zaro

What is Joint Sand?

Published in Hardscape Materials 2 mins read

Joint sand, also sometimes called paver sand or hardscape sand, is a material used to fill the gaps between pavers, tiles, or natural stones. It's a crucial component in hardscaping projects, ensuring stability and preventing movement of individual units.

Understanding Joint Sand

The term "joint sand" often refers to polymeric sand, which is more than just regular sand. According to the provided reference, polymeric sand is made up of fine sand grains to which manufacturers add a mixture of specific additive particles.

Key Characteristics of Joint Sand (Polymeric Sand)

  • Fine Grains: The sand is finely graded, which allows it to effectively fill narrow joints.
  • Additives: The key feature of joint sand is the inclusion of additives that, when activated by water, bind the sand together.
  • Hardening: These additives cause the sand to harden and become more resistant to erosion, weeds, and insect infestations.

Benefits of Using Joint Sand

Joint sand offers several advantages over regular sand:

  • Weed Prevention: By creating a hard, dense surface, it makes it much more difficult for weeds to grow through the joints.
  • Erosion Resistance: Hardened joint sand is less likely to be washed away by rain or sprinkler systems.
  • Insect Control: It discourages ants and other insects from nesting in the spaces between pavers.
  • Stability: It helps stabilize the pavers, minimizing movement and ensuring a level surface.

How Joint Sand is Applied

  1. Installation: Pavers or stones are installed with small gaps between them.
  2. Filling: The joint sand is swept into the joints, ensuring they are completely filled.
  3. Compaction: The sand is compacted to help it settle firmly into the gaps.
  4. Activation: Water is applied to activate the binding agents in the sand.
  5. Hardening: Over time, the joint sand will harden, creating a stable, durable surface.
Feature Benefit
Fine Grains Fills narrow gaps effectively
Binding Additives Hardens the sand, improving durability
Weed Prevention Reduces weed growth in the joints
Erosion Resistance Prevents sand from washing away
Insect Control Discourages insects from nesting
Stability Stabilizes pavers and stones, preventing movement

Joint sand is a significant component in creating durable and aesthetically pleasing hardscapes by filling the spaces between pavers or stones, preventing weed growth, erosion, and insect infestations while stabilizing the installed materials.