Pavermate Z3: Revolutionizing Paver Joints with Polymeric Sand

September 20, 2024

What Is a Polymer?

Consider polymer the glue that binds sand into a structural yet flexible joint. Two types of polymers are commonly used: Fast-setting gelling polymers and traditional polymers.

What are fast-setting gelling polymers?

To create a fast-setting, gelling polymer, the sand is infused with a powder additive called a moisture-activated polymer that acts as a binding agent when mixed with sand and exposed to water. When the joints are misted with water, the activation process begins, and when fully cured, it dries into a hard, grout-like material that helps keep the pavers locked in place.

How do fast-setting gelling polymers work?

Let’s examine the polymer process even further for the fast-setting (gelling) polymeric sands currently on the market.

When water is added, the water-activated polymers start to form a gel. During the watering and activation process, the polymer powder becomes a gel, coating the surrounding sand and substrate and removing any space left between the sand particles.

How do the fast-setting gelling polymers work during the watering and activation process? NOTE: Two minutes is a critical time frame during watering and activation. If activation drags on beyond two minutes, a couple of issues could happen:

The top sand will react independently from the sand below, which could separate from the rest of the joint.

Be sure to properly water the joints to ensure that the water gets all the way down into them during the quick-setting activation. Otherwise, you’ll have only activated the top layer with a “skin” and minimal saturation down deep in the joint, which will cause the sand not to activate correctly. This “skin” could inhibit absorption if activation continues beyond the recommended 2 minutes.

Here are the mechanics behind that statement regarding our Pavermate Z3™ Polymeric Sand:

We recommend watering in sections up to 200 sq. ft for 2 minutes, allowing the water to absorb into the blend. After those 2 minutes, the sand blend will reduce or stop taking on water. A critical part of this watering step is the initial misting of the area until the surface is wet. This misting creates surface tension within the joint, allowing the next shower watering step to be applied heavily. Please note that it’s ok to have temporary standing water on the surface during watering steps two and three.

While Pavermate Z3™ is protected from rain in as little as 10 minutes, it is essential to note rain within the first 24 hours can significantly increase cure time. When possible, avoid application before rain events.

What are traditional polymers?

Now, let’s break down how the polymers in the traditional polymeric sands on the market today work. When water is added to traditional polymeric sands, these polymers do not expand into a gel but start to layer upon themselves. They must be watered more slowly and steadily than the fast-setting polymeric sands.

FAQ’s:

Why is the recommended activation process so important? All I need to do is water it; why must I do that a certain way?

In fast-setting polymeric sands, adding water for activation is especially critical. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when activating the sand. Not all polymeric sand is the same, and each has a slightly different activation process that needs to be followed. Not one activation process fits all. When adding water to activate any polymeric sand, it’s essential to do this precisely as the manufacturer recommends for the best possible outcome.

All manufacturers think that their sand is the best, including us. However, we will all agree that most sand failures are due to not following the proper activation instructions. Sand fails when you do not follow the instructions and go rogue. To prevent sand failures, follow the manufacturer’s recommended activation process.

Why does SRW Products say to activate their Pavermate Z3™ Polymeric Sand in this specific way?

It’s because of the gelling technology and how quickly the polymers start to activate, all while ensuring enough water gets down deep into the joint. Extending activation beyond 2 minutes increases the chance of skinning on the surface of the sand. Overapplication of water is unlikely but could extend the cure time.

What is the proper activation method for Pavermate Z3™ Polymeric Sand?

When the sand has been swept into the joints, compacted, and filled to 1/8” below the top of the paver (see full instructions below), you are ready for activation.

The Polymeric Sand Activation Process:

ACTIVATION:

Working in sections up to 200 sq. ft. (18.58 sq. m.), water the section for a total of 2 minutes.

Do not allow the section to dry during the 2-minute watering:

MIST:

Use a hose with a sprayer attachment set to “mist” or a similar light setting. Mist the area until the surface is wet. This creates surface tension to help prevent sand migrating on top of pavers.

SHOWER:

Next, set the hose to “light shower” to allow more water over the area. Repeat the shower two times over the section.

CHECK:

Use a screwdriver to test for a proper moisture depth of at least 1″ (2.54 cm). If depth is not achieved, immediately wet the area with a shower setting.

FINISH:

Blow off excess water with a leaf blower once proper moisture depth is achieved.

Best Practices for Installation of Pavermate Z3™

While our Z3 sand is rain-safe in as little as 10 minutes, the best approach continues to be to perform installation during dry conditions and avoid inclement weather. To cure, Z3 must dry out completely. If rain gets added shortly after installation, beware that this could lead to an extended cure time.

Here is a quick checklist of best practices to take into consideration before you start your installation of Pavermate Z3™:

Test in a small, discrete area.
Temperatures must remain above 32°F (0°C) throughout installation and curing.
Do not use on porcelain tile or natural stone.
Clay pavers must be completely dry before sand is installed. Moisture in the clay pavers can activate the sand on the surface and leave a residue.
Proper compaction is essential for obtaining optimal joint strength.
Continuous dampness can prevent polymeric sand from curing properly.
Irrigation systems should be turned off until polymeric sand has fully cured.
For best results, wait 28 days after installation before cleaning and sealing.
It is not recommended for flagstone patios or wet/heavily shaded areas, and it should not be used on pool copings.

Swallowing Our Pride and Waving the White Flag

We know and understand that we have had availability issues in the last few years.

With unforeseen double-digit growth since 2019, when demand far outweighed supply, availability has been an issue. We knew this and worked tirelessly to find solutions. We were humbled by the overwhelmingly positive response Z3 had with the industry, but it also gave us many grey hairs as we scrambled to do everything we could for our customers.

Our availability issues are now a thing of the past (we are only left with our nightmares) and have been rectified with four fully stocked warehouses throughout the country in NJ, GA, MN, and CA. We offer quick and easy shipment no matter where you are located.

With Woes Comes Strength in Partnerships

The one thing we can say without a shadow of a doubt about our sands (as well as all our products) is that you have an entire company of people behind you. Our local sales reps have been and will continue to be there to take your call, go on-site, do a demo, and show you how to activate the sand. The list continues. Our Product Management team is there to answer technical questions. Our customer service is always there to take care of you. We pride ourselves on our partnerships and are always available to our customers and contractors. It’s the SRW difference.

With SRW Products, you know you always have us on your side. It’s what sets SRW Products apart from our competition:

Dedicated Local Representatives: Our team includes local representatives who not only demonstrate our products but can also support on-site installation questions, ensuring a personalized and hands-on approach for our clients.

Responsive Customer Support: Our team is committed to promptly answering phone calls and returning inquiries, ensuring contractors receive the assistance they need. At SRW, we believe Partnerships with trust and reliability are critical to excellent customer support.

Expert Project Management: Our project managers are equipped to address complex technical queries. Each case has a personal touchpoint providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout the project lifecycle, demonstrating our commitment to being more than just a supplier but a true partner in success.

If you are a contractor looking to try one of our jointing sands, click here for a dealer in your area, or click here to connect with your local sales rep for a demo.

If you are a dealer looking for an in-store demo or to bring some in, click here to find your local sales rep.

If you are a homeowner, click here to find a dealer in your area.