| Jointing sand (types) | | | | need to sweep the sand into the paver joints. |
| Sand particles should typically be symmetrical and | | | | Once the jointing sand has been swept across the |
| angular in shape. Particles that are too round and | | | | surface of the paver, you can vibrate the pavers |
| close to the same gradation will eventually wash | | | | with a plate compactor. When compacting the |
| out of the joints. Sand that is too soft will not be | | | | pavers with jointing sand, it is recommended to |
| able to transfer loads properly. | | | | compact the pavers in two different directions. |
| Contractors have several different options | | | | This will force the jointing sand down into the |
| available for sand. Polymeric sand is gaining in | | | | joints and interlock the pavers. After compacting |
| popularity among contractors for several reasons. | | | | the pavers, jointing sand should be applied to the |
| Polymeric sand is unlike sand. Polymeric sand | | | | entire surface again and swept into place. This will |
| stays in place, stabilizes the work, follows | | | | ensure that all the joints are being properly filled. |
| movement of the pavers, reduces weed growth, | | | | You should repeat this process as many times as |
| keeps insects from penetrating between the | | | | needed to fill all the joints. |
| joints and is available in different colors. Other | | | | Final inspection and cleanup |
| jointing sands that are commonly used by | | | | Once you have completed the jointing sand |
| contractors are mason sand, torpedo sand and | | | | application, it is best to do an overall inspection of |
| stone dust. | | | | your project. The overall appearance of your |
| Purpose of jointing sand | | | | project is very critical, especially to your clients. |
| There are generally three functions for jointing | | | | It is best to remove any extra sand from the |
| sand: | | | | surface of the pavers prior to doing your final |
| 1. It will act as a medium through which applied | | | | inspection. During your inspection, it is important to |
| traffic loads are transferred between paver to | | | | pay attention to the following: |
| paver. | | | | 1. All damaged pavers are marked and replaced. |
| 2. It helps prevent pavers from being pinched | | | | 2. All pavers are level and true to grade. The final |
| together. | | | | surface elevations should not vary more than +3 |
| 3. It exerts friction between the pavers to help | | | | 8 in, under a run of 10 ft. The top of the pavers |
| prevent movement. | | | | should be 1/8 to 1/4 in above the adjacent catch |
| Typically when the joints between the pavers are | | | | basins, drains and utility covers. The top of the |
| completely filled with sand, the loads applied to the | | | | pavers may be 1/8 to1/4 in above the final |
| pavers are transferred to the surrounding pavers. | | | | elevations to compensate for possible minor |
| This enables the paver units to act together, as a | | | | settling. |
| load bearing system. Joints that are not | | | | 3. There is positive pitch for drainage to all drains |
| completely filled with jointing sand can cause the | | | | and channels. |
| pavers to act independently, which might result in | | | | 4. All joints are completely filled with sand. |
| future pavement failure. | | | | 5. All extra materials are removed from the job |
| Pavers will tend to shift and rotate when exposed | | | | site ( i.E. Gravel, sand, garbage, pavers and pallets |
| to various traffic loads. Joints between the pavers | | | | ) |
| that are completely filled with sand will prevent | | | | 6. Schedule a final walk through with the client to |
| this from happening. Most pavers are | | | | ensure complete customer satisfaction. |
| manufactured with spacing bars. These spacing | | | | 7. Repair any punch list items they may address. |
| bars create a space between the pavers, which | | | | It is best to develop a project check list. A |
| allow for proper sand installation. Pavers that are | | | | project check list can help minimize any future call |
| installed without spacing bars will tend to pinch, | | | | backs from the client. It is best to go over the |
| resulting in the chipping of pavers in heavy traffic. | | | | check list with the client and have them sign off |
| Jointing sand installation and final compaction | | | | on it when the project is complete. |
| Before jointing sand is spread across the surface | | | | Final statement: this study guide was developed |
| of the pavers. The pavers should be compacted. | | | | to provide you with the knowledge required to |
| (See section 4.8 ). After your first compaction of | | | | obtain the highest of standards in the industry. By |
| the pavers, you can spread a liberal amount of | | | | following and applying the principles in this study |
| jointing sand across the surface of the pavers. | | | | guide, you can significantly increase the success of |
| After you have spread the jointing sand, you | | | | your every project. |