Polymeric sand substitute?
#1
09-30-21, 07:04 AM
Polymeric sand substitute?
Background: I have a large paver patio that is about 18 years old. A few areas have settled a bit and I'm in the process of removing and resetting pavers in those areas. I'm going to be cleaning out all existing joints using a water hose on sharp stream. A couple test areas shows this working reasonably well, down about an inch or more. These are pretty narrow joints, 1/16" to 1/8" in most areas. 2-1/4" thick Borgert pavers.
The question: The polymeric sand (Techniseal EZ Sand from HD) is getting really expensive, probably well over $100 even with the narrow joints. I'm wondering if it would work sweeping in a 4:1 sand/portland mix, and then watering it in like a polymeric sand. Sand is under $3 a bag (50#) and I would need 4 to 5. Portland is $14 a bag (96#) and I would need just one. Assuming the sand is fine enough to sweep in (haven't tried that yet), any ideas if this would work? Any "gotcha's" you can think of?
Edit: I can't find any MSDS sheets that would suggest what's in EZ Sand. But as hard as it is after curing, I suspect is has to have some portland in it. The instructions also talk about curing times
The question: The polymeric sand (Techniseal EZ Sand from HD) is getting really expensive, probably well over $100 even with the narrow joints. I'm wondering if it would work sweeping in a 4:1 sand/portland mix, and then watering it in like a polymeric sand. Sand is under $3 a bag (50#) and I would need 4 to 5. Portland is $14 a bag (96#) and I would need just one. Assuming the sand is fine enough to sweep in (haven't tried that yet), any ideas if this would work? Any "gotcha's" you can think of?
Edit: I can't find any MSDS sheets that would suggest what's in EZ Sand. But as hard as it is after curing, I suspect is has to have some portland in it. The instructions also talk about curing times
#2
09-30-21, 08:42 AM
Group Moderator
Buy the polymeric or use standard sand. Considering the cost of paver patio a hundred bucks in minimal. It's like complaining about the cost of light bulbs when you live in a million dollar house.
Do not use cement & sand (almost mortar) as it is very brittle and will soon crack. Polymeric is sand with a latex binder so it remains flexible to accommodate the slight movement between the paver blocks.
Do not use cement & sand (almost mortar) as it is very brittle and will soon crack. Polymeric is sand with a latex binder so it remains flexible to accommodate the slight movement between the paver blocks.
#4
09-30-21, 03:58 PM
About 10 year ago I built a flagstone patio. I used broomed in sand for the joints. Within a couple of years I was fighting washout, weeds and anthills. Two years ago I redid the joints with polymeric sand. A bit pricey but it solved my problems.
Some polymeric sand has a Portland component but the key is the polymer. You can find lots of MSDS sheets on line and the polymer mix is usually listed as proprietary.
Some polymeric sand has a Portland component but the key is the polymer. You can find lots of MSDS sheets on line and the polymer mix is usually listed as proprietary.
#5
10-01-21, 02:55 AM
OK, you talked me down, polymeric it is! When I originally did this patio area, I just used plain sand in the joints. It lasted about 10 - 12 years before I had to start dealing with plant growth, probably because of the very thin joints, so not too bad. But at 72 years old, I don't want any more extra maintenance than I have to. Thanks for the input!
