Who has time to think about joint sand or sand sealant?
When designing a new paver patio, walkway, or driveway, it’s easy to get caught up in the more exciting parts of the project and forget about some of the necessary, mundane elements. After all, there are colors and designs to choose from. There are finishes to consider.
And yet, without those mundane parts, your paver space will likely degrade much more quickly. If you’re going to have a beautiful paver patio or walkway for years to come, you can’t keep your head in the clouds. You’ll need to come down to the ground and consider the nuts and bolts of your project.
One of the most mundane aspects of your patio or walkway is whether or not you’ll be using sand in the joints of your pavers. Although sand doesn’t normally add a great deal to the overall look of your pavers, it’s an important decision that can impact their long-term stability. Here are some things that you should think about as you decide whether to use sand, sand sealant, etc. in your next paver project.
Why Use Sand for my Pavers?
When installing pavers, one of the last things you’ll normally do is fill in the joints with sand. By using sand, you’ll give your overall design added strength. Without any sand in your paver joints, water will be able to run down under your pavers and wash out the aggregate base beneath. This erosion can create a base that shifts, leading to your whole design moving out of alignment. In addition, sand can help guard against weeds and mold. And if applied correctly, sand can also minimize the impact of pests like ants and other bugs. In short, using sand in your paver joints is essential if you hope to maintain their long-term appearance.
What Are the Benefits of Sand Sealant?
Unfortunately, if you only sand your paver joints but leave the space unsealed, your sand can easily end up blowing or washing away. There are two primary ways to ensure your sand remains firmly in place for as long as possible…
First, you can use a polymer sand that binds the sand together and attaches it to the sides of your pavers. Polymer sand is a mixture of sand and chemical polymers that react when water is added. And though this may be a good option for you, we generally recommend going another route…
The best way to protect against your sand eroding is to seal your entire space with a sealant. Fortunately, sealant doesn’t just protect your paver joints, it guards your entire paver surface against oil, grease, food, and more. And it doesn’t just protect! A quality paver sealant can also enhance the overall look of your pavers, bringing out their natural colors and even leaving the entire space with a glossy or matte look.
In short, if you’re going to spend the money to properly secure your paver joints, its best to use a sand sealant that can be used across your entire paver walkway or patio. Not only will it protect the integrity of your paver joints, it will guard your pavers and improve their look.
For superior joint stabilization, take a look at our line of paver sealer products. Email us for more information.
