Jointing sand

[weatheritt]

Last week I had a 95m sq monoblock driveway laid. With the heavy rain a lot of the sand has been lost in the joints. I would like to seal the sand in some way and was wondering if I have to sand the joints again before doing this. Is this too soon to be sealing. I dont know if I am panicking over nothing. Any help would be appreciated.

[Neville]

Having done so much research into the subject I'm happy to help. If you are wanting to use a resin sealant then yes. You MUST have 25mm dry sand in the joints. Test by raking out 25mm and see for yourself, (but don't kid yourself its dry if it isn't perectly free running and obviously totally dry)
I don't think its as important for the PVA type sealants.

[bobhughes]

Don't seal it yet - it is too soon. The sand will settle and needs topping up after a couple of weeks. This is normal.

You should wait a couple of months to see if any problems develop before re-sanding and sealing.

[Nigel Walker]

You must wait al least 3 months before sealing to allow for sand settlement and effloresence to disappear.
Do not seal when there is still effloresence visible

Personally I do not recommend or indeed like sealing block paving.

Most people think that it is a one off thing that will last forever. NO it needs to be done every 2 years or so to maintain the seal, which works out expensive if using a quality sealant.
Areas of paving that get more sun than other parts will fade quicker resulting in a patchy looking surface. When it rains droplets of water form on the surface. The more coats you apply the darker it becomes thus you cannot see the original colour of the paving. Plus it also gets slippier the more coats you apply.

You ahev chosen your block paving bgecause of the colour it is. Why change the look by applying sealant ?

Keep it maintained Simple !


Nigel

As you may gather - I do not like sealing block paving !!

Much better to keep it clean by brushing regularly and pressure washing once a year - re-sanding afterwoods.

As I tell my clients - If you bought a new carpet for £80 per square yard you would keep it clean and have it cleaned regular. Why spend thousands on block paving and do nothing with it.

[weatheritt]

Thanks all for your replies. Call me dumb but what does effluresence mean, I have seen this being referenced to a few times on this site and it isn't explained what it is. After reading I think I might change my mind regarding sealing it now. I think I was looking for a quick fix, because each time it rains some of the sand loosens, whereby I then have to brush the sand back in to the joints, thats a lot of brushing! Oh well life isn't easy, is it?

Janet

[Suggers]

It's here ! - http://www.pavingexpert.com/eff01.htm

[bobhughes]

Nigel
What would you do with a 1 in 7 slope like mine? Scour is clearly going to be a problem.

Bob