The paver cleaning process can end up removing more than just debris from the block’s surface. As we know, flooring stability and integrity come from different factors, including the presence of material between the joints. Thus, to avoid any problems in the future, we will show you how to re-sand pavers and make sure that your investment stays beautiful for many years to come.
Before we dive in, we would like to point out that the sand between pavers can wash off. The erosion process doesn’t happen just as a maintenance cleaning result. In fact, in many circumstances, the sand washes off because of rain or even wind.
Be as it may, the re-sand process is very straightforward, and in this article, we will explain in detail how it works and more.
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How To Re-Sand Pavers
Let’s start by listing what you need to re-sand pavers, which is:
- A tarp or other material to cover stuff
- Pressure washer; Any kind works, even domestic equipment
- Broom; Choose one with soft bristles to avoid any risk of scratching or etching the paving blocks.
- Bags of sand; If you’re not sure how many you need, just measure the total area. As a rough example, you will need between 1 x 20-25 kg bag of sand per 15-30 square meters of paving.
Now that you have what you need to start, let’s go step by step:
- The first step in the process is to protect any plants, nearby areas, or furniture that you can damage using a power washer and cover it with the tarp.
- Use the pressure washer to remove any debris between pavers.
- Sweep off the patio (or walkway) surface with a broom to remove any dirt or loose debris; This will help you prevent fill the joints with pebbles, twigs, or leaves with the sand.
- Then, empty the bags of sand on top of the paver surface and spread it out over the flooring with a broom. Sweep the material across all of the joints to fill them in completely
- If for some reason, the sand goes off from some joints, spray a bottle of water, add sand, and mist over the added sand
- Sweep off the excess sand with a broom and save it for the future.
Important note: If you’re using polymeric sand, you have to allow enough time for pavers to dry completely before applying the product.
Can I Use Regular Sand Between Pavers
Yes, normal sand serves this purpose very well. Fill gaps between pavers and help lock the individual blocks in place, so they don’t shift. If possible, use irregular, sharp-grained sand, as they have sharp edges and bind together better.
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What Is The Best Sand To Put Between Pavers
Another option is polymeric sand. Although more expensive, the product has excellent properties.
Usually, polymeric sand contains 85 – 90% quartz and crystalline silica, which is what gives the product its notably binding power. When you wet this sand, it activates the polymers, which hardens the various components, effectively locking the pavers in place.
Once hardened, it won’t wash away with heavy rain or water from a hose, as loose sand would; This means you won’t have to worry about replacing the sand frequently to keep the joints full.
Polymeric sand also hinders weed growth, prevent an ant infestation, among other added benefits.
How Often Should You Re-Sand Pavers
There is no rule of thumb here. As you can use diverse materials (and expose pavers to different circumstances), the re-sanding time can vary considerably.
The best way to determine is to examine the flooring surface.
If you use regular sand, you may have to re-sand pavers every two years. But, other indicators may mean that the time has come. If joints are open, it means that any sand in there to keep the brick stable, keep them from moving, was washed off.
If you chose polymeric sand, even if exposed to the same circumstances as regular sand, it may last up to ten years (or more).
Note that to increase durability, you can apply a sealer over pavers in both cases (polymeric and regular sand). This substance acts by creating a protective layer on the flooring surface.
In addition to keeping sand in place, the sealer also protects your investment from other threats:
- Hinders weed growth
- Prevents moss and mold from growing over pavers.
- Keep off insects, like ants.
- Protects against staining, eve the ones hard to deal with, like oil and sap.
How Much Does It Cost To Re-Sand Pavers
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. The price does vary for polymeric sand, but you can expect the price to range between $20 – $40 per 55lb – 50lb bag.
As you can see, the price varies considerably. However, as we mentioned in the article’s previous sections, polymeric sand offers a great deal of added benefits and increased durability. Combine the product with proper sealing, and you won’t have to worry about re-sanding pavers for a considerable period.
At JS Brick, we have 20+ years of experience providing paver installation, supply, and maintenance services in Sarasota and surrounding cities. For a free estimate on paver cleaning, re-sanding, and sealing services, don’t hesitate to leave us a message or a call.
