Joint Sand

Joint sand is responsible for the vertical interlock of a paving system. High slope areas, water run off, wind and aggressive cleaning can result in erosion of joint sands. Joints should be filled to the bottom of the chamfer or in the case of tumbled pavers 1/8" from the top. Substantial loss of joint sand could result in a loss of vertical interlock affecting structural performance.

Not all joint sands are created equal. Both fine and course Mason sand contains rounded aggregates that tend to wash out (being replaced by dirts). They do not lock together as sands with symmetrical particles. The angular or symmetrical sands take much longer to consolidate in tight paver joints which is why most contractors neglect to use them. 

The picture to the left shows: (from left to right are) Fine Masons Sand, Course Granite Sand and a 50-50 mixture of both. With the addition of the angular Granite Sand, joints tend to stay consolidated longer and in many cases mixing custom blends of joint sands can achieve colors that highlight the colors of the pavers used in the project. 

If you are interested in more information or would like The Paver Doctor to blend a custom joint sand for you please call. We specialize in paver Repair-Restoration-sealing.

Edge Restraint

Edge Restraint systems are responsible for rotational interlock of a paver application. Through interlock, thousands of pavers together will act as one continuous surface. Edge restraint failure will result in shifting/creeping of pavers leaving open joints which will result in bed sand loss leading to possible rutting or settlement. 

The desired outcome of an Edge Restraint is that it stays stationary. Understanding the degree of lateral forces that will be exerted on the system is critical to determining what type to use. With the correct Edge Restraint system in hand accurate installation is critical to its success. Trying to save money on shorter spikes or less of them can cause a failure. And setting spikes into the ground will not hold, they must be driven into base material.

The most common type of edge restraints are made of black PVC and set in place with spikes driven into the base material. On straight runs rigid Edge Restraints are preferred and flexible is used on curve-linear applications. 

Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies (3 Metro locations) provide quality Edge Restraint systems. I have yet to find comparable products at the big box stores. 

Replacing Edge Restraint systems begins with identifying the underlying issue and correcting it. Repairing the damage created by the failure will become more involved the longer the failure exists. If you feel this condition may exist on your paver application feel free to contact The Paver Doctor. We specialize in paver Repair-Restoration-Sealing.

Efflorescence

Most every new paver application has Efflorescence. It can appear as a white stain-see picture below, or a white powder on the top of the paver. Simply said it is a natural occurrence of curing concrete. Technically, curing concrete contains Calcium Oxide and when mixed with water this forms Calcium Hydroxide and when mixed with air becomes Calcium Carbonate, AKA Efflorescence. On a new application it is termed Primary Efflorescence and when it continues we call it Secondary Efflorescence.

The Paver Doctors advises to let Efflorescence run its course on new applications. Sometime within a year from installation, through a process called weather, Efflorescence production will be exhausted. At that time after a cleaning to remove the remaining residue is done you will be free of Efflorescence! 

In specific situations, Efflorescence may need to be removed. With many acids readily available to consumers, I would only suggest one for homeowner use. It contains 16% Solfamic acid which will not damage concrete if used incorrectly. You can find it at Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies (3 Metro locations) and sold under the SRW Products brand.

In some instances Secondary Efflorescence can reappear for longer periods than a year. Cleaning and then sealing the pavers will help two fold. First it will reduce the amount of water entering the paver and also create a resistance forcing any Secondary Efflorescence Blooms to the sides and bottoms of the paver.

Efflorescence is an issue of appearance and will not affect the integrity of the paver. Feel free to call on The Paver Doctor to assess this or any issues related to your Pavers! We specialize in paver Repair-Restoration-Sealing.