Living in Fort Myers means sunshine, warm breezes, and plenty of outdoor fun. But coastal weather also takes a toll on your home’s exterior. Between the heat, humidity, and powerful Gulf rainstorms, your patio, driveway, and walkways can end up looking worn down.
If your pavers are uneven or hidden by tall grass, the problem might be in the sand. More specifically, the issue is likely that you overlooked the need for paver sanding.
What is paver sanding? Paver sanding refills the joints between the stones, where time and water can cause the sand to shift and wash away. Replenishing the sand restores stability and an attractive appearance without weeds, water damage, sinking, or bumps.
Trust the experts at Vargas Paver Sealing, Fort Myers’ most respected professionals in paver sanding. Learn more about this process and why it’s integral to home maintenance and keeping outdoor living spaces looking their best.
What Is Paver Sanding, and Why Is It Important?
When your driveway or outdoor living space was new, it had a solid layer of sand in between each stone. This sand is more than a filler: It’s the unsung hero of the surface, ensuring its stability in all conditions.
However, time, foot traffic, and exposure to the elements take a toll on the sand barrier, reducing its strength. And considering that the Fort Myers area can get up to 10 inches of rain in a single month during the summer, it doesn’t take long for loose sand to wash away. Refilling the joints ensures better erosion resistance and weed prevention, keeping everything locked in place and looking sharp.
Joint Sand vs. Polymeric Sand
For many homeowners, the answer to the question “What is paver sanding?” immediately sparks follow-up questions about what type of sand to use. You might even wonder “Can’t I just grab some beach sand and fill the gaps myself?”
Unfortunately, that’s a recipe for disaster. Pros like Vargas Paver Sealing use joint or polymeric sand for long-lasting results. Here’s how they compare.
What Is Joint Sand?
Vargas Paver Sealing uses joint sand for most projects because it’s affordable, efficient, and durable. This fine-grain option looks great in most residential applications and when combined with a high-quality sealer, it lasts for years.
Homeowners also typically prefer joint sand because it’s affordable, costing $0.60 – $1 per square foot. Thanks to its easy installation process, we can complete most projects in one day, providing you with a cost-effective solution for your outdoor space.
What Is Polymeric Sand?
Polymeric sand is significantly more expensive than joint sand, starting at $1.25 and up per square foot. Made from sand and additives that form a hard bond when wet, it’s best for natural stone or Travertine surfaces like pool decks that require an impregnating sealer.
However, it’s not always ideal for use in Fort Myers. It needs dry weather conditions for installation which can be hard to come by, especially in the summer. The process also takes several days to complete.
Why Vargas Paver Sealing Recommends Joint Sand for Most Projects
Vargas Paver Sealing understands that customers want a convenient and cost-effective way to care for their interlocking pavers and that’s why we recommend joint sand for most projects. It saves money without compromising quality and gets the work done quickly, so you don’t need to worry about inconvenient disruptions.
The Paver Sanding Process
Now that you know the answer to “What is paver sanding?” you might wonder how we restore joint stabilization and reduce the water permeability of your patio or walkway. The process usually goes as follows.
Step 1: Cleaning the Pavers
Clean pavers are essential to an even joint sand application so we thoroughly pressure wash the surface to remove debris, stains and old sand. Removing about a half inch of old sand allows the fresh sand to settle correctly.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Sand
Matching the paver sand color to the stones preserves the surface’s appearance. Vargas Paver Sealing offers multiple color options (tan, gray, white, or black) for a more coordinated finish.
Step 3: Spreading and Compacting the Sand
To ensure total joint penetration, we wet the sand to a “slurry” consistency before spreading it across the pavers and compacting it into the spaces. To prevent cracking in polymeric sand applications, we use a rubber roller.
Step 4: Sealing for Protection
After sanding, we apply a sealant to lock the sand in place and prevent washout and weed growth. Our most common sealant is a two-part urethane, water-based sealer that offers joint stabilization with a natural or wet-look finish.
We use an impregnating sealer with polymeric sand to seal natural stone or travertine surfaces for additional joint stability.
Cost of Paver Sanding in Fort Myers
DIY vs. Professional Paver Sanding – What’s the Difference?
While paver sanding may seem simple, using the wrong materials or an uneven application can lead to bigger problems. Uneven sand, weak joints, or missed spots can lead to accelerated erosion and costly repairs in the future. Professional sanding is the key to keeping your outdoor spaces sturdy and beautiful without the headaches.
Professional sanding is an affordable alternative that ensures long-lasting results. The Vargas Paver Sealing crew has the skills and knowledge to do the job right with the proper materials and processes so you’ll enjoy a more beautiful and durable outcome.
Vargas Paver Sealing Pricing Breakdown
Our pricing is straightforward and budget-friendly:
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- Joint Sanding: $0.60 – $1 per sq. ft.
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- Polymeric Sanding: $1.25 – $2 per sq. ft.
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- Sealing costs vary depending on the type of sealer we use.
- Sealing costs vary depending on the type of sealer we use.
How Often Should You Re-Sand Your Pavers?
Most homeowners should re-sand pavers every two to three years to ensure the longevity of their patios and walkways. Some of the signs that it’s time to call Vargas Paver Sealing include:
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- Visible gaps between pavers
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- Loose or shifting pavers
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- Weed or ant infestation
The sooner you address issues, the less likely it is that you’ll need more extensive restoration work. Be sure to ask us how paver sealing protects your investment.
Common Misconceptions About Paver Sanding
Even if homeowners know what paver sanding is, they may not fully understand why it matters. Here are some common myths we hear:
Myth: Polymeric sand is always better.
Polymeric sand isn’t necessary for most projects. High-quality joint sand does an excellent job stabilizing and protecting your paver surfaces without the extra cost or complicated installation process.
Myth: Re-sanding is just for appearance.
While fresh sand does improve the look of your patio or driveway, it’s also crucial for preventing shifting, gaps, and long-term damage.
Myth: DIY sanding works just as well.
Filling paver joints might seem simple but poorly applied sand can wash away fast. Professionals make sure to use the correct materials and techniques for durable results.
Refresh Your Pavers With Help From Vargas Paver Sealing
If your patio looks less than perfect or your walkway is about to become a tripping hazard, it’s time to get in touch with Vargas Paver Sealing, the top source for expert paver sealing in Fort Myers. Professional sanding lasts longer, saves time, and prevents costly future repairs while helping to keep your home exterior looking its best.
“What is paver sanding?” is one of the most common questions homeowners have when we discuss maintenance options, and we’re happy to explain why it’s essential. We use high-quality joint stabilizing sealer to guarantee long-lasting results, so don’t wait until your pavers shift or weeds take over to contact Vargas Paver Sealing for a FREE estimate!
If you’re unsure if your pavers need re-sanding, call us now for a professional inspection, or use our online form to schedule service. Save time and money by scheduling professional joint sanding today!
