Sand plays an important role in the interlocking paver system. It keeps joints stable, pavers level, insects out, plant life from growing between the joints and deters mold and mildew. Having the proper sand in paver joints ensures the pavers will stay in place without shifting or sinking. If you don’t have sand in the paver joints, rainwater or pool water will seep in the paver joints and wash out the sand base that your pavers are installed on. This will ultimately cause your interlocking pavers to shift, wobble and sink.
ICPI STANDARDS FOR PAVER JOINT SAND LEVEL
Georgia Paver Restoration’s skilled technicians have been thoroughly trained on how to correctly apply the joint sand to the ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) industry standards. The ICPI calls for joint sand to be between 1/8th and 1/4th inch below the edge of the brick paver.
The reason for this recessed sand level as opposed to a high surface level like you would find grout between tiles in your home, is for two reasons:
1) The small 1/8th-1/4th inch canal below the surface of the pavers creates a channel for water to find its way to any drains or run off the side and into the yard.
2) When the paver joints are “overloaded” with sand, the top layer of the sand will start to wear away as the sealer wears off and the sand bond weakens. The sand will ultimately wash out of the joints and spread all over the surface of the paver area.
IMPROPERLY SANDED JOINTS (OVERLOADED)
PROPERLY SA
NDED PAVER JOINTS
When you want the job done correctly, contact Georgia Paver Restoration at 678-763-6001.
We don’t cut corners by leaving out the most important steps when protecting and preserving your interlocking paver investment.