Re-sanding a block paved drive

adandem

Hi, Hubby is outside as I type, jet washing our drive.

He has bought some standard kiln dried sand to re-sand it. One of our neighbours has suggested using a new type of sand which 'sets' between the paving. The only sealant I can find is one which seals the blocks as well and I don't want this.

Apparently the sand has an additive which sets when watered?
Has anyone heard of this product?

Also, how long would be safe to leave the drive unsanded?
Thanks;)

wallbash

He has bought some standard kiln dried sand to re-sand it

Thats what I always get/do.

Don't ever think about sealing ,

new type of sand which 'sets' between the paving

I don't want it to set .

adandem

wallbash wrote: »

I don't want it to set .

Can I ask what the disadvantages would be? We thought it would keep the sand in place?
I don't want the bricks sealed though, we had this done at our last house and hated it.

cajef

Sand between the joints allows for water to drain through, by sealing the joints if the drive slopes toward the house you risk water running and collecting there, depends on the levels of the drive and whether water would run into any drains.

wallbash

Will be honest and admit I have not heard of any sand ( additive ) which sets used on pavers. If any one knows the name ....

Can I ask what the disadvantages would

Only if I can reply .... wots the advantage.

Thousands of us have installed block pavers for many years , always using the kiln dried sand to finish off.
If I wanted a waterproof, hard wearing drive, would have laid crazy paving

We thought it would keep the sand in place?

Hubby is outside as I type, jet washing our drive.

:rolleyes:

barnabee

Do you mean Geo-fix? - site here

I have used it before although it is expensive. My pathway was done with it 8 years ago and it is still perfect. Very easy to use. Smells like Playdough.

ormus

why not just mix sharp sand with cement. (dont add any water). brush it into the joints dry.
a damp day is best.

adandem

Thanks for the replies.
Sorry I didn't make myself clear originally, I knew the sand wouldn't survive jet washing;)

thehairybuilder

Marshalls M joint is one of these sand type fillers

http://www.marshalls.co.uk/transform/products/garden-range/garden-paving/m-joint/default.aspx

Simply brush it into the joints then sprinkle water over them and it sets rock hard . We`ve used it between our slabs . 3 years old and looks good as the day I laid it

wallbash

I can see the use of

Marshalls M joint is one of these sand type fillers

with slabs but pavers??

I must admit ,( on slabs) i would use a very dryish motar mix and repoint ( sunny day / radio on and a comfortable blanket )

Garden_Doctors_Ltd

Its fine to seal block paving joints as the joints do not have to be porous. Kiln dried sand isn't sweeped in to allow drainage at all, its there only to create a friction interface between adjacent blocks. This allows the weight of vehicles etc to be 'spread over a wider area. Never ever use cement on block pavers... it will be ruined!