Paved areas and paths are an important design element on the property. Laying paving stones is easier than you think. But when it comes to sanding the pavement, the question arises as to whether muddling in or stopping off is the better solution. We have the answer.

In a nutshell

  • Joint material and type of jointing determine the durability of the pavement
  • Sweeping in the sand provides sufficient strength for narrow joints
  • Slurrying increases stability and can also be used with wider joints
  • Implementation of both methods is uncomplicated and inexpensive

joint sand

If you want to pave the terrace or paths on the property, you should not only strive for high-quality paving stones. The joint material has a major influence on the stability and longevity of the surface.

Fine joint sand is particularly suitable for narrow joints. The wider the gaps are, the larger the grit should be. Sand has a major advantage over solid joint materials: the water drainage remains secured.

turn in plaster

When sweeping the pavement, joint sand is swept into the joints without the addition of water.

Sweeping in joint sand

manual

  • Thoroughly clean the pavement that has already been laid
  • Roughly distribute joint sand
  • Sweep diagonally between the cobblestones
  • Repeat until all joints are well filled and there is no more sand on the stone surfaces
  • Shake off plaster with a surface shaker
  • then sweep off with a soft broom

Notice: When sanding, it is important to prevent mixing with organic material such as grass and leaf residue. This would rot and form the basis for weed colonization.

mud plaster

The mixing of the joint material with water is referred to as slurry.

If there are two of you, the grouting of joint sand is even easier.

manual

  • thoroughly clean the pavement that has been laid first
  • Pour the joint sand onto the surface
  • pour water over it
  • mix by sweeping back and forth with a broom
  • Sweep the mass diagonally between the cobblestones
  • Repeat until all joints are well filled and there is no longer any water-sand mixture on the pavement
  • shake off with a surface vibrator
  • spray with water
  • then sweep off with a soft broom

Repeat the procedure after two weeks when the sand has settled in the joints.

Notice: When sanding in, the joints must be well filled before vibrating with a vibrator!

Advantages and disadvantages

Sweep plaster: advantages

  • simple application
  • easily refillable at any time
  • Water permeability and flexibility secured

Sweep pavement: Disadvantages

  • Joint sand washes out quickly
  • not applicable for quarry stones
  • not suitable for wide joints
Properly applied, both methods prevent weeds from settling in the paving joints.

Sludge Plaster: Benefits

  • simple application
  • Joint material gets into every crack
  • no cavitation, therefore more stability
  • Water permeability and flexibility secured

Slurry plaster: disadvantages

  • slightly more effort when grouting and touching up

Notice: You can process fine or coarse joint sand in the manner described. Mixtures of sand, stone powder and joint splitting also achieve good results.

frequently asked Questions

Can joint sand be mixed with cement to increase stability?

Specialist shops have various joint materials ready. For example, you can mix joint sand with cement and water to form joint mortar. However, we advise against this, as gray haze often forms on the paving stones. On the other hand, ready-made mixtures that can be used without adding water are recommended.

Which broom is suitable for bringing in the joint sand?

Use a heavy-duty road broom to spread the sand in the joints. Clean the surface of excess sand with a soft broom, for example a soft house broom.

After sanding in, how can you tell whether the paving joints are sufficiently compacted?

Check whether the strength is sufficient after sanding with a painter's spatula. If you can only push this two millimeters into the joints, you have achieved good compaction.

Should round-grain or crushed sand be used for grouting?

Round-grain sand has little supportive properties. We therefore recommend using special joint sand or crushed diabase sand. The broken grains of sand can solidify so well, which is optimized by adding water when washing in.

Which joint material results in dark joints?

Attractive dark joints can be designed with basalt flour. The grains are rougher than those of quartz sand and can therefore combine very well. A high degree of strength develops, especially when water is added. Basalt flour is swept in like joint sand or washed in with water. However, it must not become damp before processing, as it quickly forms lumps.

Category:

Garden design