Brick paver sand

[engineer2]

Need to redo the sand joints my brick patio again. Plan to powerwash out the sand blackened by mold, random tiny weeds, and moss. Has anybody found paver sand that won't allow living things to thrive?

I was thinking about adding something to the paver sand mix like copper sulfate. I'd like to find something that won't wash out with rain. Any ideas?

 

[Jayman17]

Best thing I have used is something called polymeric sand. You spread and sweep into the cracks and then lightly mist with the hose. I think there may be a minimum outside temp for best results, somewhere around 70* IIRC.
Hope this helps. It is way better than regular sand.

-Jay

 

[bzinsky]

I believe dirt accumulates in the cracks, nothing you can do about that

I would just soray with weed killer

 

[Cougar]

Menards has this. Never used it, but was thinking of trying it.

https://www.menards.com/main/buildi...cking-sand/1891155/p-1444445320224-c-5784.htm

 

[Stuart in MN]

Menards has this. Never used it, but was thinking of trying it.

https://www.menards.com/main/buildi...cking-sand/1891155/p-1444445320224-c-5784.htm

Looks like that's just a fancy name for polymeric sand. It's the way to go over regular sand, but it does eventually break down.

 

[neophyte]

The problem with brick walkways and sidewalks is that brick ***** for this.
Organic mater will inevitable get between the bricks, whether from dirt or leaves or whatever.
If the brick area is in a damp area without much sunlight moss will start growing.

The only way to really prevent this is to scub the surface on a weekly basis with a stiff broom.
Larger pavers like bluestone or concrete have less of an issue with this.

You might be able to help minimize the issue with really really good drainage, since this would eliminate the moisture that helps the mildew and moss grow.

 

[txvwnut]

I use concrete sand mix for my paver projects. I had a brick paver driveway approach for ten or so years till the city widened the street, in that time I never had anything grow up though the joints.

 

[nadogail]

Frequent application of a herbicide will help.

 

[Lassen Forge]

We used dry playground sand, tamped down... and every 2 years scooped out the top 1/2" and replaced it. Otherwise it looked like ick. It was our "weekend before summer" project every 2 years... and it paid off!

 

[gregs]

I usually pressure wash the entire pool deck once a year and add back any sand that gets washed out. I find that the pavers also grow stuff on them as well as the joints. I now do a some what regular applications of wet & forget and it has helped tremendously. Also use a herbicide to control any weeds that come up. A paver deck is maintenance no matter what you use, but its an attractive and durable surface.

 

[Showkey]

I usually pressure wash the entire pool deck once a year and add back any sand that gets washed out. I find that the pavers also grow stuff on them as well as the joints. I now do a some what regular applications of wet & forget and it has helped tremendously. Also use a herbicide to control any weeds that come up. A paver deck is maintenance no matter what you use, but its an attractive and durable surface.

This...^^^^^^^^^^^

NOTE: Some of the paver lock sand products mark or stain ( with a white residue) the bricks, that lasts about 6-9 months.

I burn (flame thrower) the grass, weeds and moss twice per year.

 

[jabberwoki]

When I used to do paving for a job we would use a 5 to 1 sand cement mix, sweep it in then wash of the excess . It sets up hard, If you can get the level close to the surface between the bricks there wont be much room left to dirt to accumulate.

 

[rlitman]

Polymeric sand has a powdered glue that gels up in the gaps when watered in. That will stop weed seeds from getting in and growing, but it will not stop mold and moss that grow on the surface in shady areas.

In the past, I've had luck sprinkling down diatomaceous earth and sweeping that in with play sand when I fill in the gaps to stop pavement ants that used to infest my pavers badly (yeah, I know it's not your main issue, but I'm just throwing this one out there).

As for mold and moss, the best thing I've found is Wet & Forget. It kills that stuff off quickly, and then just let the sun and rain remove it eventually. Retreat at least once per year (more often if the area sees a lot of runoff). And wear a respirator when applying. You absolutely should not breathe in the mist (it is a strong irritant to the lungs, though is not particularly toxic).

 

[engineer2]

Thanks for the tips so far. I like the idea of a 5 to 1 sand cement mix.
I bought Menards higher-end polymeric sand and a jug of powdered copper sulfate. I'll mix them together, maybe add a bit of cement and see what happens.
I agree, keeping it nice is a every other year maintenance chore.

 

[gregs]

Will the copper sulfate stain the pavers?

 

[engineer2]

Will the copper sulfate stain the pavers?

Not sure. I understand you don't need very much. It is a pretty shade of blue though. I'll do a test area first.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

Thanks for the tips so far. I like the idea of a 5 to 1 sand cement mix.
I bought Menards higher-end polymeric sand and a jug of powdered copper sulfate. I'll mix them together, maybe add a bit of cement and see what happens.
I agree, keeping it nice is a every other year maintenance chore.

Dont add cement

Just use polymeric sand


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