Polymeric Sand Problems: 7 Reasons For Being You Failure
The joints of your interlocking concrete pavement projects, when correctly constructed with the right jointing compound, give a sturdy pavement solution that will survive the test of time.
Polymeric sand is a very popular jointing compound. For starters, installing polymeric sand may be a do-it-yourself activity. However, it is critical to utilize the proper tools and completely enlighten yourself on the product.
Many people face “polymeric sand problems” a certain time. Unfortunately, it’s true and reality. Because a single mistake might compromise the outcome of your project. If you carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, you should be OK!
Cutting corners can and will almost always result in project failure.
7 Reasons Creates Polymeric Sand Problems
01. Topping incorrectly
Topping involves filling the joints with normal sand and then covering them with polymeric sand. I always recommend filling the whole joint depth with a single product to guarantee a good installation.
Water and ice can make their way into the joint without a hard and tightly packed foundation, causing the material on top to fail. It’s also very difficult to fill half a joint equally with one material.
If you are re-installing polymeric sand in an existing work, it is critical to consistently remove at least an inch of joint depth before reinstalling it.
02. Joints filling
Before putting polymeric sand, make sure the pavers and joints are dry. The polymers will prematurely activate if moisture is present, resulting in a haze on the surface, or the sand will not firm up correctly.
Wait until the dew has dried off before installing the polymeric sand in a humid area; similarly, don’t miss the window and confront the evening dew in your project installation.
03. Wrong watering
To obtain the finest bonding performance from the top of the joint to the bottom, ensure you get your joints for the appropriate time using the “shower” setting on your hose attachment.
Under-Watering merely causes the polymeric sand to create a “crust” on top. You don’t have a proper connection in the joints if you merely have a crust. The crust will eventually break away, damaging the joint. Because the sand hasn’t entirely bonded the whole depth of the joint, it also generates fissures and gaps.
Overwatering may cause polymers to separate from the sand during activation (this is the “foam” you’ll notice if you’ve over-watered), lowering bonding strength. In extreme circumstances, your sand will not harden.
04. Improper weather
Because of inclement weather, we cannot stress this enough: check the weather before you begin! We witness polymeric sand failures due to the weather at the time of installation.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions closely to determine what temperatures the product should be installed.
Excess humidity and wetness may also wreck a project, so plan your work when no rain is in the forecast.
05. Incorrect sand
On the market, polymeric sand comes in a variety of tastes. And selecting the correct product for your specific application is crucial.
Before purchasing polymeric sand for your project, thoroughly study the manufacturer’s directions and suggested applications. It will have an impact on the product’s performance.
06. Improper Patio Pitch
Uneven pavers on a patio can provide hazardous trip hazards. It is most likely due to an issue with the base’s construction. The ground might not have been compact enough to bear the weight of the pavers and the people on top of them, and therefore some have sunk or become uneven.
A patio with unequal gaps throughout its layout might constitute a tripping hazard. Extra space between pavers is usually caused by a defective foundation, such as a lack of compaction.
As a result, the pavers would shift and separate over time. Poor craft during installation can also result in space between pavers. It’s conceivable that the pavers were laid with too much excess room in the first place.
If you begin your patio design with a grading and drainage plan, these issues may be avoided. This plan must show where the water will go.
Unfortunately, too many landscaping professionals construct a patio without considering any drainage issues (or may be created by the patio installation).
Finally, a lack of planning may be an expensive error.
07. Wrong tools choose
Jumping up and down on the surface to even out the sand is inappropriate. It is not proper to hold your thumb above the hose when watering. Using a hairdryer to remove residue is likewise inappropriate.
Before beginning your polymeric sand installation, ensure you have all of the essential tools. Using the right tools for the project will make a huge difference and help you prevent epic product failures in the future.
Conclusion
You must read the manufacturer’s instructions before beginning the installation. Every manufacturer has a unique formula and set of instructions. Even across various goods in their portfolio. That is why it is essential to become acquainted with the product you are used to and carefully follow the directions to avoid Polymeric sand problems later on.
