Polymeric sand is one of the most popular materials used today in paver installation. Whether on a driveway, walkway, or patio, polymeric sand is the adhesive used that holds the paver joints in place. But unlike normal sand, polymeric sand is quick to harden, making it essential to remove polymeric sand from pavers right away.
Here are some ways in which you can remove polymeric sand from pavers:
Sweep The Polymeric Sand Away
The best time to remove polymeric sand is right after installation. If you want to remove excess polymeric sand, start using a broom. Of course, this will only work when your polymeric sand is dry. Avoid contact with moisture as it hardens very quickly when interacting with water.
A soft-bristled broom should do the job; sweep away as much polymeric sand as you can. Use a leaf blower to get rid of the rest. But be sure not to blow away any polymeric sand from in between the pavers. You only want to get rid of the sand from the surface.
Water Hose
If the polymeric sand has dried, you can still remove it from pavers by washing it with water. If the layer of polymeric sand is thin, a water hose should be enough to do the job. You might have to try multiple times before you can thoroughly wash it off.
Pressure Washing
If a regular water hose is not sufficient for the job, you need to up your washing game and bring out a pressure washer. But a pressure wash is not ideal for removing polymeric sand from pavers. But it can be used as a last resort.
Since you don’t want to remove the sand between the joints, keep a low pressure. The recommended pressure for removing polymeric sand from pavers is 1600-2000 PSI.
In pressure washing, if you use hot water, it will also help you remove polymeric sand from pavers. Ideally, the temperature should be around 180 °F.
Hire a Professional
Even though removing polymeric sand from pavers sounds pretty easy, it certainly isn’t. You don’t want to end up with damaged pavers in the process of eliminating polymeric sand; that’s why it’s better to let the professionals handle this task.
If you don’t know any reliable contractors, contact Platinum Pavers. They offer exceptional paving services and will also remove excess polymeric sand from pavers for you. You can visit their website for more details.
Final Thoughts
While there are multiple ways to remove polymeric sand from pavers, such as sweeping and washing, we suggest you hire a professional to do the job. They can offer better results without damaging your pavers.
