Is Your Brick Paver Joint Sand Disappearing? Here’s Why and How to Fix It for Good
Nothing is more frustrating than watching the sand between your beautiful brick pavers slowly wash away with every rain or sprinkler cycle. As wind and rain plague the surface the joint sand can wash out and compromise the pavers, leaving unsightly gaps that invite weeds, water damage, and structural problems. Understanding why this happens and implementing the right long-term solutions can save you thousands of dollars in premature paver replacement.
Why Does Joint Sand Wash Out?
Joint sand washout occurs for several interconnected reasons. If your paver sand is washing out, it’s typically due to improper installation, insufficient compaction, or heavy water runoff. The most common culprits include:
- Improper Joint Dimensions: Too-wide joints can lead to washout, because they allow too much water flow during the activation process, while too-thin or extremely narrow joints can cause spill-over during the activation process; the tight channels don’t allow water to flow and soak down to the bottom of the joints when showering with water. The sand is simply pushed out of the joints.
- Inadequate Edge Restraint: If you don’t have this, you should install a concrete border or edging to prevent washout at the edges.
- Poor Drainage: Don’t install any polymeric sand if your project has areas that tend to hold water for prolonged periods of time. This helps prevent problems with standing water on your pavers; a subtle slope lets water easily drain off of your pavers each time it rains.
- Wrong Sand Type: Avoid using plain play sand or construction sand as it doesn’t lock well.
The Hidden Dangers of Joint Sand Loss
When joint sand washes out, the problems extend far beyond aesthetics. Without joint sand, water can penetrate the surface and collect under the pavers. This creates a wet moist area between the pavers where weeds will begin to grow. Even worse, in colder climates, freeze and thaw cycles can begin to heave and move the pavers out of place creating an uneven surface.
If you don’t have sand in the joints, rain water or pool water will run between the brick paver joints, and wash out the base aggregate sand material your brick pavers float on, (usually a 1.5″ – 2″ sand base) making your brick pavers loose, wobbly, uneven, sunken in or even raised up in some areas. This phenomenon is commonly called “sub surface erosion” or “Degradation”.
Long-Term Repair Solutions
Step 1: Complete Sand Removal and Assessment
For lasting results, best solution is to completely remove the old sand and re-apply new poly sand. Sweep away any loose or partially washed-out sand. Use a shop vacuum to clear out sand from joints if necessary. This thorough approach ensures proper bonding of new materials.
Step 2: Use Premium Polymeric Sand
Polymeric sand is best for preventing washout. It hardens when wet and stays in place. When proper preparation is taken (such as weed killer, insect repellant/removal), this polymeric jointing sand has the potential to reduce weed growth, resist rain washout and help prevent insect penetration, compared to more traditional sand.
However, installation technique is critical. It is important to make sure you leave about 1/8″ from the top of your pavers, and you must ensure that the pavers and joints are completely dry before installing polymeric sand. If there is any moisture present, it will cause the polymers to prematurely activate, leaving a haze on the surface or the sand won’t set up properly.
Step 3: Professional Sealing for Maximum Protection
To protect joint sand from washing out between pavers it needs to be sealed. The sealer will also solidify the joint sand so it will not wash away or erode as easily. The paver sealer also serves as glue between the joint sand particles hence holding them together, and preventing the sand from being washed away when it rains or during pressure washing.
Professional sealing provides multiple benefits beyond sand stabilization. Sealing restores the beauty of your pavers. This will keep the pavers looking new, and also boost their resistance against weed and moss. Sealing also helps stabilize the joint sand – a simple preventive measure you can practice to increase paver longevity. In addition, paver sealer protects pavers from oil, rust, and other stains.
When to Call Professional Paver Repair Experts
While some homeowners attempt DIY repairs, professional intervention ensures lasting results. If you’re experiencing persistent joint sand washout issues, searching for “brick paver repair near me” can connect you with experienced specialists who understand the complexities of proper paver maintenance.
Long Island residents have access to specialized expertise through companies like Paver Savers, who understand the unique challenges of the region’s climate and soil conditions. We started Paver Savers to answer the needs of Nassau and Suffolk County property owners and preserve the aesthetics and durability of their hardscapes. Not long after we launched our company, we established ourselves as one of the most trusted paver cleaning, sealing, and restoration contractors on Long Island.
Maintenance Schedule for Long-Term Success
Even with premium materials and professional installation, regular maintenance is essential. It is necessary to wash the pavers every few years as the sealer begins to wear off. Once cleaned, new joint sand can be installed and the surface can be resealed once again. This is important for the longevity and appearance of the paver design.
During the life of your sealed surface, it would be un reasonable to think that some sand wont come out. And that is perfectly normal and should be expected. The only time to really worry about if its an issue that should prompt a phone call to our office for maintenance on your sand joints between normal sanding & sealing applications would be when you begin to have pavers become loose and wobbly.
Preventing Future Problems
The key to avoiding recurring joint sand washout lies in comprehensive planning. Keeping the joint sand from washing out between the pavers is the key to preventative maintenance and will ensure a long-lasting surface. This includes proper drainage design, quality materials, professional installation, and regular maintenance.
In order to maintain the beauty and extend the life expectancy of paver stones and the structures they’re used to create, proper maintenance is an absolute must. By addressing joint sand washout with proven long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes, property owners can protect their investment and enjoy beautiful, stable paver surfaces for decades to come.
Remember, while joint sand washout might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, it’s actually a warning sign of potential structural problems. Taking action early with professional-grade solutions will save you significant time, money, and frustration in the long run.