The most obvious difference between regular sand and polymeric sand lies in the materials that they’re made from. Usually, a 50-pound bag of polymeric sand is enough to fill 75 to 100 square feet of a patio if it has small gaps. Gator Nitro Jointing 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 filled and cured polymeric sand joints should never be in direct contact with. I had assumed that was the case, but I was going to ask separately. Nov 8, 2023 11:06 PM. ) If I’m resealing a patio, do I still need to use an efflorescence cleaner?. First off, it doesn’t require any compaction (although. 4. Paving surface must be pre-wet before installation and must remain The products listed below can safely be stored outdoors: Polymeric sand and dust*. The best polymeric sand is made of binding materials such as quartz,. . Poly sand needs to go the full depth of the paver, or close to it. 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. And just like Super Sand Bond, this product is formulated with our New Advanced Haze Free Technology and comes backed by our 15 year limited warranty. The heat will reactivate the polymers in the. I paid too much for just find sand, and most of my hard work is wasted. The rest of the ingredients are some type of filler and the proprietary glue. Credit: Charles F. Even though SmartSand offers lesser jointing performances, this poly sand is more than. Shower your pavers to seal and harden the sand. Sweep off excess SUPERSAND G2 from the paved surface, first with a hard-bristle broom, then a soft-bristle broom. Next is silica sand. You can use any type of sand you want including concrete sand. Polymeric sand, once activated, forms a stronger binding agent compared to regular sand. Get more specs here. Our new Gator Nitro is very different from polymeric sand. Note: Pavers with large spacer bars will typically use 10 to 15% less sand than this calculation. You can also use cement as an. EnviroSand, on the other hand, is water permeable, so water can flow away. Apply an even, 1-inch layer of sand on top of the compact gravel. If your polymeric sand didn’t harden up, it’s pretty much guaranteed there’s a moisture issue. All 3 of them use polymeric sand for the finish sweep. 5. Jointing Material G2 SAND STEPS How We’ve Made Our Haze Free Polymeric Sand Even Better How to install POLYBIND COMPLETE G2 polymeric sand How to install POLYBIND Sand G2 polymeric sand How to install Polybind Sand polymeric sand Crystalline silica testing with Polybind Sands Everything. Geogrids and Geotextiles. Builder’s sand is the most common replacement for polymeric sand, and it is easy to access and affordable. Horrible idea. Polymeric sands last ten to fifteen years between pavers, depending on the building and experts performing installation techniques. Grout is generally an interior joint sealer, whereas polymeric sand is usually an outdoor joint sealer. 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. Step 2: Gather Your Materials. The joint paver sand must be considered as this will allow the hardscape to be durable, resilient, and stable; plus, this extends the lifespan too. If you're buying sand for mortar, it's best to buy masonry 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 *. It works on tight joints as well as joints as wide as 4 inches. This new generation of Intelligent Polymers neutralizes haze and dust. It is very fine sand, and it has a white or yellowish color. We used to very lightly use a leaf blower (just idling) to make sure the paver surface was nice and clean. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” to a maximum 2” joint width. Best Polymeric Sand for Pavers and Stone Joints 4. It is also used to improve the stability of pavers and prevent them from shifting. Take caution with natural stone or thin style pavers and be sure to avoid disturbance of the bedding sand underneath. It has been altered so that it contains fewer compounds, such as iron. How to install Gator Supersand G2 polymeric sand. And a $50 gallon container that covers 100 square feet. This high-quality polymeric sand is generally the best sand for pavers among the masses. FLEXLOCK SAND is a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand available in Sandy Beige and Graphite Grey. Information Downloads; Literature. (50 mm) joint width. It leaves a classic warm beige touch, perfect for beige to orange shades of bricks. It can become soft when mixed with sand to fill in joints. It lasts longer while keeping the paver bound. SUPERSAND G2 is. In smaller areas, pour in more from a clean yogurt cup and use a hand broom. For joint sand, it’s best to use sand in various sizes of grain, according to the team at Braen Stone. 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. 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. Once the product is properly applied, it will harden only the surface of the sand (generally 1/8”-1/4” deep). Silica sand consists mainly of silica, whereas polymeric sand only has a small amount of silica used as an additive. Lay out the pavers first to determine the desired pattern, then. wide. Sweep off excess SUPERSAND BOND polymeric sand from the paved surface, first with a hard-bristle broom, then a soft bristle broom. When applied it dries firm yet flexible to restrict or resist growth of weeds, insect infestation and sand erosion due to rain, wind and frost. In smaller areas, pour in more from a clean yogurt cup and use. Use for installing new pavers and replacing existing joints. While sand is used to enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space, soil is used to create an environment where plants can thrive. Ideal forGator 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. GATOR NITRO JOINT SAND is the ideal air cure, permeable jointing material. Many installers cut corners to speed up paving processes. Dominator Polymeric Sand. 3. Packaging. EnviroSAND eliminates poly haze, is easy to lift and re-lay, can be topped up, and can be installed before rain. Kiln dried sand flows freely to deeply penetrate and fill the void between pavers. When using multiple size pavers for a project, calculate and enter the average length and width in the Simplified Sand Calculator. Durability is a major selling point for pavers, and employing polymeric sand will just extend the lifespan and stability and resilience of your project. This sustainable material (LEED certified) helps prevent paving stone erosion. Note: Polymeric sand is more suited for use in narrow, even-sized gaps, such as those between brick pavers. Gibson, Shutterstock. In the case of polymers it is the repetition of monomer units (Styrene, ethylene, glycol, etc. However, this is not a black-or-white issue. Estimated Cost: $40 to $60. How We've Made Our G2 Polymeric Sand Even Better. 5-pound bucket. PolySweep polymeric sand offered by Trident304 views, 3 likes, 0 loves, 0 comments, 7 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Alliance Gator: What’s the difference between Nitro and polymeric sands? Nitro is new, catchy, and hardens like mortar,. The minimum joint depth is 1” (25 mm). STEP 1: SPREAD. For a more solidified joint, polymeric sand is used which contains the same sand but with binders included into the mix which will react with moisture to form a solid erosion proof joint As the. When it is combined with water it creates a strong bond that is ideal for filling in joints in pavers. Powered with ceramic flex technology, a technology found only in the most advanced polymeric sands, it’s a blend of polymers of fine sand. The filled and cured polymeric sand joints should never be in direct contact with foot traffic or tires. $84. Jointing Sand. He said that using polymeric sand will result in a much more stable patio and will stop weeds from growing in the joints. I am not permitted to post links - but please Google or use website below. This is a combination of using joint stabilizing silica sand and a liquid product that protects and penetrates both the paver and the sand in the joint as well. You may choose to use stone dust if you have a large supply of it, or prefer the texture and appearance of it. Thus, the most suitable pressure for cleaning pavers is the medium range (From 1600 to 2000 PSI). Date published: 2018-09-09. It sells for about $15 for a 18. It took the already low-maintenance brick paver patios we were installing down to nearly zero maintenance. Ideal for joints up to 4mm in width. Beige; Grey; BlackDescription. Advertisement. As the sand particles fuse, the joint between two patio pavers becomes impenetrable and the pavers are locked in place. (A ballpark figure is a 24-36 month lifespan based on environment and usage. 2. Stone dust traps and retains moisture which causes polymeric sand to fail. ” Because of the consistency of the product, Gator Nitro would be very challenging to install in tight, hairline joints. *Pallets of polymeric sand must be covered with pallet jackets to maintain the integrity of the product. 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. Mortar is absolutely the stronger and longer-lasting of the two. Gator Base. Easy Joint is a very quick and effective way to fill joints for patios and walkways. Polymeric sand is water activated and hardens after curing. This non-staining sand resists erosion, weed growth and insects. The sand and dust both come in a variety of colors to match your patio depending on the. GATOR NITRO JOINT SAND is the ideal air cure, permeable jointing material. A single panel is equivalent to 130 kg (288 lb) of crushed stone, saving you a minimum of 6″ (15 cm) of. Choosing the correct type of sand is essential to seal the pavers and ensure that they are laid firmly so that the structure lasts longer. A polymeric sand would potentially not work as well because it needs to completely dry in order to fully cure. This product is ideal for stabilizing joints and gaps between pavers, providing professional-grade results with its revolutionary ceramic flex technology. 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. Key point with polymeric sand is to clean the pavers of it so it is only in the gaps. most of the polymeric sand stayed in place. Long Island, NY. You must use the right type of aggregate and you must compact that sand until it chokes. EnviroSAND is flexible so cracking doesn’t occur in the joints. The takeaway here: while you can’t control the weather, you can certainly control many aspects of your polymeric sand job. (25 mm). Gator Base is an evolution of foundation technology. For these jobs, polymeric dust would be the ideal product to use. 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. Your reputation is on the line with every job you build so don’t compromise on your polymeric sand. -deep layer of compacted gravel. All Weather Durability: Designed to withstand Mother Nature’s toughest challenges, DOMINATOR XL Polymeric Sand’s innovative formula ensures unbeatable performance in any weather condition, including enduring. Polymeric sand, on the other hand, contains polymer-coated particles that bind together when water is added. The minimum joint depth is 1 in. Activate the sand by lightly showering the pavers with water according to the manufacturer’s directions. Polymeric sand relies on the activation of a polymer binder to harden and create a solid joint. Easy to apply: unlike polymeric sand, regular sand is quick to install. Spread polymeric sand in sections. Most sands require enough water to saturate the sand just until the water stops soaking into the joint. Sunniland. 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. 3. Gator Edges and Fasteners. 7 kg bag can cover up to 11 m2 (120 sq. If the joints remain wet after the installation, they will remain soft until they dry. Often called “white sand,” it is also available in beige or tan. In 1999, Techniseal launched the first-ever polymeric sand for paver jointing. 1-kg. The Patio is Bluestone natural cleft with 4 different sizes in the pattern and half inch grout joints. Stone dust for stone - Why and how to use it. In applications that have larger, natural stones with irregular contours, it can be difficult to create consistent ½” joints. On the other hand, regular sand is often used to create a base for pavers due to its easy distribution and low. 81. EZ Sand Techniseal polymer sand prevents weed growth, repels ants and other insect infestations. teabreak Screwfix Select. Unlike regular sand, polymeric sand is. Stabilizing sealer is not needed if polymeric sand is used. Paver Joint Sand. Sweep off excess SUPERSAND BOND polymeric sand from the paved surface, first with a hard-bristle broom, then a soft bristle broom. Masonry sand. Can be installed rain or shine. Rigid and Flex Edging. Furthermore, polymeric sand in taupe color gives a darker shade comparatively but still keeps its beige color. On the dry paver flooring, sweep the floor with a soft-bristled broom. , installed over 1 inch (25 mm) of bedding sand, which will allow proper drainage and a successful polymeric sand installation. PRODUCT LIST. Use for joints up to 1/2". The third uses washed concrete sand as the bedding base rather than stone dust. (25 mm). Durability. 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. The initial drying of polymeric sand is an important factor for its long term durability that tends to indicate its longevity later on. Pavers on a covered patio may be more stable than pavers without a cover. ; Spread an even layer of sand to a depth of maximum 3/4″ (19 mm) • The levelling and compacting of the bedding sand will be the last step prior to installing the Gator Base. A big benefit of Easy Joint is the fact that it is permeable. That process will give you the best long term patio. Here are the top 4 benefits of polymeric sand: Stronger Bond – Polymeric sand provides a stronger bond between pavers than regular jointing sand, helping to prevent weed growth, shifting, cracking, and other issues associated with the poor paver installation. You are going to need to get polymeric sand, water, preferably from a water hose, a hose attachment so you can create a fine mist of water, as well as a good broom. Another similarity shared by both polymeric sand and silica sand is that they are both extremely fine. The environment and usage of the surface will ultimately determine the lifespan of the joint stabilizing sealer. Easier to install and more durable than traditional hardscape aggregate, they also prevent weed growth and insect infestations. Always use cold water because warm water can warp the polymeric sand. Dominator is top quality polymeric sand in the market. 86. As the sand particles fuse, the joint between two patio pavers becomes impenetrable and the pavers are locked in place. Power Flex technology creates a stable, superior bond between paver joints and prevents shifting and erosion, ensuring sturdy outdoor surfaces. 1 kg bag. Used for matching with specific designs. And although it is not completely waterproof, it can hold its structure by firming up when completely dry. Gator Base. Water the sand according to the directions. This new generation of. If the customer wants to have stabilized joints but their goals are not met by a joint stabilizing sealer, polymeric sand and a specialty sealer would be the best option. Regular sand is not permanent and is easy to remove if there is a need to adjust. Gator Dust or Gator Maxx it is an advanced polymeric sand mixture that has wide gap applications. Watch on. Any loose polymeric sand that remains on the surface should be blown away with the proper equipment such as a leaf blower and activated with water to initiate the solidifying. Ideal for. It will chip and break away. The polymeric sand application is now dust free, haze free, no blower needed, requiring only one watering and offering a Rapid Set technology of rain safe after 15 minutes. The key difference between polymeric sand and polymeric dust boils down to the size of the joints between the stones. Pour 4 inches of gravel into the area, level with a rake, and compact using a temper. The 7 component system. There are a couple of drawbacks to polymeric sand. 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. Specifically, calibrated sand is mixed with sophisticated intelligent polymers. Gator Grids and Fabrics. This then secures the sand in place. A depth of 8 inches is suitable for 4 inches of gravel, 1 inch of paver sand, and pavers that are approximately 3 inches thick. Although polymeric sand is very durable, mortar is simply more so. Helps reduce joint erosion - water, frost heaving, wind, power washing, etc. Coverage : For narrow joint installations, one 22. Silica sand has 95 percent or more silicon dioxide as its main component. Jointing sand – – is a fine and coarse sand mix that will lock the pavers together by friction. Step 1. Its made similarly to concrete sand, just ground down to much finer particle size and often washed to give it a clean appearance. Another similarity shared by both polymeric sand and silica sand is that they are both extremely fine. Appearance. To start the curing process, initially water is needed but later on its presence is harmful for the polymeric sand. Nitro vs Traditional Poly Sand Stronger Isn't Always Better. Play Video. It also helps to inhibit sand erosion and stabilize the surface overall. 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. 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. If you put a thin layer over regular sand, it will peel off. ; Water. For red pavers, the best choice of polymeric sand color would typically be a brown or tan shade. Be it thisll result in a similar issue in a couple years again. Model # SN264189 Store SKU # 1000144920. After removing all the old joint sand. Easier to install and more durable than traditional hardscape aggregate, they also prevent weed growth and insect infestations. Easier Paver Patios. 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. Create the edge: Place pavers along the edge of your patio and use strings to make sure your pavers are straight. Brush the polymeric sand into the gaps between the pavers, tamp it down with the compactor, and then lightly water to activate the polymer. 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. The publication explains that, when dry, polymeric sand is fine and powdery. Magic Sand/Paver Locking Sand is an advanced polymer modified binding joint sand used in paver and slab joint applications. Leiden Cambridge Blend. Polymeric sand will eventually crack, thus allowing weeds to grow through. 56 pounds per bucket or click. 2. Polymeric sand improves the overall durability of the hardscape you install. So if you're in a more colder region you would be best to hold off till temperatures are above 40 Fahrenheit constantly. Polymeric Sand: The 5 Main DifferencesThe easy-to-find, most affordable sand is regular dry sand. However, it is just optional to do it. Biogenic/ Bio-organic Sand: Sand who’s makeup is largely from coral, shells and the skeletons of marine life. Interior vs. BUY ON AMAZON | $59. Do not apply when your pavers are damp or wet. 1. This creates a stable surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic and various weather conditions. #hardscapelife #pavers #alliancegator Gator Nitro vs. Today, we still offer the highest performing jointing products on the market. Once the polymeric sand is properly installed and activated with water, the polymer blend infused into the sand begins to harden. Polymeric sand is a thin sand that when combined with additives and water forms a binding agent. patio, that means carting away about 2-1/2 tons of soil, and hauling in the. No, you cannot use polymeric sand instead of grout. These are four of the most common mistakes users of polymeric sand tend to make. For instance, it is easy to use, suitable for numerous applications, and available in many colors. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” (5 mm) to a maximum 2” (50 mm) joint width. 6. ) Note that this product's coverage power can vary depending on the type of paver used. . However, the life expectancy could vary based on the specific products. Damaged pavements and driveways are more than just an eyesore- they can compromise the safety of your landscape. In order to implement the goal, we recommend you use a non-selective herbicide. (63) Questions & Answers (18) Locks pavers into place. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. Its organic binder, Organic-Lock, is water-permeable and forms a gel as it absorbs water during rainfall. Coated with a water-activated polymer, polymeric sand bonds together when exposed to moisture, keeping the sand from washing away or blowing out of the joints. Allows for. Gibson, Shutterstock. Polymeric sand is installed into the joints of interlocking concrete pavement. It offers a clean, dust-free installation and activates with one watering. Your job is done. The cement begins to bond with the polymers in the sand, and the exclusive formula does the rest. Take care to leave the height of POLYBIND SAND G2 at least 1/8″ (3 mm) below top of. Deters ants and other insects. Compact, the grade with base (sand, screening, etc) and relay bricks. It is absolutely useless and was all toren. Plastic detritus from all sorts of trash sources (either originally microparticles such as in body washes or. The minimum joint depth is 1”. -deep layer of compacted gravel. Step-by-Step Instructions. For hardscape projects that matter, PolySweep is the only choice that delivers solid performance and value. Model #. Stone Mason Magic Sand, Polymeric Paver Locking/Jointing Sand, Weed-Resistant, 18. Sand, or silica, makes up 80 percent to 95 percent of the mixture and is the primary ingredient in jointing sand. Polymeric sand is not intended to be a replacement for. It’s swept into the joints dry, only to be wetted down after the joints are filled and the paver surface swept clean to prevent hazing or staining. Product Details. 8. not even 1/8" of space, then it's probably not worth putting polymeric sand down because the grain sizes will be so large that significant quantities won't be able to fill the gaps. All Weather Durability: Designed to withstand Mother Nature’s toughest challenges, DOMINATOR XL Polymeric Sand’s innovative formula ensures unbeatable performance in any weather condition, including enduring. JJS. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. Description. Polymeric sand actually cures via drying, whereas Easy Joint cures through a chemical reaction with oxygen. Level and straighten: Use a level to make sure your pavers are flat while. It can set in under 15 minutes after water activation and can become rain safe in. SF Gate writes that during the installation of pavers, sand plays an integral role. Easy step by step application of polymeric sand for your pavers so you end up with a beautiful professional looking finish on your pavers! (Product used spe. EnviroSand, on the other hand, is water permeable, so water can flow away. Step 2. Use a push broom to spread it and the. The key to successfully using polymeric sand on a hybrid base is two-fold. ”. Polymeric sand, once activated, forms a stronger binding agent compared to regular sand. 1. 1. In 1999, Techniseal launched the first-ever polymeric sand for paver jointing. 2. The most obvious difference between regular sand and polymeric sand lies in the materials that they’re made from. Yes, polymeric sand is superior to normal paver sand for several reasons. Remove excess residue with a leaf blower. Unlike the natural sand tone, the taupe color for your polymeric sand brings a warmer shade. Jointing sand is made up of fine grains, to which manufacturers add a mixture of specific additive particles. If your polymeric sand didn’t harden up, it’s pretty much guaranteed there’s a moisture issue. It costs $50 to $75 per 27. B. 7/8. ) For wide joint installations, one 22. To the touch, they feel more like a fine powder than anything else. DOMINATOR ® Polymeric Sand uses revolutionary “Ceramic Flex” technology to bring you the most advanced polymeric sand available. Play Video. It can also be a long-term solution for repairing cracks on these surfaces. Play Video. Read page 2 of our customer reviews for more information on the Quikrete 50 lb. 3. The Patio is Bluestone natural cleft with 4 different sizes in the pattern and half inch grout joints. Our new Gator Nitro is very different from polymeric sand. 4. These colors complement red pavers and create a harmonious, natural-looking finish. This new generation of Intelligent Polymers neutralizes haze and dust. Another major difference here is of course that polymeric sand is only used in between joints, whereas joint stabilizing sealer is also applied to the pavers themselves. For expansion joints, I've seen backer rod squeezed in, self-leveling goop put in, then sand sprinkled on top. Wider joints will reduce overall coverage. They all described similar excavation and prep compacting in 2" increments. The working life is fairly generous, at 2 hours minimum, but it is essential that the polymer sand is kept free from dust and other detritus during the jointing work.