The traditional method to apply paving sand is to use polymeric chemicals. However, this simple and tried solution often leads to issues and higher maintenance for your landscape pathway. Understanding the polymeric sand problems that occur can lead you to better decisions when beginning your DIY pathway.
Polymeric Sand Problems
Issue #1: Polyhaze
Polymeric sand problems begin with the mixture of chemicals. When placing the formula into your paving stones or aggregate, it creates a polyhaze. This is a white, filmy substance left on your pathway after installation is complete. Polyhaze is difficult, if not impossible, to remove from your pathway, creating aesthetic issues and higher maintenance.
Issue #2: Water Erosion
While some formulas for jointing sand have been updated, polymeric sand problems are fast to erode. With over 10 years of studies by Envirobond, we have found that in as little as 120 minutes of rainfall polymeric sand begins to erode. This means you will need to re-do the entire pathway again.
Issue #3: High Maintenance
Over time, the sand in between paving stones will erode and begin to fade. For the DIY pathway, this means you will need to fix the pathway in as little as 1-2 years, depending on weather changes. Polymeric sand problems lead to the inability to replace any of the paving stones that have eroded or have damage. Instead, you will need to redo the entire pathway because you cannot fill in the sand. With Envirobond, you can simply remove and replace any paving stone that has been damaged, lowering the amount of money and time requirements for maintenance.
Of course, there are other polymeric sand problems that accelerate with using paving sand. With the erosion of the pathway, you will find unnecessary weed growth beginning to formulate. The deteriorating impact that occurs from weathering and time leads to a pathway that requires more maintenance or which you need to completely re-do for a better pathway.
Solutions for a DIY pathway begin with finding the right materials. Integral to your landscape pathway materials is paving sand that doesn’t erode, is easy to top up and allows you to enjoy an aesthetically pleasing pathway without the maintenance. If you want to eliminate polymeric sand problems, then finding smarter solutions for the environment and your home such as EnviroSAND will last for year’s to come.