What is polymer sand?
It’s a jointing material, mainly used to fill and stabilize joints between pavers and slabs on surfaces such as driveways, terraces, patios and sidewalks. Unlike conventional sand, which shifts easily with water, wind or daily use, polymer sand creates a more durable bond.
This material represents a significant advance over traditional sand. Developed to overcome the limitations of conventional sand, it incorporates modern polymerization technologies that have transformed the paving industry’s approach to jointing.
How it works
Polymeric sand works on the basis of a chemical reaction triggered by water. When the polymer sand is wetted, the polymers activate and form a gel that coats the sand grains. As it dries, this gel solidifies, creating durable bonds between the grains. This transformation produces solid joints while retaining the flexibility needed to adapt to natural ground movements.
Installation
You can install polymer sand paving yourself. However, given the complexity of the installation, we always recommend that a qualified landscaper take care of it.
What are the advantages of polymer sand?
Polymer sand stands out for its exceptional durability, resistance to erosion, low maintenance and ability to prevent weed growth and insect infestation.
- Virtually maintenance-free
- Protection against erosion (freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rain and wind, and even heavy vehicle pressure)
- Designed to support heavy vehicles
- Simplifies cleaning of pavers and slabs
- Barrier against pests (insects and weeds)
- Joints stay clean and uniform
What are the disadvantages of polymer sand?
Although polymer sand has many advantages, it has several important disadvantages that are essential to consider:
- Higher initial investment (three to four times that of conventional sand)
- Complex to install (please refer to an expert for installation)
- Difficult to repair
- Less effective in areas that are constantly wet or subject to prolonged immersion
- Not recommended on steeply sloping surfaces
- Drying time can take between 24 and 48 hours. However, some products dry in as little as 15 minutes (see product recommendations).
Does polymer sand let water through?
Polymeric sand has a controlled permeability that sets it apart from other grouting materials. Once hardened, it creates a microporous structure that allows water to infiltrate slowly, while maintaining joint stability. This characteristic is akin to a very dense sponge through which water can pass, but in a regulated and controlled way.
The reduced permeability of polymer sand can have both advantages and disadvantages. It limits the infiltration of water that could freeze and damage joints, but also requires special attention to prevent the accumulation of water on the surface.
The importance of slope and drainage
This reduced permeability makes it even more important to provide an adequate slope when installing pavers. The surface must be sloped at least 1% (1 cm per meter) to facilitate surface water run-off. Without this slope, water could pool and create puddles, as it won’t infiltrate as quickly as with traditional sand. That’s why it’s important to provide a good drainage system with :
- Strategically placed drainage points (gutters and swales)
- A well-draining granular foundation
- Efficient water drainage around paving edges
- Adequate slope over the entire surface (1%)
When to use polymer sand?
Polymer sand is an excellent solution for :
- Garage entrance
- Outdoor terraces and patios in pavers or flagstones
- Pool surround
- Garden path
- Moderate slopes
- Hard-to-reach areas
Situations where polymer sand is not recommended
It is also important to understand when not to use polymer sand:
- Areas constantly submerged or with poor drainage
- Projects that are temporary or likely to be modified in the short term
- Surfaces where the budget is very limited and regular maintenance with traditional sand is acceptable
- Areas where permeability is required
What’s the best polymer sand?
Techniseal and Alliance are widely recognized as the leaders in the Quebec polymer sand market. Each offers different ranges to meet specific needs. The “best” polymer sand will vary according to your specific application. For example:
SmartSand or Sable Flexlock
- Residential use only
- Joints up to 2.5 cm
- Compatible product (Concrete pavers)
Sand Flexlock Ultra
- Residential & commercial use
- Joints up to 5 cm
- Compatible products (concrete pavers and natural stone)
HP NextGel or Sable Flexlock G2
- Residential use only
- Joints up to 5 cm
- Compatible products (concrete pavers, natural stone and clay pavers)
- Rainproof after 15 minutes
- Only one watering required
HP NextGel or Sable Flexlock G2 Ultra
- Residential and commercial use
- Joints up to 10 cm
- Compatible products (concrete pavers, natural stone and clay pavers)
- Rainproof after 15 minutes
- Only one watering required
Flexlock Polymeric Stone Dust
- Residential use only
- Ideal for pedestrian walkways
- Joints up to 15 cm
- Compatible product (natural stone)
Gator Nitro or Storm
- Residential use only
- Ideal for pedestrian walkways
- Joints up to 5 cm
- Compatible product (natural stone)
- Permeable
Practical advice before you buy
- Each manufacturer has its own specific installation requirements, so it’s crucial to follow their guidelines to the letter to ensure optimum results.
- Check the expiration date on the bag
- Check bag for lumps and hardening.
- Check the bag for detailed information on specifications and application
- Compare prices per square metre rather than per bag (a more expensive product may require less material).
- If you’re not sure what to buy, we recommend you contact a qualified landscaper.
FAQ
Le sable polymère forme une structure microporeuse qui permet une infiltration contrôlée de l’eau. Bien qu’il soit perméable, le taux d’écoulement est significativement plus lent que celui du sable traditionnel.
Le sable polymère crée une barrière très efficace contre la croissance des mauvaises herbes. Sa structure dense et compacte, une fois durcie, limite considérablement l’accès aux nutriments et à la lumière dont les graines ont besoin pour germer. Bien qu’aucune solution ne soit efficace à 100%, particulièrement si des graines se déposent en surface, le sable polymère offre une protection nettement supérieure au sable traditionnel contre l’invasion des mauvaises herbes.
Le sable polymère est excellent pour limiter les dommages causés par les fourmis. Bien qu’aucune solution ne soit efficace à 100%, le sable polymère offre une protection nettement supérieur contre l’invasion de fourmi que le sable traditionnel.
Il est possible d’ajouter une nouvelle couche de sable polymère sur l’ancien, mais certaines conditions doivent être respectées. L’ancien sable doit être en bon état, solidement fixé et la surface doit être soigneusement nettoyée avant l’application. Si l’ancien sable est détérioré, fissuré ou instable, il est préférable de l’enlever complètement avant d’appliquer la nouvelle couche pour assurer une installation durable.
Le durcissement inadéquat du sable polymère peut être causé par plusieurs facteurs : une quantité d’eau insuffisante lors de l’activation, des températures trop basses pendant l’installation, une exposition à la pluie pendant la période de séchage, ou l’utilisation d’un produit périmé ou mal entreposé.
La profondeur recommandée du sable polymère doit correspondre à environ 3/4 de la hauteur du pavé, ce qui se traduit généralement par une profondeur entre 1,5 et 4 cm selon le type de pavé utilisé. Une profondeur insuffisante peut compromettre la stabilité, tandis qu’une profondeur excessive peut affecter le processus de durcissement.