Taking care of your pavers is important if you want your patio, driveway, or walkway to look great and last a long time. One of the most important parts of maintaining pavers is resanding. In this blog, we’ll explain why and when you need to resand pavers and how it helps keep your outdoor spaces looking good. If you’re a homeowner or business owner with pavers, you’ll learn when to resand and what paver sand is used for.
What Is Paver Sand?
Before talking about why resanding is important, it helps to know what is paver sand. Paver sand is a fine material that fills the spaces (or joints) between pavers. It keeps the pavers in place and prevents them from moving, settling, or shifting over time. There are two main types of paver sand:
- Regular joint sand – Used for most outdoor areas.
- Polymeric sand – Contains special ingredients that help create a stronger bond between pavers and can help prevent erosion.
Both types of sand are helpful, but polymeric sand is often better for places with heavy rain or high traffic. The right kind of sand is key to keeping your pavers looking good and lasting longer.
Why You Should Resand Pavers
- Maintains Stability
The main reason to resand pavers is to keep them stable. Over time, rain, wind, and foot traffic can cause the sand between the pavers to wear away. Without enough sand, the pavers may start to shift or move, leading to uneven surfaces that are not only unattractive but also unsafe. - Stops Weeds and Insects
If there’s not enough sand between the pavers, weeds can grow in the gaps, and insects like ants may build nests. Resanding helps stop these problems by filling the spaces and creating a strong barrier. - Keeps Pavers Looking Good
When the sand wears away, gaps can form, making your patio or driveway look messy. Resanding pavers fills these gaps and makes the surface look clean and well-maintained. - Prevents Erosion
Rain can wash away the sand between pavers. When this happens, water can seep between the pavers, causing erosion and weakening the surface. Resanding helps protect the base beneath the pavers from damage. - Extends the Life of Your Pavers
Regular maintenance like resanding can make your pavers last much longer. By keeping the joints filled with sand, you avoid bigger issues like cracking or shifting, which could lead to expensive repairs later.
When to Resand Pavers
It’s important to know when to resand pavers so you can keep your patio, driveway, or walkway in good shape. Here are some signs that it’s time to resand:
- Eroded Sand
If you see that the sand between your pavers has worn away, it’s time to add more sand. Gaps between the pavers can lead to more serious problems, so acting quickly is important. - Loose or Wobbly Pavers
If your pavers are moving or feel loose when you walk on them, that’s a clear sign the sand has worn down. Resanding will make the surface stable again. - Weeds Growing Between Pavers
If you notice weeds growing between the pavers, it’s a sign that the sand is no longer doing its job. Resanding will fill the gaps and prevent weeds from coming back. - After Power Washing
Power washing your patio or driveway can remove dirt, but it can also wash away the sand between the pavers. After you clean your pavers, you’ll likely need to resand to keep them stable. - After Heavy Rain
Heavy rain can wash away the sand in your pavers. If you’ve recently experienced a storm or flood, check the joints and consider resanding to avoid water damage.
How to Resand Pavers
Resanding pavers is an easy process that you can do yourself or hire a professional for. Here’s how it works:
- Clean the Pavers
Before you start, make sure the pavers are clean. Sweep away any dirt or old sand. You can use a pressure washer, but make sure the pavers are completely dry before resanding. - Choose the Right Sand
Pick either regular joint sand or polymeric sand, depending on your needs. Polymeric sand is more durable and great for areas with a lot of traffic or rain. - Apply the Sand
Pour the sand over the pavers and use a broom to sweep it into the joints. Make sure the sand fills the spaces between the pavers completely. - Compact the Sand
Use a compactor or hand tamper to pack the sand down between the pavers. This step helps ensure the sand settles deep and makes the surface sturdy. - Final Sweep and Watering
After you’ve compacted the sand, sweep away any excess. If you’re using polymeric sand, lightly spray the area with water to activate the binding agents. Be careful not to use too much water, as it can wash the sand away.
Conclusion
Resanding pavers is an important part of keeping your patio, driveway, or walkway looking great and staying strong. By learning what is paver sand and knowing when to resand pavers, you can protect your investment and keep your outdoor areas safe and attractive. Whether you’re dealing with gaps between the pavers or just want to keep everything looking fresh, resanding is an easy and affordable solution.
For professional help with your pavers, contact Panda Pavers today. We specialize in high-quality paver installation and maintenance. Reach out to us for more information or to schedule a consultation!