Brick pavements are a great way to design your patio, driveway or walkway. They bring out the aesthetics and make you feel good about the investment. Maintaining brick pavements can be a little tricky though, especially if you are new to them. They require sanding, sealing, grouting and much more. Many people wonder if sand is the right material to be used during the installation process and we will be getting more into that.
Is Sanding Between your Bricks Recommended?
Using sand between brick pavers is not only recommended but it is actually supposed to be applied twice during the installation process. Sand is a great way to lock your bricks in place and to make sure that they do not move around once installed. The sand is also applied as a bedding and so, it acts like cushions between the bricks. The question that remains is can you use regular sand in between the bricks and for the bedding?
Which Sand to Use?
There are two types of sands; regular and polymeric. Both have their own advantages and the debate on which is better has been going on for some time. Polymeric sand is a finer sand which has additives added to it to make them a superior sand over regular sand. They are sharper and generally, polymeric sand is the more appreciated sand for filling paver joints. However, due to its distinctive style, it carries distinctive problems as well.
Why Choose Polymeric Sand
- The sand is water-activated meaning, once it is washed down it is hardened into its place providing extra support for the bricks to stay in place
- Can withstand harsher weather
- Protection against rain and water
- Reduces weed growth
- Difficult for ants to colonize compared to regular sand
- Comes in different shades allowing you to pick the right shade according to your surroundings
Other Things to Consider
Polymeric sand is certainly the better sand; however, it is costlier than regular sand. Proper installation of a brick paver is the most important thing to consider. No matter which sand you use, if it isn’t applied the right way, it will not be effective in the long run. When you spread the sand, make sure to do it evenly over the top. Use a broom to sweep the sand between the pavers allowing for the sand to settle in. Remove any excess sand from the top. Spray water on the pavers to make sure that the sand hardens and let it dry for some time. Repeat this again to make sure the joints are completely filled.
Still Confused?
If you are still unsure on what type of sand to use or how to apply it, you should seek professional help. We recommend trying out Platinum Pavers. They offer free consultation and their services are incredible. If you do not want to take our word for it, visit them for a free consultation and decide if they are someone you want to work with.
