If a brand new driveway or patio is on the playing cards this 12 months, chances are you’ll be questioning what jointing materials is finest and whether or not polymeric sand is a powerful contender.
Whereas it’s not the most cost effective possibility in the marketplace, costing round £15–£30 per bag, it’s extra inexpensive than certain jointing methods akin to resin and epoxy, and may supply higher drainage.
To be taught extra about polymeric sand, together with what it’s, the way it’s used for driveway concepts, and the way it stacks up towards different widespread supplies, preserve studying – we spoke with two specialists to search out out.
What’s polymeric sand and what do you utilize it for?
In accordance with Andy McLaughlin of RF Paving, polymeric sand is a mix of fine-grade sand combined with polymer binders that hardens when water is utilized.
Many individuals use it to fill the joints in block paving, concrete paving, and pure stone paving, and though it’s mostly discovered on driveway supplies, it can be utilized to patios, walkways and backyard paths.
Whereas it’s dearer than kiln-dried sand or fundamental paver joint sand, it may be a budget-friendly various to premium jointing supplies akin to epoxy and resin.
|
Polymeric sand |
Kiln-dried sand |
Resin |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Value |
£15–£30 per bag |
£4–£8 per bag |
£25–£60 per bag |
|
Utility |
Brushed in dry and activated with water |
Brushed into the joints and settled with a wacker plate |
Brushed into joints and compacted |
|
Sturdiness |
Good |
Low/average |
Wonderful |
Andy Mclaughlin is a paving and landscaping specialist at RF Paving, a family-run enterprise who’re the UK’s main importers and distributors of stone, paving and modern backyard options.
How do you apply polymeric sand?
In the event you just like the sound of polymeric sand and fancy giving it a go, you’ll be happy to listen to that it’s comparatively simple to put in.
Andy McLaughlin explains that you will want to pour the sand onto your paving and sweep it into the joints utilizing a delicate brush. As soon as the surplus has been eliminated, spray a nice mist of water, which is able to activate the chemical course of, inflicting it to harden and remedy.
A phrase of warning: you’ll need to be certain that the surplus has been utterly eliminated earlier than you apply the water; in any other case, you’ll be left with stained pavers. The floor must also be utterly dry to forestall the combination from setting prematurely and showing uneven.
What you have to
Strain washer-, weed-, and frost-resistant, this polymeric sand creates long-lasting joints and can be utilized by each professionals and DIYers.
Constituted of FSC-certified wooden, this outside broom is good for making use of polymeric sand, in addition to tidying backyard particles.
What are the professionals and cons of polymeric sand?
Earlier than you decide to putting in polymeric sand, it’s value weighing up the professionals and cons, as Andy McLaughlin explains under:
Professionals
- Helps to forestall weed progress inside the joints
- Clear look
- Is not washed away as simply as kiln-dried sand
- Good joint stability
- You should purchase permeable-grade choices (which means it complies with floor water drainage laws)
- Cheaper than certain jointing methods
Cons
- Not a weed-free answer
- Can crack over time
- Dearer than kiln-dried sand
How lengthy will polymeric sand final?
Whereas the reply to this query relies on the bottom, local weather and site visitors, Luke Clarke, proprietor of Britannia Stone, says that on a great base in a light local weather, polymeric sand can final round eight to 10 years earlier than needing to be redone. Nevertheless, if there are harsh winters and heavy use, you possibly can be taking a look at redoing it each three to 5 years.
“It breaks down over time with frost, rain and normal put on, so that you do have to keep up it. It is not an every-year job, however you need to look over the joints a few times a 12 months and high up wherever that is gone. It is value resealing the floor each few years to maintain the sand protected,” he provides.
Luke Clarke is the proprietor of Britannia Stone, a family-run reclamation and stone yard primarily based in Sheffield.
After talking with the specialists, it’s clear that polymeric sand is a powerful alternative for jointing, because of its inexpensive value, ease of set up and sturdiness.
If you’d like a little bit little bit of inspiration, flick thru our choice of trendy driveway concepts or learn our sensible information on design a patio.
