Here are some of the key benefits to consider. Polymeric sand was invented by Techniseal in 1999, and it has improved the installation. For me both tend to grow grass because our horses kick up a lot. Cutting Corners. Sand allows flexibility of the ground and keeps the pavers from cracking or settling under pressure. It contains 85 to 90% quartz and crystalline silica. 3. Step 4: Get the Required Tools. Without using the knife, you are very likely to get frustrated while opening the waterproof bag. makes it more difficult for weeds to grow. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of using polymeric sand for making bonds between the paver stones. Eliminates joint erosion - water, frost heaving, wind, power washing, etc. Why is Polymeric Sand the Best Option. Credit: Charles F. Keeps the paver gaps tightly filled#2. Skill Level: Beginner. color options. Place a mat on the base of your compactor and layer sand between the paver gaps for maximum protection. So, when it rains, instead of the sand washing out of the joints, the. This may be to save time or to cut costs, sometimes both. Polymeric sand is made mainly out of sand, silica, quartz, and other materials, whereas mortar is made primarily out of cement, lime, and sand. I’ve laid down about 120 pavers to form a walkway from the front to the back of my…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. Polymeric sand was first introduced to the hardscaping industry about a dozen years ago, and we at Stonehenge started using it as soon as it was available in this market. Buy On Amazon. It can also contain the broken-down shells of ancient sea creatures. activation and quickly becomes resistant to water erosion (rain, splashes, sprinklers, etc. To the touch, they feel more like a fine powder than anything else. 2. The installation of Gator Super Sand Bond is almost identical to using regular paver joint sand except for the application of water. The “glue” that ties paving projects together. After this is done, you can use the. First, use the utility knife to open the sandbag. It’s a type off sand used to refill included the joints between pavers, a product that’s created by merging a fine grit with additives – typically silica – and water to application a binding distributor that. Sand be a critical component at creative inviting and durable walkways and paver patios. On the dry paver flooring, sweep the floor with a soft-bristled broom. My 10 year old daughter can install it flawlessly, so I'm pretty sure you could. This creates a fairly strong bond between your pavers that is less likely to be eroded by weather. You should regularly inspect your paver to see if there are any issues with the sanding. On the other hand, polymeric sand can last for up to 10 or even 15 years before it needs to be replaced. Sandy is a critical component till creates inviting and durable walkways and paver patios. Jointing compounds are more expensive. The most recommended of the different sands available is polymeric sand or paving sand. Bought a house that already had pavers on the driveway. 5. Sand is a critical component to creating inviting and durable walkways and asphalt courts. For one, you’ll get a more durable finish. We used to very lightly use a leaf blower (just idling) to make sure the paver surface was nice and clean. Step 1. It is easy to distribute regular sand to create a leveled base to install pavers. When proper preparation is accepted (such as weed killer, insect repellant/removal), this polymeric jointing sandy has the potential to reduce weed growth, withstand rain. Because of the polymer, the sand mixture has a tendency to stain in the same way that regular mortar stains brick. If you do, the likelihood of it cracking like concrete is increased. Choosing the correct type of sand is significant toward seal the pavers and ensure that they have. Techniseal EZSand 40-lb Brown Paver Polymeric Sand. BEST BANG. Polymeric sand is a material used to fill paver joints, the empty spaces found between each paver, tile or natural stone. The only solution would be to completely remove the polymeric sand redo the whole pathway. Smooth Seal Grey: Haze-Free Joint Sand. . Updated on March 1, 2023 by Anton Giuroiu. How do you remove dried polymeric sand from the top of the pavers? Dried polymeric sand on the top of pavers can be unsightly and may cause damage over time. That process will give you the best long term patio. Polymeric sand is regular fine sand mixed with silica, quartz, and other synthetic binders. I've…No, paver sand and silica sand are not the same. Cement is often combined with concrete sand and this mixture is then used to construct septic systems. Make sure the surface is dry during installation and no rain is in the forecast for 24 to 48 hours after installation. After adding it to the paver joints, wet the polymeric sand to activate the polymer and harden the sand. 9. What you want to use instead is polymer sand. It’s ampere type of backbone used to filler in the joints between pavers, a product that’s created by mixing a fine sand with food – typical silica – and water to form a. Pros and Cons of Using Regular Sand for Pavers. Buy On Amazon. Lay out the pavers first to determine the desired pattern, then. 10 Most Easy ways to use Polymeric Sand. The introduction of polymeric sand helped homeowners prevent these. At the end of the installation, once all pavers are set, you pour the polymeric sand on the grout lines of the pavers, sweeping the sand around with a broom until all the joint are filled. The coverage area may vary based on the depth and width of the joints to be filled. The heat will reactivate the polymers in the product and allow you to strip away the sand. Used for matching with specific designs#4. However, you should think carefully about the long-term benefits; polymeric sand may cost more initially but add up to. There are different brands of sand for pavers to suit all budgets and needs. Use the garden hose on a fine mist setting to dampen the sand, trying not to let water pool in the joints. Stone dust is a good alternative--it does not wash out or displace as easily as paver sand--costs less than polymeric but a bit more than sand. stabilizing sealer, polymeric sand and a specialty sealer would be the best option. Unlike regular sand, polymeric sand hardens, preventing any shifting or movement over time. Revolutionary Camel Brown Paver Sand – 10lb. Paver sand is specifically designed for filling the joints between pavers. Easy mix paver bond polymeric sand is a blend of kiln-dried fine sand and a gelling agent formulated to create a cohesive joint between pavers. 1 2. I haven't gotten a price yet on the techniseal, but the big box stores sell a $10, 30 square foot bag. You’ll have to spread the paver leveling sand on top and around the pipes and screed it with the 2×4. Polymeric sand is a semi-permeable sand that contains additives and binding agents to lock paver joints into place. Check Price. Regular sand is much more likely to slowly trickle out of the joints, leaving your pavers looking sloppy. If you only have a crust, you don't have a proper bond in the joints. . Because if you use play sand instead of paver sand for paver, you’ll have to face unwanted painful scenarios. Builder’s Sand. Assuming you have a broom, a pressure washer, and a tarp, you will probably just spend around $2 – $4 for each 50lb bag of regular sand. Polymeric sand is a special. It’s a type of sand used to fill in the bonds within pavers, a product that’s produced by mixture one fine sand because additives – typically silica – and water on form a binding. This sand is also known as joint sand or leveling sand. Make sure your joints are dry. This sand includes a 15 year warranty. 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. At Landis Block we carry the SRW brand Pavermate Z3 products and Pavermate X-treme. , under an above-ground swimming pool. We'll also provide some tips on how to choose the right polymer sand for. 2. 1. What Are the Different Types of Polymeric Sand? Standard polymeric sand is a popular choice for smaller joints up to 2 inches. Once the sand is in place, use the broom to sweep in a sidewards motion and embed the sand further between the pavers. Sweep at an angle (not with the joints). Spread polymeric sand in sections. For any hardscaping project to bear fruit, it must last a long time. When installed properly, the hardened sand will lock. One of the biggest differences here is going to be with the application process. Cutting Corners. Polymeric sand also withstands. Polymeric sands have really come along way since their inception in 1999 by Techni Seal. Compact to let the sand fall in the cracks. Sweep in the sand. Polymeric sand is known to have good binding power and can make your pavers last long. Settle the sand by compacting with a hand and/or plate tamper (with rubber pad to protect pavers). Patio installers prefer polymeric sand to regular sand because it sticks to pavers better and keeps the joints between them even and durable. Pros of polymeric sand. Users sweep the product in between the gaps in pavers, thoroughly reaching every nook and cranny. Consider this my official mulch glue. So now, just wanted to change the path from the walkway (12″x12″ that’s sinking and too narrow) to my driveway that I have there now. This works in the short-term to stabilize the pavers and prevent them from shifting or moving. The only downside is its price. Many installers cut corners to speed up paving processes. . Minimum width between pavers: 1/16 in. That includes mold, mildew, weeds, and even insects. 6. Project requirements: dominator XL works well in paver joint width 1/8 to 4 in. Weatherproof – Unlike regular jointing sand, which can be washed away by. 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. If you happen to be around Sarasota, in FL, the best professionals on the field can be found at JS Brick. Both May Be Used for Jointing Paving. As you can see, the price varies considerably. The silica is a binding agent that helps to hold the sand in place. Simply sweep the sand into the joints and saturate with a water mist. EZ Sand 40 lbs. Rolling Top. Put a layer of paver sand between the gaps and run the compactor directly on top of it. You're still gonna need a regular maintenance program or some type of treatment to repel those weeds. Some still prefer regular sand, as they remain screed but not fixed. Polymeric sand and regular sand may both be used for filling the joints of pavers including bricks, paving stones, and natural stone. In short, no you cannot use regular sand between pavers. No, you cannot use polymeric sand instead of grout. The key to cleaning polymeric sand-filled pavers correctly actually lies in the application of the sand itself. What most people call “paver sand” is actually polymeric sand. Polymeric sand doesn’t hold in moisture, thus preventing the growth of mold and mildew. , and paver depth of at least 1 in. Sand and decomposed granite have a similar texture, but their composition is. Unlike regular sand, polymeric sand is impervious. Cracks appear between the two. Second, remove any loose debris from between the gaps. makes the pavers move less under your feet. Polymeric Sand is a mix of sand and specialized additives designed the fill the seals between concret pavers and brick pavers. BEST OVERALL: Black Diamond Coatings Dominator Polymeric Sand. As others have mentioned, the polymeric sand should be spread and brushed in, then plate compacted, then brushed in again (as the plate compacting will settle the sand between the pavers as expected). It’s a type a backbone spent to replenish in the joints amid pavers, a product that’s created by mixing ampere fine sand with additives – typically silica – and water into form. 2. Sunniland 0. Super Sand is a fine, dried sand product that has polymers added to it that when activated with water will harden up to resist being washed or blown out of joints less than 1/2″. Among all the alternatives, polymeric sand is preferred as there are some significant advantages to using polymeric sand vs. ). Apply an even, 1-inch layer of sand on top of the compact gravel. Once opened and exposed to the elements, it should be used within one year. Polymeric Sand. Polymeric sand is available in different colors and is easy to install. So, it is crucial to let the polymeric sand dry and cure. This gel effect helps keep the sand particles in place and resist washing out. Most polysand manufactures refer to concrete overlay as a wet set application where you have the paver set on mortar, the reason they don't want you to use the regular polysand is because still allows water to sip trough then with froze it will start loosing up all the pavers, they have a different sand for this application where that sand is. • Pavers must be installed on a drainage base composed of an upper layer of a maximum 1 inch thickness of bedding sand and a lower layer of compacted crushed stone. Our G2 line of polymeric sands are specially formulated for no haze, no dust, and only require a single watering! In this video, we'll discuss what different. Colors. 5-cu ft Brown Leveling Paver Sand. It lasts longer while keeping the paver boundRegular Sand Use. The sealer liquid will penetrate into the sand and when dried, the sand becomes hard and binds to the pavers and preexisting joint sand (if relevant). Thus, when you wet up polymeric sand for the first time, these polymers are activated, forming a hardened alloy that doesn’t wash away as easily as regular. Regular sand is cheaper and more readily available compared to polymeric sand. Mason's sand is more similar to concrete sand, so it ensures more resilience against the force of nature than normal polymeric sand. For the best result, it is much better to wait at least 1-3 days for polymeric sand to set before allowing foot traffic or any movements on its surface. When it is combined with water it creates a strong bond that is ideal for filling in joints in pavers. By doing this, this sand prevents water from slipping in through the joints and weakening the base. Keep in mind that sand is only a temporary solution for repairing driveway cracks. Issues One of the most common sand-related problems is haze. Sep 27, 2020 - Explore Framing Nailers Guide's board "Polymeric Sand VS Regular Sand for Pavers", followed by 3,332 people on Pinterest. The sand remains hard when dry and flexible when wet. Choosing the correct variety of sand is essential until seal this pavers and ensure that they are positioned firmly thus that who structure formers longer. Polymeric sand is not intended to be a replacement for. But the fact of the matter is - in about 14 months it wont matter - 1) the color will wash out from the sun. Polymeric Sand For Pavers. the extra time it takes to drain doesn't warrant switching back to regular sand, and risking weed seed germinating into a nightmare. Third, level the gaps so it is one surface instead of two uneven surfaces which will cause problems when applying concrete glue to hold everything together securely. makes the pavers move less under your feet. Polymeric sand is simply sand blended with polymers that act as bonding agents. depend on the shape and size of the pavers or slabs, and on the width and depth of joints. Repeat the compacting process. The best kind of sand for this purpose is concrete sand. stone decor trends Green Thumb Local July 1, 2021 stone fireplace. What is Regular Sand? Polymeric sand is not used in all hardscaping projects. As a result of its composition, polymeric sand is better fitted to withstand rain better than regular sand. You may choose to use stone dust if you have a large supply of it, or prefer the texture and appearance of it. Regular Sand. Thus, the most suitable pressure for cleaning pavers is the medium range (From 1600 to 2000 PSI). It costs $50 to $75 per 27. Then I carefully followed instructions on the polymeric sand. Nov 8, 2023 11:06 PM. Choosing the correctly type of sand a essential to seal who pavers and assure that they are laid firmly so that. For a more permanent fix, use asphalt patching material with the sand to fill the cracks. - Driveway Expert Polymeric Sand vs Regular Sand – What’s The Difference? by Driveway Expert Laying pavers can create a stunning outdoor area like a. It does not work as well if you fill the joints with regular sand and then put a shallow layer of poly on top. Well, this sand is flexible, which makes it an ideal option for contractors and homeowners. ProGrass 50-lb Green (8-Bag) Artificial Grass Infill. The application of polymeric sand marks the final stage of any paving project. But if you want the structure to be strong then it’s essential that. Yield: 10 x 10 surface; Skill Level: Beginner; Estimated Cost: $40 to $60; Polymeric sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving project, including projects involving concrete pavers, brick pavers, and stone pavers. Then think about the desired thickness of the paver sand. The solution lies with polymeric Sand which is used to fill the complete depth of the paver. The history books will forever remember the rise of Polymeric Sand and its triumph over the traditional Regular Sand. While a 50-pound bag of ordinary sand costs $2 to $4, its polymeric equivalent can range from $20 to $40. Generally, when your pavers were first installed, a masonry or paver sand was used to fill the joints between the pavers. My 10 year old daughter can install it flawlessly, so I'm pretty sure you could. This term “polymeric sand” ability sonor please any sort of high-tech, futuristic product, but there’s a done chance you’ve encountered it somewhere along the line. Polymeric sand is a product specially developed for paver joints. teabreak Screwfix Select. Check out 40 Pound Titanium Gray Polymeric Sand on Amazon. Check out 40 Pound Titanium Gray Polymeric Sand on Amazon. Rain: Resists unforeseen rain 60 minutes after installation, requires 24 hours no rain. 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. 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. Joint stabilizing sealer. You should not use just any sand that you can get a hold of to put in. Water cannot really flow through hardened polymeric sand. Aberdeen (large slab pavers) 216-483. What most people refer to as "paver sand" is really polymeric sand. Benefits of Polymeric Sand: Strength and Durability: The hardened polymeric sand forms a robust bond between the pavers, ensuring they stay securely in place. In addition, generic fill can get washed away by rain or blown away by wind. : If the area is prone to heavy rainfall or flooding, additional drainage solutions may be necessary. 4. However,. Use a blower to blast out the joints again. Add more sand as necessary to fill the cracks between the pavers again. Silica sand is a type of sand that is made up of small, spherical particles of sand. makes it more difficult for weeds to grow. Screened regular sand costs $5-$30 per ton, while polymeric sand costs $20-$40 per 50lb-55lb bag. Polymeric sand is a special kind of sand that, when combined with water, produces a very effective binding agent that binds cements the sand particles together. This process may be repeated to ensure complete coverage. Durability and Longevity. The sand helps to secure the pavers in place, while also creating an aesthetic look to the finished project. I used Easy joint in my slabs and it was brilliant over a year and no trace of a weed. It is a budget-friendly polymeric sand for. Polymeric sand is made up of a mixture between fine grains and specific additive particles. The result is a longer-lasting paver installation. Polymeric sand is a blend of refined grains and a binding agent that, when combined with a little amount of water, sets to create a strong sealant everywhere in the paver joints. It is more expensive than regular dry joint sand but not as pricey as joint compound. ( 975) $35. This also helps stop water from seeping under the pavers and lifting them. Because it helps create such strong joints between pavers, this sand is sometimes referred to as "joint sand" when it. The most common type of sand for paver joints is silica sand. Like Gator Supersand, the installation process of Gator Maxx is almost identical to using regular paver joint sand except for the application of water. What is Regular Sand? Polymeric sand is not used in all hardscaping projects. Within this environment, the sand can expand when wet and not run the risk of protruding out over the tops of the pavers. Using cement as filler between pavers has several drawbacks, the greatest of which is that it does not allow the freedom of movement that joint sand does. Can You Use Regular Sand Between Pavers. Beyond their protective qualities, poly sands and. Traditional masonry sand is swept into the paver joints to fill the joints. The filled and cured polymeric sand joints should never be in direct contact with foot traffic or tires. Place the pipes parallel to each other at a close enough distance to place the 2×4 on top of them. Regular sand can also last long but will require adjustments every 2 years so that the pavement doesn't shift. If you want to avoid this during the installation process, then cement-free polymeric is going to be the best option. For even better performance, use a hot water pressure washer at 180 ° F. This type of sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving. A cost-effective alternative to HP Nextgel for smaller-duty jobs. 9% weed free. The following step-by-step guide will help you safely and effectively remove dried polymeric sand from the top of your pavers. EnviroSAND and white-washed sand are the two best alternatives to polymeric sand. Find and save ideas about polymeric sand on Pinterest. Hi guys new to the site but hello. They look nice but now that it's spring, things are sprouting between the pavers and I figured that it might be best to use polymeric sand to make sure plants don't sprout on the drive way and damage the nice looking pavers. Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and MaterialsThe primary purpose of polymeric sand is to resist weeds and ants while holding pavers in place. Obviously, there are others, but this is probably an average mix of pavers you would see anywhere in the country. Polymeric sand is a particular type of sand that, when mixed with water, creates a binding agent extremely powerful that binds the sand particles together. Used for matching with specific designs#4. Check Price. Polymeric sand is a specialized construction material typically used for landscaping projects like sealing pavers and driveways. The reason polymeric sand remains strong over time in comparison to fine sand or regular paver sand is because of the special mixture of additive particles used in our ACCEL products. I think it is less porous. It may not even be the most popular option. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. Polymeric sand is usually only used to fill paver joints. regular sand? Regular sand is just natural fine sand from rivers or mining areas. May 12, 2023 - Homeownership means constantly finding projects to work on. Durability. Poly sand needs to go the full depth of the paver, or close to it. Polymeric sand is a weed. Sweep a broom across the pavers at a 45 degree angle to fill joints. Paver patios need sand to seal the pavers and make sure the structure is firmly in place and durable. After sweeping the sand into the joints. The only solution would be to completely remove the polymeric sand redo the whole pathway. In such cases, a pressure washer can be an effective tool. Blow across the pavers, not down, otherwise you can blow too much sand out of the cracks. 2. The filled and cured polymeric sand joints should never be in direct contact with foot traffic or tires. These heavy-duty materials can be used in between both pavers and slabs. When suitable preparation is taken (such such turf killer, insect repellant/removal), this polymeric jointing sand has one ability toward reduce weed growth, resist rain. Polymeric sand is our preference but there's nothing wrong with using sand. California) if you are replacing a lawn, you are not supposed to use decomposed granite. EasyJoint is the All Weather Joint compound. Get it now on Amazon. Then think about the desired thickness of the paver sand. The easy-to-find, most affordable sand is regular dry sand. 6. These gaps will be filled with polymeric sand; Ensure that the surface is clean and free of any debris or dust before applying the polymeric sand; Pour the polymeric sand onto the paver surface. Although polymeric sand is very durable, mortar is simply more so. As the name implies, the Polymeric Sand is a mixture of the fine sands that are combined with polymers and other additives. The hardened joints resisted weeds, ants couldn’t tear it up to. How to Use Polymeric Sand in 10 Easy Steps. 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. Backed by a 15-year limited warranty. You’ll receive premium customer service from the moment you contact our office. Polymeric sand can also be used for this process and is generally worth the cost upgrade. of the sand Mold and Moss Prevention Does not allow water to penetrate and will dry faster. In short, no you cannot use regular sand between pavers. Keep repeating this step as many times as necessary to get rid of excess polymeric sand. (a)polymeric sand, it appears that sand is designed for this purpose, but many in the web said this doesn't actually work. This is for interlocking concrete pavers for patios, driveways, streets, industrial areas up to 20 or 40 acres or for airport taxiways. While the lifespan of any surface or paver joint can vary based on the climate and product type, polymeric sand usually lasts for 10 years. If you’re looking for polymeric sand that can be used for joints up to 4 inches in size, the Rhino Power Bond Plus is a great choice. This specialist sand contains a mixture of silica and quartz. Build. If your only priority is to harden the sand in the joint of your pavers to prevent sand loss and weed growth, polymeric sand may be the better option. Polymeric sand is easy to mix with water and is compatible with different materials. The sand helps to secure the pavers into a uniform and. Re: polymeric sand vs regular sand for paver patio There is absolutely NO EXCUSE to use anything but polymeric sand in 2012. This type of sand is specifically designed to stay in place once it has been compacted. The price: Polymeric sand is more expensive than regular sand. It took the already low-maintenance brick paver patios we were installing down to nearly zero maintenance. Step 2: Now you have to take the biggest challenge on your way to installing polymeric sand. To use vinegar to remove polymeric sand haze, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bucket. Step 2: Get the Right Polymeric Sand. Eventually, the crust will break away, eroding the joint. BuddingCo Polymeric Sand - Best Joint Stabilizing Sand for Stone Pavers. You simply sweep the material into the flagstone (or other paver) joints, lightly hose down, then it solidifies. It also requires at least 48 hours before vehicular activities are allowed on pavers with polymeric sand. Fast-setting, water resistant 90-minutes after installation. Historically, pavers for patios, walkways, and driveways were installed with regular masonry sand. It’s suitable for a range of paver materials, including. Yet another popular substitute for polymeric sand is a joint stabilizing sealer. In some applications where the joints between the pavers are rather large (1/4″ or larger) we suggest using the polymeric sand over the joint stabilizing paver sealer because the. Polymeric sand or poly-sand is a unique mixture of fine sand combined with other additives, typically polymers, when bound with water will form a surprisingly strong glue. Regular sand is to large for the paver cracks and it should only be used to establish a base. Regular sand is versatile, cheap, readily accessible, and easier to work with. For even better performance, use a hot water pressure washer at 180 ° F. Beyond their protective qualities, poly sands and. Stays Clean from weed or insect infestation#3. Once it is properly installed, activated, and hardened, it forms a solid and durable joint between the pavers or stones. EnviroSAND is flexible so cracking doesn’t occur in the joints. com. While you can use regular sand instead of polymeric sand for paver joints, it does not offer the same benefits. 5 ft = 161. The rest of the ingredients are some type of filler and the proprietary glue. Sand can be a mixture of minerals, quartz, feldspar, mica, and silicon dioxide. Run a plate compactor and reapply. However, not everyone wants to use polymeric sand, and many homeowners opt for an alternative. Run a plate compactor and reapply. Polymeric sand is usually good for about ten years, so re-sanding costs are saved when using this type of sand. g. Table of ContentsPolymeric Sand VS Regular Sand For PaversWhat Is Paver Sand?Polymeric Sand Uses for Paver#1. Keep repeating this step as many times as necessary to get rid of excess polymeric sand. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. Issues One of the most common sand-related problems is haze. In order to implement the goal, we recommend you use a non-selective herbicide. Polymeric sand. Poly Sands & NOCO. Step 2. Over time there may be some washout with extreme water flow. One major factor to consider before choosing the sand for your paver is its binding power. 7) If it rains a lot, the polymer leaches out in a year or two, and you are left with "regular sand" except it sticks to the pavers and if you need to re-do the joints its going to be a royal pain whereas with regular sand, no problem. You will also need some sort of tool that is thin enough to fit into the crack, so you can compact the sand. Choosing the correct type of sand has essential to lock the pavers and ensure that they were laid firmly so that the structure lasts longer. But if you're working with larger, natural stones with irregular. . The hardened joints resisted weeds, ants couldn’t tear it up to. Different brands of polymeric sand available for cleaning patio pavers include Alliance Gator Super Sand, Sakrete Paver Set, and Techniseal HP NextGel. Polymeric sand is a material used to fill the paver joints, which are the empty spaces between each paver.