Pavers need sand to help hold them in place and to also prevent weeds and pests from destroying the pavers. How you apply sand to your pavers will affect how well the sand will hold in the face of adverse weather conditions, strong wind and persistent weeds. Also, adding sand properly will bind the pavers together with friction joints.
Choosing The Sand
First, select the type of sand you will use. Polymere sand is one of the best options because it will harden when it is activated by water. The polymer sand is durable enough that you can powerwash your pavers without worrying about dislodging the sand. Other great options are river washed sand and sharp sand. The right type of sand is more likely to bind together, holding the pavers in place.
Brushing In The Sand
Use a broom to sweep the sand into the paver joints. A push broom can help you cover a larger area more quickly. Then, use a smaller broom to guide sand into the areas where it is not level.
Operating A Compactor
Use a compactor to embed the pavers in the sand. Doing so will help better lock the pavers into place. The compactor causes the pavers to drop into your sand about ¼ an inch. The compactor also vibrates the sand so that it fills the joint more securely.
Preparing The Pavers For A Sealant
Simply adding sand to your paver joints would be enough. However, if you seal the sand in, the sand will be less likely to degrade. The sealer hardens the outer exterior, making the sand more resistant to weed and pests. The sealer is a water-based polymer that is sprayed over the sand. Before applying the sealer, remove all dirt, rocks and vegetation that are covering the joints. The dirt, dust and debris is easily removed with a leaf blower. If there is not an even amount of sand in the joints, add more sand.
Applying A Sealant
Spray the sealer with low-pressure spraying equipment to avoid displacing the sand. After you have covered the sand joints with the sealer, you will need to push the sealer still on the pavers into the joints with a squeegee. Avoid allowing large quantities of the sealer to remain pooled on the pavers. Then, allow the sealant to dry and harden the sand. Then, you will have pavers that are more durable. Contact a company like Burien Bark LLC for more information or assistance.
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