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The Truth about pavers vs. stamped concrete
The Benefits of interlocking paver systems vs.
other paving solutions
Polymeric Sand
Polymeric joint sand for use with most type of landscaping pavers such as:
- brick pavers
- limestone pavers
- concrete pavers
- stone pavers
- patio pavers
- interlocking pavers
- driveway pavers
SuperSand Bond polymeric sand
SuperSand Bond is a unique mixture of polymer binders and a calibrated sand, available in brown or grey. The installation of this polymeric sand is almost identical to using regular paver joint sand, except for the application of water. Once SuperSand Bond sets, it becomes very firm and locks between the paver joints. This firm bond maintains pavers securely in place, being equally effective on both horizontal and sloped surfaces. It also withstands erosion due to climatic conditions, such as wind, rain and freezing temperatures. SuperSand Bond is recommended for a variety of uses, including pool sides, patios, foot paths, driveways, parking spaces, pavements, etc.
Ideal Stabilizing Sand to fill Paver Joints
SuperSand Bond has the ability to expand and condense. This elasticity ensures that the paver joints avoid cracking and are properly filled at all times. Thus, it will also help prevent insect penetration and weed sprouting. SuperSand Bond should only be used when pavers or tiles are installed on a drainage bed system (stone dust, crushed stone, sand). It is not recommended when pavers or tiles are set above a concrete base. Make your home a more beautiful place to live with the texture, pattern and color of pavers. Pavers are locally available in a variety of warm colors, and enable you to personalize any outdoor area. Natural or concrete pavers provide a durable and beautiful alternative to concrete or asphalt for patios, walkways, driveways, even streets. Over 200 million square feet of pavers have been installed in North America, and the popularity of these materials is rising steadily. Numerous options exist for size, shape, color and texture. When installed using a polymeric sand such as SuperSand Bond, the surface is flexible, withstanding loads, wear and weather. Application of SuperSand Bond polymeric sand is almost identical to using regular joint sand. The only difference is the application of water. Once SuperSand Bond dries, the product stabilizes to a firm yet flexible consistency and "locks" permanently into the joints. The joints eliminate the cracking common to concrete surfaces. Pavers stand up well to snow removal processes and resist deicing salts better than conventional asphalt or concrete pavement.
Features
- Helps prevent weed sprouting
- Helps prevent damages caused by insects
- Helps prevent water erosion
- Sets as soon as water is sprayed
- Sets at above freezing temperature (0 C - 32 F)
- Can be applied even if storm is expected (3 hours at a minimum before it rains)
- Will maintain elasticity un der weather conditions, insuring that paver joints are always properly filled
- Does not stain paving stone
Sealers
Uses
Sealers reduce the intrusion of water, stains, oils and dirt into the paver surfaces. Like stabilizers, application of a sealer follows stain removal, efflorescence removal and overall surface cleaning. Sealers are used for visual and functional reasons. They offer visual improvement by intensifying the paver colors. Some will add a glossy sheen or "wet" look to the pavement (see Figure 8). Other sealers offer some color enhancement and produce a low sheen, or a flat finish. Sealers offer many functional advantages. They can protect pavers from stain penetration. They are useful around trash receptacles, fast food restaurants, driveways, other areas subject to stains, and where oil drippings are not wanted (see Figure 9). Like stabilizers, sealers are also useful in stopping unwanted insects and weeds. Sealers can stabilize joint sand between pavers cleaned by vacuum sweeping equipment. They can help maintain the sand in the joints under high velocity water flows. Where solvents may be spilled onto pavers, elastomeric urethanes and certain water based sealers have been successfully used to prevent their penetration. Likewise, special urethane sealers have been used to seal and stabilize joint sand subject to propeller wash, jet engine fuels and exhaust in commercial and military airports (2).
Solvent and Water Based Sealers
Like stabilizers, sealers can be either solvent or water based. Solvent based sealers consist of solids dissolved in a liquid. Solvent based products carry the dissolved solids as deep as the solvent will penetrate into the concrete paver. After the solvent evaporates, the sealer remains. Water based sealers are emulsions, or very small particles of the sealer dispersed in water. Water based sealers penetrate concrete as far as the size of the particles will permit. After the water evaporates, typically at a slower rate than solvents, the remaining particles bond with the concrete and to each other. These particles cannot penetrate as deeply as those carried by solvents. Water based sealer curing time will vary with the temperature, wind conditions and humidity.