Why joints empty out
Heavy downpours, gutter runoff and pressure washing all carry loose joint sand away over time.
Fire ants also tunnel through joints and pile excavated sand on the surface, which loosens bricks around the mound.
Once a gap opens, windblown seeds settle in and grass or weeds take root quickly in our long growing season.
How polymeric sand works
Polymeric sand is fine sand blended with binders that harden after the product is misted with water.
Once cured it stays flexible enough to move with the pavers while resisting washout and discouraging insects.
It must go into clean, dry joints and normally needs a window without rain while it sets, so forecast timing is part of planning.
Haze and other pitfalls
Polymer dust left on the paver faces can bond to the surface and leave a hazy film that is hard to remove.
Good installers blow the surface clean with a leaf blower before misting, then mist lightly rather than flooding the joints.
Ask whether the company sands before or after the first sealer coat, since practices vary by product.
Questions
Can I use regular play sand instead?
Regular sand fills joints but washes out faster and does not resist weeds or ants. Many contractors use polymeric sand or a sealer that binds regular joint sand.
How soon can I drive on the driveway after re-sanding?
That depends on the product and the weather. Ask the installer for the cure time printed on the bag they use.
Wondering about price? See typical published ranges in our Jacksonville paver sealing cost guide. We are a referral service, not a contractor.
Other services
- Paver sealing
- Paver cleaning & pressure washing
- Pool deck paver sealing
- Driveway paver sealing
- Travertine sealing
- Paver repair & releveling
Areas we cover
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