If you are having pavers installed, you will need something to fill the spaces where the pavers meet. We will educate you on the options and expectations for filling and maintaining the joints of your patio pavers.
Flexible Pavement System
First of all, it is important to understand that concrete pavers, in general, are designed to be installed as a flexible pavement system that will move with the ground as it moves. Most movement of the ground will come through freeze and thaw cycles where the ground can expand and contract depending on many variables such as moisture content, temperature, wind, and sun exposure. Most concrete paver systems are designed to be installed in a flexible way to allow for this movement of the ground in areas of extremely high and low temperatures.
Types of Fills for Between Pavers
There are two major types of fillers used between pavers.
Definitely Not Grout
Grout is not one of the two choices. Our clients often refer to the joint filler as grout, and this is inaccurate. Grout is typically designed to be used indoors between tiles, and it is always part of a rigid pavement system. Gout is NOT designed to be flexible, and if it moves, it will crack because of its rigidity. In some cases, an exterior grout can be used if the base is constructed in a rigid technique with footings below the frost line to prevent movement. This is not the typical standard of residential paver installation today, mainly due to being cost-prohibitive in most cases.
Sand
Regular builder’s sand or brick sand was often used for filling pavers up until the turn of the century. The problem with regular builders’ sand is that it quickly blows or is washed out from between the pavers. While this is an esthetic problem, it can and does look bad, and no one wants their nice paver patio to have gaps between the stones. If sand is used as a bedding layer, it can also become a structural problem if the bedding layer begins to wash away.
Polymeric Sand
In 1999 Techniseal introduced Polymeric sand to the market. This is sand that is mixed with a polymer that binds the sand particles together. This makes it last longer. It is not permanent, however. Over time, the polymer will break down, and the sand can wash or blow out, so it does require some maintenance. It typically will last at least three to five years before that is necessary to touch up or re-sand any areas.
Applying Polymeric sand
When applying polymeric sand, it is important to wear a dust mask as it can be harmful if inhaled. First, pour Polymeric sand onto the pavers and sweep it into the joints. Compact the pavers to settle the sand with a rolling plate compactor or a hand tamper. Then fill and tamp again until the sand is 1/8th inch from the paver level and doesn’t consolidate any further.
Prepare for Watering
Blow sand residue from the top of the pavers. It is important to get all the sand off the top of the pavers, or you will have a haze on them. Use a leaf blower set on low and held about waist high to help.
Watering
You want to add enough water to activate the polymer but not so much that you float the polymer right out of the sand. Use a water nozzle turned to the shower setting. Water the joint until the sand just stops absorbing water. Pause and let the water soak in. Water again until no more water soaks in, but you do not see a milky white substance on top of the joint. Do 10 feet by 10 feet sections at a time. Once the polymer sets, you won’t be able to add more water.
Curing
The polymer will cure in 24-72 hours, depending on the temperature and dryness of the area. Polymeric sand in shade can be a bit more spongy than Polymeric sand in the sun, even after it cures. Do not let the sand get rained on hard until it is set. You may need to cover the sand with a tarp to protect it from rain. You should avoid excess foot traffic for 24 hours and any vehicle traffic for 72 hours.
Common Mistakes When Using Polymeric Sand
We see these mistakes over and over when clients use Polymeric sand.
Damp Pavers or Joints
If the joints and pavers are wet, the polymer will start to set up prematurely. This causes a haze on the pavers and leads to poor joints. The pavers and joints must be bone dry before you start. The sand will also stick to the top of the pavers and become a difficult mess to clean up.
Over or Under Watering
If you do not water the Polymeric sand enough, it does not activate the polymer. When this happens, a crust forms on the surface but the sand below this crust is not bound together. The unbound sand moves out from under the crust, which then collapses.
If you apply too much water, the polymer floats out of the sand and drains away. It can leave a haze behind on the pavers as it runs across them. You are left with sand between the pavers and a haze on them.
Leaving Excess Sand Behind
Sand that is left on the pavers will bind to the pavers and leave a haze on them, detracting from the beauty of the pavers.
Poor Drainage
The drainage under the pavers and joints must be good, or the water will back up and not filter through the Polymeric sand, allowing the sand grains to bind to each other. A very slight slope will aid drainage and help prevent problems. We have also shifted from a sand bedding layer to an open aggregate base that helps with drainage below the pavers, especially in dark and damp Northern exposures.
Overfilling the Joints
Too much sand can cause problems. It is important to keep the level of the sand in the joint 1/8th inch below the surface of the paver. If the sand is level with the paver, the water will back up over the paver, and the polymer will cause the paver to be hazy.
Too Narrow or Too Wide Joints
Joints should be at least 1/8th inch and no more than four inches. The joint depth should be at least one inch. If the joints are too narrow, the water cannot flow down and properly activate the polymer. If the joints are too wide, the sand will wash out before the polymer sets up.
Polymeric Sand Maintenance
As mentioned, polymeric sand does require some maintenance. Regular cleaning with a blower and/or a hose will help keep the pavers and joints in good condition. You can power wash your paver patio if you are careful not to blow out the sand. Keep the power washer moving and never aimed directly at the joints. Periodically, you will need to chemically clean and re-seal the pavers and joints. You may then need to sweep new Polymeric sand into the joints to fill any low spots. Just make sure it is completely dry first.
Customer Expectations
When it comes to paver joints, polymeric sand is often seen as the gold standard. And it is the best solution we have for filling joints in a flexible pavement system, and it does a great job. However, like any construction material, it is far from perfect and is definitely not maintenance-free. The ground will move and over time the sand will move, crack, wash or settle and will need some maintenance. It is critically important that consumers understand the history, design, and intent of this product to ultimately have a successful paver project for both the client and the contractor.
Our Paver Maintenance Program
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping has a paver maintenance program. We have options that include Spring clean-ups, as well as regular cleanings (blowing, power washing, and chemical cleaning), along with regular re-sealing of pavers to enhance the color and sheen. To sign up for our paver maintenance program, schedule a consultation now before the spring rush hits.
Have you ever heard a friend, neighbor, or even your spouse say “There is another crack in the concrete. It just looks terrible! We need a new patio”
Soil is hard on concrete. It shifts and swells, breaking the concrete into smaller pieces. You are left with a spiderweb of cracks, uneven walking surfaces, and other problems. Modern paver patios don’t have these issues, as they are already segmented and most often built in a flexible construction method.
Flexible Pavement vs Rigid Pavement
Concrete is designed to be rigid. It is poured in place and strengthened with rebar. When large parking lots are poured in concrete, gaps are left and filled with a malleable substance. These are called expansion joints and let the concrete move a little with the seasons. Most residential patios don’t have expansion joints, and these large areas of concrete will crack over time.
Pavers are different. These are small pieces that are laid together, like a mosaic. These pieces are called pavers and they are set on an aggregate base that provides a strong foundation. As the ground freezes and thaws, the pieces move together with the ground. The overall patio will not crack as its many joints allow for movement with the freeze-thaw cycles.
Paver Base
We started installing paver patios decades ago. At that time, the industry-standard was to use crushed limestone as a base and then put a bedding layer of sand on top of it. The pavers were installed on top of the sand. Over time, the limestone could get spongy as the dust in that layer collected moisture. The sand would sometimes wash out over time as the particles of sand could be smaller than the joints in the patio. Both these problems slightly compromised the structural stability of the patio and could lead to settling in spots.
We now use an open aggregate base so that it drains well and is more stable. We use washed gravel that helps hold things in place. This prevents the washout of materials and keeps the patio surface more stable over time. The washed gravel also provides pore space for moisture to move through the patio and drain.
Paver Styles
Pavers can come in a wide variety of styles. These pavers can be small, old-fashioned Holland Stones that are 4” X 8” or new modern paving slabs as big as 20” X 30” and anywhere in between. You can also choose a variety of natural stone pavers. These come in many different sizes, shapes, and textures.
There are many paver manufacturers, and they all have a variety of styles to choose from. A couple of our favorite local paver companies are Belgard and Unilock. They tend to have the best quality products as well as customer service in our KC market. You can check out their sites to learn more.
Paver Sand
To finish off the installation of your pavers, we use special polymeric sand and sweep it between the pavers to fill in any gaps. The polymer in the sand helps to bind the sand particles together to lock them in place. The regular sand used a decade ago would wash out much sooner and require more frequent maintenance.
Polymer sand joints last 2-5 years or more. The joints may need some touch-up after that. If the sand does wash out or settle, the patio is still usable, but may not be as aesthetically pleasing. It is a good idea to plan on some paver maintenance every few years just to make sure everything is tip-top and looking as good as possible.
Paver Sealers
Paver sealers are a good way to help lock the joint sand in longer. The sealant also holds the color of the pavers longer and protects them from fading in the sun. Our favorite sealer is the “wet look” type because everything tends to look a little better when wet. The colors pop and the space looks new and clean.
There is an art to installing pavers. Even if you follow the industry standards as far as the base, buy the pavers from a reputable place, and seal them well, you may find yourself disappointed in how they look. It takes a lot of practice to get them “just right”.
At Royal Creations, we have planned and installed hundreds of paver patios over the years. We can help you choose your pavers, install them for you, and seal them so they continue to look good for years. We will even do the periodic maintenance required to keep them looking their best. If you want to put in a paver patio, contact Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping today to schedule a consult and get the ball rolling.
Hardscape is a design term that means the inanimate parts of the landscape. Softscape means the living parts of the landscape. Generally, the hardscape is installed before the softscape, so it doesn’t damage any of the plants going in. We will usually install at least one, but possibly all, of the following components.
Patios
Decks
Fire Features
Pergolas and Roof Structures
Patios
The patio is a paved outdoor area adjoining the house. It can be made out of natural or man-made materials. We use three different types of material to make a patio. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
Concrete
Concrete is easy to work with and is the cheapest material we install. However, as the soil freezes and thaws, it can move under the concrete. This can cause it to crack. Also, if there are pipes or wires under the concrete that need repair, you will have to hammer out the concrete for access to them. This can quickly get expensive.
Pavers
These are our most popular patio material. Approximately 80% of the patios we install are made of some sort of paver. Pavers are individual concrete pieces that are laid in a pattern to form a patio. They come in all shapes and sizes. Our favorite paver manufacturers are Belgard and Unilock brands for their quality and range of products available. Pavers are more expensive then concrete but are much more durable. They are a flexible pavement, which means they can move with soils instead of cracking. They can be dug up to get to pipes or wires below them and then reinstalled, instead of being destroyed as they are removed.
Natural Stone
This is the best choice as stone will weather the best. They can be in shapes, irregular pieces, or as squares or rectangles, depending on the formality of the landscape. They never go out of style as they are from the earth. We lay them in a mortar bed on a concrete base or dry lay on an aggregate base. We use polymeric joint sand to fill the gaps between them when laid on aggregate. Natural stone is more expensive than the other two materials but will last a lifetime.
Decks
A deck is an elevated structure adjacent to the home. They are often built so that you can enjoy a view, such as by a lake or creek. There are several different materials you can chose for your deck.
Wood
Wood decks are probably the most common. You can use pressure treated wood to repel insects that might eat the wood, such as carpenter ants or termites. A more organic solution is cedar wood, which naturally repels insects and is also resistant to rotting. Wood is normally the cheapest material to build a deck with, but lumber is in short supply right now and is quite expensive. This can add to the price of a deck, so quotes may need to be adjusted based on the current price of lumber. Decks do require periodic sanding and re-staining as the sun makes the stain fade. Or you can let the wood age naturally for more of a grey tree bark look overtime.
Composite material This is a blend of wood fiber and PVC. It looks like wood but is much more durable. It does not need to be sanded or stained as the color is added when the product is manufactured. Composite boards come in many different colors. You will need to sweep debris such as leaves off it regularly and hose it off periodically. Composite material is more expensive than wood and cannot quite match the warm glow of natural wood.
PVC boards These boards look like wood but are all PVC. PVC boards are strong, durable, and low maintenance. They are more expensive than wood or composite material and do shrink and swell during temperature fluctuations.
Alternatives
Decks don’t have to be constructed with wood or wood lookalikes. We can use a steel frame and put pavers, stone, or tile down instead of wood. These types of decks are long lasting and the lowest maintenance of the choices we install. Since they are unusual, they are great conversation pieces, as well.
Fire Features
Fire features usually go on top of patios and decks. They add to the enjoyment of evenings outside. Fire features can use natural gas, liquid propane, or wood. We install several types of fire features.
Fire pits
These are structures that contain fire in a bowl or pit inside the structure. They are great for sitting around on a cool evening or making marshmallows. They are an inexpensive way to add fire to your outdoor space.
Fireplaces
We can build a gas fired or wood burning fireplace in your outdoor living space. These look like the traditional fireplaces inside a home, but do not have the size constraints home fireplaces do. They add a warmth and depth to your outdoor space. We can even put a spit in the fireplace so you can roast your food over it.
Fire Tables
These tables have a fire inset that burns while you eat. It can be used as a flame to prepare a meal or just to enjoy one by. The tables are usually resin, metal, or stone and use natural gas or liquid propane as a fuel. They can include a glass wind guard, so the flames are not blown out by a breeze.
Outdoor kitchens and pizza ovens
Southern homes used to have summer kitchens outside that had a roof and were enclosed by screen. This meant the house was not heated up by the stove and ovens when it was already hot. It also gave the cooks some relief from the heat. We don’t have to worry about that now but having an outdoor kitchen and/or pizza oven can make preparing for a crowd easier without the cook having to miss the party. Pizza cooked over an open flame just tastes better than one cooked in a conventional oven.
Pergolas and Roof Structures
Pergolas are structures, usually made out of wood, that cast shade so you can enjoy the outdoors without the heat of the direct sun. They must be designed and oriented for your lot to cast shade when and where needed. Often people grow vines or vining roses up and over the pergolas for a stylish look and added shade. There are several styles available to choose from.
If you want shade and protection from rain, we can install a roofed structure. Often called pavilions, the roof allows for additional amenities such as fans, lights, and heaters. Pavilions can be screened in to protect from insects while allowing cooling breezes to flow through the space.
Hardscapes provide elements to improve your outdoor living space. Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping can design and install any of these components for you. We can advise you on what the best hardscapes are to facilitate your goals for your outdoor living space and show you what that would look like. Book a consultation with Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping today to get started.
