Before You Start: Key Considerations

The sand between your block paving joints determines how well your surface performs. Wrong choice leads to weeds, shifting blocks, and expensive repairs.

Bristol’s wet climate makes joint sand selection critical. Heavy rainfall washes out inferior products within months.

Questions to Ask Your Contractor

• Which sand type do you recommend for local rainfall?
• How long will each option last before maintenance?
• What happens if the sand washes out?
• Do you guarantee the jointing work?
• How much extra does polymeric sand cost?

When considering these questions, specialist paving contractors advise getting multiple quotes to compare warranty terms and sand recommendations.

Kiln Dried Sand: The Traditional Choice

Fine, dry sand swept into joints and compacted. Cheap and widely available. Works by mechanical lock between blocks.

Washes out gradually in heavy rain. Allows weed growth through joints. Requires regular topping up, especially after winter.

Polymeric Sand: The Modern Alternative

Contains binding polymers that activate with water. Forms semi-rigid joint that resists washout and weeds.

Costs three times more than kiln dried sand. Requires precise application technique. Must be installed in dry conditions.

Performance in Bristol’s Climate

Polymeric sand handles Bristol’s 800mm annual rainfall better. Reduces maintenance visits and weed growth significantly.

Kiln dried sand suits light use areas like garden paths. Polymeric sand essential for driveways and high traffic zones.

Installation Requirements

Both need completely dry blocks before application. Polymeric sand requires misting after sweeping to activate binding agents.

Poor installation technique ruins polymeric sand performance. Excess material on block surfaces causes permanent staining. Proper base preparation is equally crucial for long-term performance.