Tips On Installing Polymeric Joint Sand

Preventing Cloudiness When Using Polymeric Joint Sand

Polymeric sand is an amazing product for filling and locking joints between hardscape flat-work products like concrete pavers. Polymeric sand is fine sand that has been mixed with special water-activated polymers that form a strong binding agent. Once dried and cured, a properly installed polymeric sand will help lock pavers into place; as well as prevent weeds and insect infestations from taking hold between the joints of your paved area.

One drawback of polymeric sand is that when not properly installed, the binding agent can leave a cloudiness or film on the surface of your concrete pavers, negatively affecting the final look of your project. There are several steps you can take to help avoid these potential problems during the installation process:

NOTE: RCP Block & Brick does NOT recommend using polymeric sand if you intend to seal the area using a paver sealer with sand locking properties. If planning to seal the project with this type of product, a traditional paver joint sand like the RCP Joint Sand should be used.

Always follow manufacturers suggested installation guidelines when installing polymeric sand.

1. Ensure Pavers Are Completely Dry

Ensure the pavers are completely dry before applying polymeric joint sand. Moisture, even the slightest dampness, will activate the binding agents within the polymeric sand. If the pavers are wet when the polymeric sand is applied, it will create a hazy or cloudy appearance on your paver surface.

2. Do Not Install Polymeric Sand in Inclement Weather

Avoid applying polymeric sand if rain is expected within 24 hours. If rain occurs before the polymeric sand has a chance to dry and cure, it can wash the sand out of the joints and across the paver surface.
To ensure proper curing, avoid applying polymeric sand when temperatures are forecasted at or below 32°F for up to 24 hours after installation.

3. Properly Fill the Joints with Polymeric Sand

When filling the paver joints with polymeric sand, use a broom to sweep the polymeric sand across the paver area and vibrate sand into joints. Ensure that the sand fills the gaps between the pavers completely, but DO NOT OVERFILL JOINTS. You want to keep joint sand approximately 1/8” below the paver surface.
Remove any excess sand from the surface of the pavers and from within the joints by thoroughly sweeping the area and using a leaf blower to blow the area clean. Any polymeric sand left on the pavers surface, or excess sand within the joints can lead to cloudiness across the paver area once dry.

4. Avoid Over-Wetting

Use a fine mist instead of a heavy stream of water when activating the polymeric sand. It’s better to lightly spray the area until the sand is damp, rather than soaking it. Misting multiple times, each after the previous water application has absorbed into the joints, can help activate the polymeric sand through the entire paver joint.
Using excess water can lead to puddling, causing the polymeric sand within the joints to be lifted up and on to the surface of the pavers.

5. Cleaning the Surface After Wetting

If you notice excess polymeric sand on the paver surface after you have activated it with water, you will want to immediately remove it before it sets.
Lightly sweep the pavers with a clean broom; OR use a damp cloth/wet sponge to gently wipe the paver surface to remove the loose particles before they dry and cause cloudiness.

6. Allow Proper Curing Time

Let the polymeric sand cure for at least 24 hours without disturbing the surface (manufacturer recommended time may vary). If area is used before the polymeric sand has fully dried and cured, the sand can be transferred to the paver surface, leaving behind a cloudy film or residue.
Weather considerations such as temperature, moisture, humidity, cloud cover, and wind can affect drying and curing times. If the area seems at all damp, allow extra drying time before you proceed with finishing the project.

7. Work in Small Sections

If applying polymeric sand across a large paver area, you may want to work in smaller, manageable sections. This way, you can clean up excess sand before it has time to dry, preventing any cloudiness from forming.

Tips on Installing Polymeric Joint Sand

Concrete Pavers