How to Stop Sand Washing Out of Block Paving

There comes a time for almost every homeowner to start looking into joint sand if they own a block paved patio or want to build one. A preferable method for pavers installation is using setting sand for block paving. While it has its many benefits, there are also a few things you should be familiar with before you proceed with your patio pointing project when using sand only as a jointing material.

You see, sand can gradually get washed away, making your paved area structurally unstable. What’s more, weedlings will soon start appearing in between the paving blocks if you don’t top the joints up on a regular basis.

So, whether you are:

Then, this post is for you. Read on, as it is always best to start your project when well informed. Regardless of you having a garden patio or a driveway made of pavers, joint sand can be an easy solution to fill the joints between the block pavers. And knowing how to properly maintain and care for your paved area can save you much effort and money down the road.

How to stop sand washing out of block paving?

Reapplying joint sand to your block paving, because it’s been washed away, can be a very long and tiring process, especially if you have a large area. Not to mention that it is also probably an unwanted expense. That is why it is important to look into ways to do this the best way possible and having to re-do the job more rarely, when needed.

 An important part of the process are the materials used. Like most things – the better materials you use for your block paving, the longer they will last and the less maintenance they will need. Carefully examine all types of joint sand on the market and make sure to go for the one that answers all your needs completely and is of good quality. There are some sands that can resist water erosion and would last longer than their cheaper alternative.

Another way to keep everything in place for longer is to seal the pavers and sand. This will keep the paving joint sand from washing away. The sealant can be reapplied when needed, but first, you must inspect the surface and decide if re-sanding it should also be done.

How to re-sand block paving?

With block paving, there will eventually come a time when re-sanding will be needed. As you can guess, the joint sand keeps weeds and grass at bay. But it is also integral to the entire structure, allowing the pavers to stay in place and support heavy weight on them.

So, when you start seeing compromised joints, it is best to start planning on re-sanding your patio, even if only topping up is required. Ignoring issues with washed-out joint sand could cost you some of the paving blocks, too, and would mean that an even larger amount of work is required.

For the task, you will need a high-quality joint sand and a middle-sized bristle brush. Once you have the materials, it is vital to start the work only on a completely dry surface, so the sand can be easily brushed around. When the weather is dry and it is time to do the work, the process itself is relatively simple.

Spread out small piles of the sand around the entire area and work your way around to brush them in every joint. If you are only topping up the joints or fixing a few that are completely empty, you will not need as much sand as it was originally used when the paving was done.

 Once the joint sand is properly brushed around and the joints cannot take more, it is time to collect the remaining sand. As you’d probably use fine sand, it will be very hard to collect every last grain, but that is okay. Walking on the paving and the weather will finish the job for you. Once the sand has settled, you can proceed to sealing the area if you want.

Do you need professional help to restore your block paving?

Although a fairly simple process, sanding or re-sanding your paving can be a long and tiresome job. If you are looking for a hassle-free fix up, it may be best to consider bringing in the specialists. Fantastic Services has experience with a large variety of paving services that can address jobs like patio installation, pointing with joint sand and sealing the paved area.

Supply and delivery of all the materials and tools needed for the job can be easily arranged. The only thing left for you to do is arrange for the service and this way, save yourself the time of learning how to do this and then executing it.

Do you have joints that need re-sanding? Share any tips and tricks you may have discovered for how to stop sand from washing away in the comments below!

Image source: Shutterstock/Gheorghe Mindru