Durability and Longevity. Simply sweep between pavers and mist with water. Filling joints between interlocking pavers and slabs has never been easier than with Sika FastFix-110, a high performance polymeric sand! Its superior quality provides for a durable joint that resists erosion, weed growth and insects. . The 4 Polymeric Sand Alternatives. While paver sand sits underneath the paver stone in a compact bedding layer, paver joint sand and polymeric sand are applied over the paver stone to fill in the spaces between the joints. Packaging. ft. Speak With An Expert. Once the crack is filled, spray down with a hose to wet the sand and keep it in place while it dries. 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. Once FLEXLOCK SAND polymeric sand sets, it becomes very firm and locks between the paver joints while still. The material will settle when you hose it down, so repeat. Resists erosion, weed growth and insects. Once the product is properly applied, it will harden only the surface of the sand (generally 1/8”-1/4” deep). . com before installing. The minimum joint depth is 1 in. Gator Jointing Material. The weather in your area and the location of the pavers also play roles in longevity. Blu 60 (3 size slab type paver) 90 sf/bag. Credit: Charles F. Enhance your next patio, driveway or other exterior project with this polymeric sand. 7 kg | 50 lbs (bag) 56. Even though SmartSand offers lesser jointing performances, this poly sand is more than. . How To Install Gator Base. Winter Storage Tips. Ideal forSurface type : Concrete Paver, Concrete Slab, Interlocking Paver, Wet Cast Paver. Water will pool up on top of it. Polymeric sand is easy to mix with water and is compatible with different materials. 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. Out of these three main ingredients, the first two make up approximately 85-95% of the product by volume. Techniseal EZ Sand is a trusted and proven mix of graded sand and binder that flows smoothly down joints for a fast and effective installation of pavers or slabs on surfaces exposed to normal traffic. PRODUCT LIST. Furthermore, polymeric sand in taupe color gives a darker shade comparatively but still keeps its beige color. 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. Compact, the grade with base (sand, screening, etc) and relay bricks. . (25 mm). most of the polymeric sand stayed in place. It’s sometimes called jointing sand, paver sand, or. Then you'll need to get all the excess off the surface of the pavers before you water the sand to set it. The sand should sit around 1/10th inch below the top of the paver or even with the lower edge of the bevel. If they are adjacent to each other, e. Obviously, there are others, but this is probably an average mix of pavers you would see anywhere in the country. 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. Regular sand is not permanent and is easy to remove if there is a need to adjust. Pavers and slabs must be installed according to ICPI Tech Spec #2 traditional (before Gator Maxx G2 Sand installation. Buy On Amazon Buy On Walmart. Polymeric is great for standard pavers that have spacing between them like grout lines in tile. Both polymeric sand and stone dust are very fine materials. 0. Gator Dust or Gator Maxx it is an advanced polymeric sand mixture that has wide gap applications. Benefits of Regular Sand. 7 kg | 50 lbs (bag) 56. Proprietary polymer/organic. 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. They’ll withstand the rain. The minimum joint depth is 1” (25 mm). The process of installing pavers with polymeric base sand starts by adding a water-activated polymer to the sand. Easy to remove: when the time for reinstallation comes, you can wash. Designed for joints up to 1/2 in. Thus, the most suitable pressure for cleaning pavers is the medium range (From 1600 to 2000 PSI). Regular Sand: Understanding the Difference — North Valley Stone Supply LLC Sand is a critical component to creating inviting and durable. It could also emphasize the tone for gray bricks and stones. PRODUCT LIST. -deep layer of compacted gravel. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. Take care to leave the height of SUPERSAND G2 at least 1/8″ (3 mm) below top of paver’s surface or 1/8″ (3 mm) below the chamfer. I did not use the foam that is used with concrete as i thought we were going to just add polymeric sand. Polymeric sand is also easy to find but will cost you more—anywhere from $20 to $90 per 50-pound bag. But when pressed together, the polymer makes the sand stick to itself and keep its shape like wet sand yet leaves your hands completely dry. 86. ) If I’m resealing a patio, do I still need to use an efflorescence cleaner?. -deep layer of compacted gravel. As such, regular sand is prone to erosion during downpours or when the paved surface is power-washed. Once Gator Tile Sand sets, it becomes very firm and locks between the porcelain tile joints while still retaining flexibility and providing a long lasting, durable jointing material. 55 when you choose 5% savings on eligible purchases every day. The 2020 Show Season Has Officially Begun. Paver Joint Sand vs. ( 975) $35. Nails. Fill joints between interlocking pavers and slabs! Use SAKRETE Polymeric Sand, a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand, available in Beige or Grey. $84. Many installers cut corners to speed up paving processes. Some types of relatively easy fixes become a major pain when the sand is glued to your pavers. Gator Base. Just pull, add sand where you're pavers are low and replace brick. Polymeric sand is very versatile but doesn't work very well in super moist or cold conditions below a certain temp. Polymeric Sand Concentrate,20 lbs-Polymers and. ft. Spread polymeric sand in sections. The most obvious difference between regular sand and polymeric sand lies in the materials that they’re made from. 1. 81. Dominator is top quality polymeric sand in the market. 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 *. Dry joint sand will allow the product to properly soak into the joint for proper stabilization. 5. Most sands require enough water to saturate the sand just until the water stops soaking into the joint. Sika FastFix-110 is easy to use and can be applied by both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. (25 mm). In smaller areas, pour in. Minimum width between pavers: 1/4 in. 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. Preferably you'd scrap out some base, add fresh base. This quick guide breaks down the product’s features and benefits. In applications that have larger, natural stones with irregular contours, it can be difficult to create consistent ½” joints. The challenge is to avoid staining. Gator Tile Sand is a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand available in Beige, Slate Grey, Ivory and Black Diamond. 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. 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. 86. They’re Both Very Fine. 2 posts · Joined 2018. What’s the difference between Nitro and polymeric sands? Nitro is new, catchy, and hardens like mortar, but is it right for every job? Come learn when to use Nitro and when you’re. This sustainable material (LEED certified) helps prevent paving stone erosion. 0. Making frequent repairs in a polymeric sand walkway will be easier than a mortar walkway. Note: Pavers with large spacer bars will typically use 10 to 15% less sand than this calculation. The third uses washed concrete sand as the bedding base rather than stone dust. Polymeric sand can be found in a variety of colors, including tan, gray, and black. These colors complement red pavers and create a harmonious, natural-looking finish. 7 kg bag can cover up to 11 m2 (120 sq. This specialist sand contains a mixture of silica and quartz. Paving surface must be pre-wet before installation and must remain The products listed below can safely be stored outdoors: Polymeric sand and dust*. GATOR MAXX SAND is a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand available in Beige and Slate Grey. To start the curing process, initially water is needed but later on its presence is harmful for the polymeric sand. Shower your pavers to seal and harden the sand. 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. The cement begins to bond with the polymers in the sand, and the exclusive formula does the rest. A water-activated polymer is introduced to the sand. It is absolutely useless and was all toren. For hardscape projects that matter, PolySweep is the only choice that delivers solid performance and value. Grout is generally an interior joint sealer, whereas polymeric sand is usually an outdoor joint sealer. Made with fine sand and a cement free formula to aid in easy installation but is. The sand and dust both come in a variety of colors to match your patio depending on the. Geogrids and Geotextiles. Polymeric sand is used to fill the joints between paving stones, enhancing both aesthetics and durability of the overall structure. It leaves a classic warm beige touch, perfect for beige to orange shades of bricks. This gel effect helps keep the sand particles in place and resist washing out. Polymeric sand is a fine sand that is combined with additives that form a binding agent when exposed to water. It works on tight joints as well as joints as wide as 4 inches. The smaller sand works better for flagstones that are closer together. STEP 5. 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. Settle the sand by compacting with a hand and/or plate tamper (with rubber pad to protect pavers). There are a couple of drawbacks to polymeric sand. Details: GATOR MAXX G2 is made with a state-of-the-art manufacturing process. On the other hand, regular sand is often used to create a base for pavers due to its easy distribution and low. ft. Polymeric sand actually cures via drying, whereas Easy Joint cures through a chemical reaction with oxygen. jointing sand for a fast, clean, durable and profitable installation. 1. 95. The key to successfully using polymeric sand on a hybrid base is two-fold. 2. Step 1. The Polybind polymeric sand must pass this test with all sand remaining in the Petri dish. Simply sweep Quikrete 50 lb. Step 1. Gator Supersand Bond Polymeric Sand by Alliance Designer Products – Best Overall Choice. Benefits of Polymeric Sand: Strength and Durability: The hardened polymeric sand forms a robust bond between the pavers, ensuring they stay securely in place. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16 in. Let it dry out and make your assessment. A polymeric sand would potentially not work as well because it needs to completely dry in order to fully cure. Unlike the natural sand tone, the taupe color for your polymeric sand brings a warmer shade. But this isn’t an issue with polymeric sand, which reduces the amount of water that will work its way into the space between your pavers. 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. However, the life expectancy could vary based on the specific products. Here are photos of the expansion joint. . The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” to a maximum 2” joint width. Thus, you need about 0. How to install Gator Maxx G2 polymeric sand. †NextGel™ contains no dust from additives. -Polymeric sand. Coverage : For narrow joint installations, one 22. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16 in. EASYJoint grout or all weather joint compound is a very quick, effective and aesthetically pleasing way to fill joints between paving, be it natural stone or concrete flags. Asia based insect creates issues for Crape Myrtle trees in AlabamaPolymeric sand is best used on joints with gaps between an eighth of an inch to four inches. Long Island, NY. So. Gator Edges and Fasteners. Gator Tile Sand (a. 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. Gator Nitro is best suited for joint widths that are a minimum of 3/16” and a maximum of 2. EZ Sand Techniseal polymer sand prevents weed growth, repels ants and other insect infestations. $24. For best results, make sure the joint sand is dry before the sealer is applied. 4. Pavers on a covered patio may be more stable than pavers without a cover. Key point with polymeric sand is to clean the pavers of it so it is only in the gaps. This type of sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving. (5 mm) to a maximum 2 in. With Techniseal’s industry-leading. 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. Polymeric sand has come a long way since its inception in the early 2000s and is a quality product for a jointing compound these days. The silica is a binding agent that helps to hold the sand in place. NanoPave JSS creates a strong, durable bond in common sand or crushed stone jointing materials for joints up to 4 in. 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. a. Keep in mind, however, that polymeric sand is only suitable for filling joints that are 1 inch in size or smaller. For starters, it strengthens the bond between the pavers. Check out our EZ joint sand compound, perfect for all your projects. Especially in a climate with winters like ours in Pennsylvania. Used for matching with specific designs. Use a broom to fill gaps. It is more flexible than fine dry sweeping sand but should not be used in driveways. 1. Silica 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. You can find it anywhere, costing $5 to $20 per 50-pound bag. Play Video. 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. Here are a few pros and cons of polymeric sand. Exterior Use. Play Video. DOMINATOR 40-lb Titanium Gray Paver Polymeric Sand. You could mix concrete with polymeric sand and that should hold nicely but I don't think it will look that appealing. Winter Storage Tips. Weatherproof – Unlike regular jointing sand, which can be washed away by. The minimum joint depth is 1 in. Enhance your next patio, driveway or other exterior project with this polymeric sand. This product, applied with a brush or sprayer, fills in the gaps between pavers and hardens to prevent weeds and insect infestations. It costs $50 to $75 per 27. Sweep off excess SUPERSAND BOND polymeric sand from the paved surface, first with a hard-bristle broom, then a soft bristle broom. 5-pound bucket. Soil refers to a mix of organic material, minerals, and rocks particles that help support plant life. 48 cm) joint width all the way up to a 5” (12. The dust that can be found is of natural source and comes exclusively from the sand. This type of sand is designed to resist erosion and retain its original shape. 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 *. Poly Sands & NOCO. It’s a type of sand used to fill in the joints between pavers, a product that’s created by mixing a fine sand with additives – typically silica – and water to form a. Alliance Designer Products on LinkedIn: Gator Nitro vs. Always use cold water because warm water can warp the polymeric sand. Deters ants and other insects. So I googled sand vs. The filled and cured polymeric sand joints should never be in direct contact with. Our Gator Maxx G2 sand is our most resilient polymeric sand product. So we tested 5 brands of polymer. Simply sweep Quikrete 50 lb. They all described similar excavation and prep compacting in 2" increments. Nitro Sand**. As a result, the material won’t need. It forms a. View Full Product Details. 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. 9. When using multiple size pavers for a project, calculate and enter the average length and width in the Simplified Sand Calculator. 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. Convert the volume to cubic yards if needed. Now, one year later, the mortar is breaking apart from the flagstones and crumbling. 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. You must use the right type of aggregate and you must compact that sand until it chokes. $84. On the dry paver flooring, sweep the floor with a soft-bristled broom. 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. Crystalline silica. Calculate Easy Joint Pound for Pound just like your Polymeric Sand. POLYBIND COMPLETE SAND G2 level, must be at least 1/8″ (3 mm) below top of paver’s surface or 1/8″ (3 mm) below the chamfer or erosion may occur. Plastic detritus from all sorts of trash sources (either originally microparticles such as in body washes or. GATOR MAXX G2 is recommended for a variety of uses including pool decks, patios, footpaths, driveways. After removing all the old joint sand. Once Gator Tile Sand sets, it becomes very firm and locks between the porcelain tile joints while still retaining flexibility and providing a long lasting, durable jointing material. bag will cover 65-85 square feet if the joints are narrow. Play Video. Pros of polymeric sand. The purpose of polymeric sand is to fill the joints between pavers and to help stabilize the surface of a patio, walk, or driveway. Watch on. Activate the sand by lightly showering the pavers with water according to the manufacturer’s directions. The Patio is Bluestone natural cleft with 4 different sizes in the pattern and half inch grout joints. While a 50-pound bag of ordinary sand costs $2 to $4, its polymeric equivalent can range from $20 to $40. A neighbor recommended that I talk to the contractor about using polymeric sand. Polymeric doesn't bring anything to the table. The key to successfully using polymeric sand on a hybrid base is two-fold. The filled and cured polymeric sand joints should never be in direct contact with foot traffic or tires. 6. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of using polymeric sand for making bonds between the paver stones. Details: GATOR MAXX G2 is made with a state-of-the-art manufacturing process. This is why I always recommend going with crushed gravel again, it depends on the type of patio and the gaps we have to work. Grey. •••. Homeowners don’t need to replace polymeric sand continuously. PREPARATION INFORMATION (IMPORTANT NOTES)Sand is ultimately a much safer option than stone dust for paving projects. It is not recommended to use polymeric sand for filling large gaps. Available in 15. Helps reduce joint erosion - water, frost heaving, wind, power washing, etc. The answer is polymeric sand is better for locking the joints, and regular sand/concrete sand is better for bedding. Play Video. Your reputation is on the line with every job you build so don’t compromise on your polymeric sand. Color: Beige and Slate Gray. 56 pounds per bucket or click. 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 your. 3. Date published: 2018-09-09. 7/8. SUPERSAND G2 is made with a state-of-the-art manufacturing process. Easier Paver Patios. The only downside is its price. Button. The initial drying of polymeric sand is an important factor for its long term durability that tends to indicate its longevity later on. For smaller-duty installations, Techniseal offers paver experts a cost-effective alternative. Exactly. However, this is not a black-or-white issue. Exactly how fine stone dust is, however, depends on the exact stone dust you get, as some may be finer than others. Minimum width between pavers: 1/16 in. It is sometimes called jointing sand, paver sand or hardscape sand. If the joint is too narrow, there will not be enough polymeric sand to create a proper bond. When it is combined with water it creates a strong bond that is ideal for filling in joints in pavers. One of the biggest differences here is that polymeric sand is not water permeable. Our Pick. Polymeric sand is made mainly out of sand, silica, quartz, and other materials, whereas mortar is made primarily out of cement, lime, and sand. Durability is a major selling point for pavers, and employing polymeric sand will just extend the lifespan and stability and resilience of your project. 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. This means that water can flow through it. . Additionally, polymeric sand also helps to lock pavers into place and reduce weed growth and sand loss. ) and for silica, it is the repetition of SiO4. However,. Play sand has the potential to degrade the quality of the paver sand. And a $50 gallon container that covers 100 square feet. For joint sand, it’s best to use sand in various sizes of grain, according to the team at Braen Stone. 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. STEP 5. Regular Sand: Understanding the Difference — North Valley Stone Supply LLC. Installing polymeric sand is the final step in your paver project and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the longevity. Polymeric sand doesn’t hold in moisture, thus preventing the growth of mold and mildew. This material has a fairly simple installation. Determine the thickness of the sand layer (usually around 1 inch) and calculate the volume in cubic feet. Play it smart and don’t take risks if there’s significant rain in the forecast. 1-kg. cmirrer Discussion starter. So getting one initial complete drying "set" is very important to the long-term performance and lifespan of the product. "Magic sand"is a sand with a polymer added. It offers a clean, dust-free installation and activates with one watering. Rigid and Flex Edging. 7 kg bag can cover up to 4 m2 (40 sq. Fill the crack with the sand, tamping it down firmly as you go. Read more about us >Where polymeric sand bends when under stress, mortar cracks, and repairing the cracks in mortar can also be a hassle. If the gaps are too wide,. . No, you cannot use polymeric sand instead of grout. 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. 15. 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. Polymeric sand, on the other hand, contains polymer-coated particles that bind together when water is added. Pour polymeric sand over the patio, following instructions on the bag until all the gaps are filled. The takeaway here: while you can’t control the weather, you can certainly control many aspects of your polymeric sand job. Note, this is why we always recommend. STEP 3. Beige; Grey; BlackDescription. 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. 98. GATOR NITRO OINT SAND eo ate : 08032023 Page 3 of 7 PREPARATION INFORMATION (IMPORTANT NOTES) A. This can mean filling the gaps and spreading sand on top, which prevents the pavers from shifting or moving over. Now, using a coarse bristled broom, you’ll sweep the sand across the installation. Note: Polymeric sand is more suited for use in narrow, even-sized gaps, such as those between brick pavers. The hardscape industry's leading high-duty polymeric jointing sand. STEP 5. **Nitro Sand should never be stored in direct sunlight or exposed to heat above 120. Reading Rock, Inc. Cleaners. #hardscapelife #pavers #alliancegator Gator Nitro vs. #3. Polymeric sand is used in paver joints because it helps prevent most weeds and ants: Its bonded surface. Our new Gator Nitro is very different from polymeric sand. Step 2. Determine the thickness of the sand layer (usually around 1 inch) and calculate the volume in cubic feet. The product. Gator Base. Durability and Longevity. not better, just different! In this article, we’ll discuss the primary differences between Gator Nitro and poly sand to help. To the touch, they feel more like a fine powder than anything else. 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 method of installing the polymeric sand can be applied to almost any paver a. 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. Because of the consistency of the product, Gator Nitro would be very challenging to install in tight, hairline joints. com. Advertisement. Magic Sand/Paver Locking Sand is an advanced polymer modified binding joint sand used in paver and slab joint applications. 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. 21. Step-by-Step Instructions. It leaves a classic warm beige touch, perfect for beige to orange shades of bricks. Delivers professional performance not previously available to the public, with an application guide to ensure proper installation. Quikrete. While the polymeric "sand" may last a big longer, I would just as soon see less small-grain plastic released into the wild.