Which Sand to Use Between Pavers
When it comes to creating a durable paved surface, choosing the right sand to fill the joints between pavers is crucial. This can significantly impact the longevity and appearance of your paved surface.
Below, we will explore why sand-filled joints are important and why specially graded paving jointing sand might be a better option than generic plaster sand.
Why Jointing Sand Is Essential
Jointing sand serves many functions in a paving installation such as:
Jointing sand interlocks pavers
Jointing sand creates an interlock between pavers. The friction of the sand between pavers ensures that pavers remain intact.
Sand between pavers ensures flexibility
Segmented pavers create a flexible pavement. What this means is that the paved surface allows for natural movement of the earth while also allowing for the distribution of loads when being trafficked. In layman’s terms, it means that the paved surface won’t crack and become displaced. This system was refined by the Romans and we know that many roads built by the Romans are still in use today.
Plaster Sand For Jointing
Plaster sand is commonly used in South African applications due to its availability and cost-effectiveness. However, plaster sand may not always offer the best performance.
- Plaster sand generally contains clay which prevents the proper filling of paving joints. This means the eventual loss of interlock.
- Clay particles will stain porous pavers.
- Clay particles will also hold moisture. We know that water on a paved surface could be detrimental to the long-term performance of a pavement.
- Plaster sand has round particles that do not create the level of interlock that angular silica sand particles would achieve.
- Plaster sand is a soft sand.
The Solution – Recommended Paving Jointing Sand
Cretesol’s Kiln dried paving jointing sand is a specially graded, kiln dried silica sand that flows seamlessly into paving joints, filling them effectively and creating superb interlock between the pavers. Additionally, Cretesol’s Kiln Dried Paving Jointing sand complies with ASTM C144, the American Standard for Paving Jointing Material. The combination of particle sizes compacts really well in order to create superior interlock between pavers.
The Latest Alternative: Polymeric Sand
Another recommended option for paver joints is polymeric sand. This type of sand ensures optimal joint stabilisation for segmental paving applications. In simple language, the sand particles bind to each other and also the pavers. This might be useful in residential applications where people use pressure washers to clean their paving, around downpipes, etc. The polymeric binder in the sand creates this bond but the joints remain flexible. This is different from cement-based grouting commonly used in South Africa. The problem with paving joints containing cement is that it creates rigid joints that can’t move as described above. Eventually, cement grouting will crack, pop out and fail.
Why Choose Cretesol
With almost a decade of industry experience, Cretesol’s main aim is to solve problems faced by the paving and concrete industry in South Africa.
Cretesol exclusively distributes various world-renowned products: imported from Germany, France, England, and the United States. Cretesol’s products help with the effective handling, sealing, protecting, grouting, binding of paving, stone and concrete materials. We also provide solutions to effectively remove concrete staining and dissolve concrete build-up.
At Cretesol, our main goal is to supply the best possible quality products, for the successful completion of projects in our industry.
We look forward to assisting you in your residential, commercial, industrial, or DIY projects.
Contact Us
For almost a decade, Cretesol has been supplying world-renowned products to the South African paving and concrete industries. One thing that makes us stand out is our expertise and knowledge in the industry. Let us help you find the perfect solution with our top-class brands!
One thing that makes us stand out is our expertise and knowledge in the industry. Let us help you find the perfect solution with our top-class brands!