Sanding pavers is something that most people don’t do very often, but it’s an important part of keeping your paver patio looking its best.
If you’re not sure how often you should be sanding your pavers, then this guide is going to help. In this article, we’ll explain everything from the age of your paving material and climate to how often your pavers are being used.
We’ll also cover which type of sand or sealer you should use and when it’s best to start sanding in order to get the longest life out of your investment!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Proper sanding of pavers is essential for maintaining their stability and appearance. |
| The recommended frequency for re-sanding pavers is every 2-3 years. |
| Paver sand is specifically designed for filling the joints between pavers. |
| Polymeric sand is a popular option for sealing pavers due to its ability to harden and create a strong joint. |
| Sealing pavers with sand involves sweeping the sand into the joints and compacting it with a plate compactor. |
Your Paving Material
The frequency of your sanding will depend on the type of paving material you have. For example, if you have concrete pavers, a good rule of thumb is to sand them about once every two years.
This can vary depending on how often you walk or drive over them with your vehicle. Stone pavers are another common type that should be sanded annually to remove any stains or buildups caused by dirt and grime.
Brick pavers should be cleaned and re-sanded every one to three years depending on usage and other factors like weather conditions; while terrazzo pavers need more frequent attention than most other types because they’re more porous than some other materials (which means they need more care).
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Your Paver’s Age
As with most things in life, the answer to this question depends on three things:
The type of paver. Some pavers are made from a combination of materials, such as concrete and asphalt. Concrete pavers may last up to 50 years in ideal conditions, while asphalt-based ones can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years.
The purpose for which your pavers are being used. If they’re placed near water or other elements that will erode them, they’ll need sanding more frequently than if they’re protected by an awning or patio cover that keeps them protected from the elements.
How often you maintain your pavers by brushing away dirt and debris so they don’t become clogged with grime over time (see tip below).
Your climate
Climate plays a role in the rate of paver joint deterioration. Humidity can affect the expansion and contraction of your pavers, while temperature directly affects their ability to retain moisture.
Rainfall also impacts how quickly your pavers will deteriorate; however, it can also help mitigate some effects on your pavers’ joints if you choose a paving material that is resistant to erosion from precipitation.
A low-humidity climate is good for paver joints because it reduces the chances of your pavers expanding due to humidity fluctuations.
A high-humidity environment increases this risk and causes more frequent resanding of your patio or walkway as needed.
Similarly, temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 Celsius) slow down evaporation from porous paving materials like sandstone or limestone; this slows down any damage caused by water seeping into cracks between pieces of stone and dissolving minerals from its surface over time
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Your Paver’s Condition
How often you need to sand depends on the condition of your pavers.
If you have new pavers in good condition, it may be a while until they require sanding again. This is because as long as the surface of the paver is intact and there are no cracks or chips, sanding isn’t necessary (the old adage “a smooth surface is a happy surface” applies here).
However, if there are signs that they’ve been chipped or broken apart by other objects such as park bench legs or skateboards, then it’s time for some resurfacing action!
On the other hand, if your pavers are older and in poor condition—for example because they were installed incorrectly—you’ll want to consider having them re-polished more frequently than once every few years.
The more often this happens (in addition to regular maintenance), the longer it will take for any damage done by weathering processes over time (such as oxidation) to become apparent on each individual paver’s surface until eventually one day when someone walks into their house with muddy shoes after walking through our driveway where we keep our cars parked outside all winter long…
How Often Your Pavers Are Being Used
Another important factor is how often the pavers are being used. If they’re not in heavy use, you’ll only need to wash them once or twice per year.
However, if they’re constantly exposed to traffic, rain, snow and sun—then it’s wise to wash them more frequently.
Additionally, if there’s a spill on your pavers (like oil or grease), then you should do an immediate clean-up to avoid staining the pavement once it dries. This will help protect against future damage from prolonged exposure of spills like this one.
If you have any other questions about how often you should sand your pavers—or any other paving issues don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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How Often Your Pavers Are Protected From The Elements
In addition to the frequency of sanding, another important factor is the amount of protection your pavers have from the elements.
If you have a covered patio that is well-maintained and cared for, you can expect to only need to sand them once or twice a year. However, if your patio is uncovered and neglected, it may be necessary for you to perform more frequent maintenance.
Whether You Have Pets And Children (And How Much They Use Your Pavers)
If you have pets and children, they’ll be using your pavers more often than you will. This can be a good thing, but it might also mean that the pavers need to be sanded more often, as well as cleaned frequently.
If you have pets with sharp nails or if your kids are jumping on them all the time (and we’re talking about jumping on them for fun), then those two factors could put some serious wear and tear on your pavers.
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The Amount Of Sand You Originally Installed Between Paving Stones
In addition to the weight of the pavers, we have to take into account the amount of space that was originally taken up by sand when they were installed.
If your pavers were put in with a very thick layer of sand underneath them, you may need to add more or less than if there was little or no sand present at all.
Whether You Are Using Polymeric Sand Or Hardscape Sealer
Polymeric sand is a good option for pavers, but it’s also more expensive. Hardscape sealers are less messy to apply and are considerably less expensive than polymeric sand.
However, hardscape sealers won’t last nearly as long as a good quality polymeric sand!
If you have a choice between using hardscape sealer or polymeric sand on your patio, keep in mind that:
Polymeric sand is more durable and will not need to be replaced as often.
Polymeric sands last longer than other types of sealing products like concrete stain or tile grout sealer (which can become brittle over time).
So which do we recommend? The answer depends on how much money you want to spend now versus later!
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The Time Of Year You’re Planning To Sand Paver Joints
The time of year you’re planning to sand paver joints is another factor that determines when you can do it. If you are planning on sanding paver joints during winter, it may be best to wait until the snow melts.
Otherwise, if your pavers aren’t covered by snow and ice, there’s no reason why you can’t do this project when it’s cold outside.
If you are planning on sanding paver joints in spring or summertime (or anytime with warmer temperatures), then waiting for dry weather is important so that there won’t be too much moisture underfoot which could potentially cause slipping or tripping hazards while working with a sander machine.
The Duration Of Your Warranty If You Have One For Your Pavers
If you have a warranty on your pavers, it is important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In the case of most warranties, if you sand your pavers too frequently, they cannot be replaced by the warranty company.
This is because many warranties require that the surface be maintained according to its specifications and not arbitrarily modified by the owner.
Therefore, if you have a warranty on your patio or any other form of hardscape (such as brickwork or stone), it is best to contact the manufacturer first before proceeding with this process so that they can give their input on what needs to be done next.
Conclusion
If your paving material is made of concrete or other hard stone, you can probably get away with sanding it just once a year.
If it’s made out of softer materials like decomposed granite (DG) or pumice, then you may need to do this more often.
The answer really depends on how much use your pavers are getting and what types of things they’re exposed too. For example, if they’re near trees and shrubs that shed their leaves in the fall time then you’ll want to do this more often than someone who has no trees around them
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on the topic of sanding and sealing pavers:
How Often Should You Re-Sand Pavers?: This article provides helpful tips on how often to re-sand your pavers to maintain their appearance and stability.
How to Re-Sand a Paver Patio: This guide provides a step-by-step process for re-sanding a paver patio, including tips on selecting the right sand and tools.
Sealing Pavers with Sand: This article discusses the benefits of using sand to seal pavers and provides tips for achieving a long-lasting seal.
FAQs
What is paver sand?
Paver sand is a type of sand that is used to fill the joints between pavers to maintain their stability and appearance.
How often should you re-sand pavers?
It is recommended to re-sand your pavers every 2-3 years to maintain their appearance and stability.
Can you use regular sand for pavers?
It is not recommended to use regular sand for pavers, as it can wash away easily and not provide the necessary stability. Paver sand is specifically designed for this purpose.
What is the best type of sand for sealing pavers?
Polymeric sand is often recommended for sealing pavers, as it hardens when exposed to moisture to create a strong, stable joint.
How do you seal pavers with sand?
To seal pavers with sand, first, ensure that the paver surface is clean and dry. Then, pour the sand onto the surface and use a broom to sweep it into the joints. Finally, use a plate compactor to compact the sand and achieve a tight seal.
I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.