Permasand vs Polymeric Sand: Which is Best for Your Paver Project?Understanding the Importance of Jointing SandWhen installing pavers, whether for a driveway, patio, or walkway, one of the most important considerations is the material used to fill the joints between the pavers. Jointing sand helps stabilize the pavers, prevent shifting, and minimize weed growth. Two popular options for this purpose are Permasand and Polymeric Sand. Both are designed to enhance the durability of your paver installation, but they have distinct properties and applications.
In this topic, we will compare Permasand and Polymeric Sand to help you make an informed decision about which product is best suited for your next project.
What is Permasand?
Permasand is a type of jointing sand specifically designed to work in dry conditions. It is a pre-mixed product that is often used to fill the gaps between pavers, bricks, or stones. Unlike traditional sand, Permasand contains special additives that allow it to compact more efficiently. This makes it resistant to erosion from rain, wind, and foot traffic.
Key Features of Permasand
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Pre-mixed Formula: Permasand comes ready to use, eliminating the need for additional mixing or preparation.
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Erosion Resistance: It helps keep pavers in place by providing a compact and solid joint.
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Weed Resistance: While not as strong as polymeric sand in preventing weeds, Permasand does create a barrier that limits weed growth.
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Easy to Apply: The sand is designed for easy application, making it an excellent choice for DIYers.
What is Polymeric Sand?
Polymeric Sand is a more advanced type of jointing sand that contains polymer additives, which, when activated by water, bond the sand ptopics together. This creates a hard, durable joint that resists erosion, prevents weed growth, and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Polymeric Sand is commonly used for both residential and commercial paver projects.
Key Features of Polymeric Sand
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Polymer Additives: The key difference between polymeric sand and other types of jointing sand is the addition of polymers. These polymers bond the sand ptopics together, creating a strong, stable joint.
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Long-lasting Protection: Polymeric sand creates a hardened joint that is more resistant to erosion, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
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Weed and Insect Resistance: The hardened sand acts as a barrier to weeds and insects, offering more effective protection compared to traditional sand options.
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Moisture-Activated: When the sand is watered after application, it hardens and solidifies, which makes it resistant to movement and damage over time.
Permasand vs Polymeric Sand: Key Differences
Now that we understand what each type of sand is, let’s compare Permasand and Polymeric Sand based on several factors to help you choose the right product for your paver project.
1. Composition and Ingredients
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Permasand: Primarily composed of fine sand and additives that help it compact more tightly in the joints. The absence of polymers means it is not as resistant to erosion and movement as polymeric sand.
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Polymeric Sand: Contains polymer additives that, when activated by water, bond the sand ptopics together. This creates a hard, durable joint that is resistant to washing out and other external forces.
2. Durability and Longevity
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Permasand: While Permasand is durable, it is not as long-lasting as polymeric sand. The lack of bonding agents means that it can shift over time, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic or where water runoff is an issue.
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Polymeric Sand: Polymeric sand is much more durable and long-lasting due to the polymer additives. Once it hardens, it forms a solid, durable joint that is highly resistant to erosion, shifting, and weather conditions.
3. Resistance to Erosion
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Permasand: While it does resist some erosion, Permasand is not as effective at preventing sand from washing out due to heavy rain or runoff. Over time, the sand may erode, requiring you to reapply it.
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Polymeric Sand: Polymeric sand excels in resisting erosion. Once it has hardened, it forms a tight, durable seal that prevents sand from washing out, even in heavy rain or stormy conditions.
4. Weed Prevention
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Permasand: Permasand provides some weed resistance, but it is not as effective as polymeric sand. Weeds can still find their way through the joints, especially in areas with significant moisture.
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Polymeric Sand: Polymeric sand is far more effective at preventing weed growth. The polymer bonding helps to block out weed seeds and other debris, making it ideal for areas where weed control is a priority.
5. Ease of Application
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Permasand: Permasand is very easy to apply. Simply sweep it over the pavers, ensuring it fills the joints, and then compact it into place. It doesn’t require water activation, which makes it simpler to work with for DIY projects.
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Polymeric Sand: Polymeric sand requires a bit more attention during application. After sweeping it into the joints, you must activate the polymers by lightly spraying it with water. This step can be tricky because over-watering or under-watering can affect the results. Proper curing time is also required before the paver surface can be used.
6. Cost
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Permasand: Generally, Permasand is less expensive than polymeric sand. This makes it a more affordable option if you are working on a tight budget, though it may not offer the same long-term benefits as polymeric sand.
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Polymeric Sand: Polymeric sand is typically more expensive than Permasand due to the added polymers and its superior durability and effectiveness in preventing erosion and weed growth.
When to Use Permasand vs Polymeric Sand
Permasand is a good option for projects where ease of use, lower cost, and moderate durability are important factors. It is ideal for residential driveways, walkways, and patios where foot traffic is not excessive, and erosion is less of a concern.
Polymeric Sand, on the other hand, is better suited for high-traffic areas or regions with heavy rainfall or harsh weather conditions. It provides superior durability, better weed control, and long-lasting protection against erosion, making it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial applications.
Which is Right for You?
Both Permasand and Polymeric Sand offer unique advantages, but the right choice depends on the specific needs of your project. If you are looking for an affordable and easy-to-apply solution for light traffic areas, Permasand may be your best option. If you need a more durable, long-lasting solution with superior weed and erosion control, Polymeric Sand is the clear winner.
By understanding the differences between these two types of sand, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your paver installation remains stable, durable, and beautiful for years to come.