Paver poly seal - what am I doing wrong?
#1
04-05-20, 04:12 PM
Paver poly seal - what am I doing wrong?
So I tried to put this down 2 times last summer and it. ever took. Followed instructions, watched videos, seemed straightforward. Afterwards it seems to just wash away.
I havery EP Henry pavers.
I prepped by scraping out weeds and then using a hose to push out some of tbe dirt between the pavers. So there's a nice clean gap
I'm using Sakrete paver set polymeric sand.
spread it around, use broom to sweep into gaps.
ligjtly blow with leaf blower to ensure none on surface
water lightly
First time I only did one light fine spray coat of water. Figured it wasnt enough to harden.
Second time did a few coats of water.
any best practices or pro tips before I try this again this spring?
I havery EP Henry pavers.
I prepped by scraping out weeds and then using a hose to push out some of tbe dirt between the pavers. So there's a nice clean gap
I'm using Sakrete paver set polymeric sand.
spread it around, use broom to sweep into gaps.
ligjtly blow with leaf blower to ensure none on surface
water lightly
First time I only did one light fine spray coat of water. Figured it wasnt enough to harden.
Second time did a few coats of water.
any best practices or pro tips before I try this again this spring?
#3
04-05-20, 04:29 PM
It seems like it just. washes away. Weird. When I sweep it all into the gaps it looks great. All gaps filled. Spray it and still looks fine. Days weeks later I see sand on the pavers. And gsps start coming back.
#4
04-05-20, 05:21 PM
If the gaps are coming back that quickly, it's possible there are voids under the spaces and pavers and the sand is sinking. Short of a pouring rain, I can't picture how the sand (polymetric or not) would significantly come out of the gaps in such a short period of time. Granted, a bit will always come out as hard as you try.
How large are the gaps between pavers?
From Sakrete's polymetric guide:
How large are the gaps between pavers?
From Sakrete's polymetric guide:
Polymeric Sand works best when it is used to fill the entire depth of the paver. In addition, it works best on joints that are between ¼ inch and 1.5 inches wide.
#6
04-06-20, 01:59 AM
Member
I never seem to have issues, just throw it on, sweep around, water! I did find this!
The danger in not watering thoroughly is that the top will harden and the bottom will not. If this happens, it is only a matter of time before the sand at the bottom of the paver gives way and the top falls in.
I cant recall the brand Ive been using, not the Sakrete, might just try a different brand!
The danger in not watering thoroughly is that the top will harden and the bottom will not. If this happens, it is only a matter of time before the sand at the bottom of the paver gives way and the top falls in.
I cant recall the brand Ive been using, not the Sakrete, might just try a different brand!
#7
04-06-20, 03:35 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
My guess is the pavers are moving. Usually caused by not doing a proper sub surface. Pavers need to be on a solid prepares bed Depending on your area may need several inches of bed under pavers to hold up.
#8
04-06-20, 03:42 PM
Thanks everyone. I'm thinking I need to do enough gradual layers of watering to reach the bottom. Also the pavers were installed over 10 years ago. I had the installer do a couple treatments of polymeric seal over the years but wanted to do it myself. Basically get wees, mud coming up a bit when it rains.
#9
04-07-20, 05:55 AM
Group Moderator
Something is not right if you are having to re-do polymeric every season. I'm at 10+ years and still haven't had to re-do it.
Much of polymeric is about the installation. How you spread it and sweep it into the joints is VERY important. If you broom it about too much you separate out the big, heavy sand particles from the small, light binder flakes/dust. Also, it must be properly watered in. One spray with the hose won't do it. You need to follow the instructions and do multiple, light spritzings. In a few spots use a small screwdriver to dig out a joint to inspect if you are wetting the polymeric all the way to the bottom. If not you need to do more watering.
Much of polymeric is about the installation. How you spread it and sweep it into the joints is VERY important. If you broom it about too much you separate out the big, heavy sand particles from the small, light binder flakes/dust. Also, it must be properly watered in. One spray with the hose won't do it. You need to follow the instructions and do multiple, light spritzings. In a few spots use a small screwdriver to dig out a joint to inspect if you are wetting the polymeric all the way to the bottom. If not you need to do more watering.
