Maintaining paver patios, walkways, or driveways is essential to keep them looking their best and functioning well over time. One crucial part of that maintenance process is adding paver sand after pressure washing, which helps stabilize the paving units and maintain their longevity.
If paver sand after pressure washing isn’t properly addressed, the integrity and appearance of the surface can degrade quickly, leading to loose pavers, unwanted weed growth, and uneven surfaces.
This article will guide you through reapplying sand to your paver installation post-cleaning. We’ll explore why it’s necessary, how to choose the right sand, and each step in the process, so you can achieve professional results with minimal effort.
But don’t fool yourself: professional guidance from hardscape experts may be needed, especially if you’re a first-timer when it comes to this kind of manual labor!
Why applying paver sand after pressure washing is essential
Paver installations rely on sand for more than just aesthetics; it provides critical structural support. Sand serves two main purposes in a paver installation: to hold the pavers in place, preventing them from shifting under weight or pressure, and to establish the interlocking mechanism between them.
By filling the joints between the pavers, sand prevents weeds, insects, and water from penetrating the installation, which could lead to shifting and destabilization over time.
When you pressure wash your pavers, the high-pressure water jet can remove not only dirt and debris but also the sand from the joints. Without sufficient sand between the pavers, they become prone to movement, which compromises the durability of the entire installation.
Reapplying sand after pressure washing is essential for restoring the stability and integrity of the surface.
How to apply paver sand after pressure washing
Step 1: Choose the right sand for your pavers
The type of sand you use can make a big difference in how well your pavers hold up after re-sanding. There are two main types to consider.
- Polymeric Sand: This is a special blend of fine sand and additives like silica, which harden when exposed to water. Polymeric sand is highly resistant to weed growth and erosion, making it a top choice for paver installations that experience a lot of traffic or harsh weather conditions.
- Regular Joint Sand: Also called masonry or paver sand, this is a traditional sand used for paver joints. It is more affordable and easier to work with, but may not provide the same level of durability as polymeric sand.
If your pavers are in an area that sees frequent use or exposure to heavy rain, polymeric sand may be the better option, as it binds more firmly and provides enhanced stability. However, if you’re re-sanding a smaller, less-used area, regular joint sand could work just as well.
Step 2: Cleaning and drying the paver surface
After pressure washing, it’s essential to let the paver surface dry completely before applying any sand. If you attempt to add sand to wet pavers, it may clump and not fill the joints evenly, reducing its effectiveness.
You should allow the pavers to dry naturally under sunlight. This will ensure all residual moisture evaporates, providing the ideal conditions for adding sand.
Also, remove any loose debris or dust that may have settled on the pavers as they dried. A clean, dry surface will help the sand fill the joints more effectively.
Step 3: Adding sand to the paver joints
With a dry, clean surface, you’re ready to begin the re-sanding process. Follow these steps to achieve an optimal finish:
- Pour the sand: Start by pouring the sand onto the surface. Work in small sections to ensure the sand doesn’t blow away or scatter before you can sweep it into the joints.
- Use a push broom to spread the sand: Using a stiff-bristle push broom, spread the sand across the surface, pushing it back and forth to allow it to fall into the joints. Make sure to cover every joint evenly, and don’t rush—properly filled joints are crucial to the stability of your pavers.
- Compact the pavers: Once the joints are filled, use a plate compactor (if not available, click here) or a hand tamper to compact the pavers. Compacting will help the sand settle deeper into the joints and stabilize the entire installation. For polymeric sand, this step is especially important, as it helps activate the binding agents for a firmer hold.
- Add more sand if necessary: After compacting, check the joints to see if they need additional sand. Repeat the spreading and compacting process as needed to ensure the joints are fully filled.
Step 4: Setting the sand
The final step involves lightly misting the paver surface with water to activate the sand’s binding agents.
Use a hose with a spray attachment to lightly mist the sanded joints. Be careful not to over-wet the sand, though, as this can wash away the polymers and compromise its binding ability.
Once misted, polymeric sand typically requires 24–48 hours to fully cure. Avoid walking or driving on the surface during this time to ensure the sand sets properly and the joints harden.
Polymeric sand can leave a haze on pavers if over-applied or not adequately brushed off the surface before misting. If this occurs, gently clean the surface with a stiff brush and water once the sand has cured.
Read also: When to seal pavers after installation?
Don’t hesitate: get professional assistance right now!
So here’s the thing: while DIY re-sanding can be a rewarding project, it can also be time-consuming and detail-oriented. As we mentioned in the beginning, for homeowners with large paver installations who are not used to any of this, professional help can ensure that the process is done efficiently and correctly, enhancing the stability and appearance of the paver surface.
Expert teams can assess the type of sand needed, properly compact the joints, and apply sealants if desired. Re-sanding your paver installation after pressure washing may seem like a small task, but it plays a major role in maintaining the beauty and integrity of your outdoor space!
We here at S&S Pavers, being in the hardscape market for the last 14 years, know that very well. We specialize in comprehensive paver maintenance and installation services, including professional cleaning, re-sanding, and sealing.
So if you are in Florida, in the Sarasota and Manatee counties, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist with all your hardscape needs.
