and grass growing through the cracks? This is unattractive, and can compromise the pavers integrity. By utilizing polymeric sand to fill the joints between stones, plant life is unable to grow up in between the stones. The material also prevents ants from coming up between pavers.
It’s easy to see why it’s been popular to use polymeric sand for pavers throughout the years.
It’s durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain. In order for you to enjoy all of the benefits that polymeric sand has to offer, though, it’s important that you buy from a local supplier who can provide you with the proper install techniques and determine the quantity needed.
Should I Use Polymeric Sand?
While there is technically no official answer in relation to using polymeric sand for pavers, we’ve found that many homeowners and contractors still prefer it. It has continued to prove useful and reliable and we recommend it as an option for your pavers.
If you’re still unsure we recommend speaking with a Braen Supply representative about your project and the different options you have. Together you’ll be able to determine the best fit for you.
