What polymeric sand does
Polymeric sand is joint sand mixed with binders that harden once they’re wetted. Swept into the gaps between pavers and set with a light mist, it locks the stones together so they don’t shift, keeps weeds and ants from settling in the joints, and resists washing out in heavy rain.
Regular sand does the first job but not the others, which is why older interlock often ends up with weeds, ant hills and gaps.
What paver sealer does
Sealer is a protective coat applied over clean, dry pavers. It brings back the deeper colour the stones had when they were new, makes oil and food stains easier to clean up, and helps protect the surface from UV fading, road salt and freeze-thaw cycles.
Signs your interlock needs attention
- Weeds or moss growing between pavers
- Empty or sunken joints, or stones that rock when stepped on
- Ant hills in the joints
- Faded, chalky or uneven colour
- Oil, rust or organic stains that won’t rinse off
- Water soaking in rather than beading on the surface
The three-step restoration
1. Deep clean. Pressure washing lifts dirt, moss, mildew and old joint sand, and opens the joints back up.
2. Re-sand. Once the pavers are clean, polymeric sand is swept into every joint, compacted, and set with a light mist.
3. Seal. When everything is fully dry, the sealer goes on to bring back colour and add protection.
When to do it, and how often
In Simcoe County the best window is late spring through early fall, when you can count on a few dry days in a row. Most driveways and patios benefit from a re-seal every few years, depending on traffic, sun exposure and the sealer used. Polymeric sand usually lasts longer, but worn or washed-out joints should be topped up.
Assure handles all three steps (washing, polymeric sand and sealing) for driveways, walkways, patios and pool decks across Simcoe County.