When and Why You Should Replace Polymeric Sand in Your Driveway
Interlock driveways are a popular choice for homeowners because of their durability, style, and low maintenance. One of the key components that keep those interlocking pavers in place is polymeric sand — a fine sand mixed with additives that harden when activated with water. It locks the pavers together, preventing weed growth, insect infestations, and shifting due to traffic or weather.
But like anything exposed to the elements, polymeric sand doesn’t last forever. Over time, it breaks down and loses its effectiveness. In this blog, we’ll explore when and why you should replace polymeric sand in your driveway, and what happens if you don’t.
What Is Polymeric Sand and Why Is It Important?
Polymeric sand fills the joints between pavers and, once activated with water, hardens to form a durable bond. It offers several benefits:
Keeps pavers locked in place
Prevents weed growth and insect intrusion
Improves drainage
Enhances the appearance of the surface
Without properly maintained sand, your driveway becomes vulnerable to shifting, weed growth, and uneven surfaces.
When Should You Replace Polymeric Sand?
There are a few clear signs it’s time to replace the polymeric sand in your interlock driveway:
1. Erosion and Sand Loss
If you notice that the joints between your pavers are shallow or empty, it’s likely that the sand has eroded. This can happen over time due to heavy rainfall, power washing, or improper installation.
When sand is missing, pavers can become loose, water can seep into the base layer, and the risk of sinking or shifting increases.
2. Weeds Growing Between the Pavers
Polymeric sand is designed to prevent weed growth. If weeds or moss are starting to appear between your pavers, it’s a sign that the sand has broken down or wasn’t applied correctly.
Replacing it will help seal the joints again and prevent unwanted growth from returning.
3. Insect Activity (Especially Ants)
Ants love to tunnel through regular sand or worn-out polymeric joints. If you see small sand mounds or ant trails, your polymeric sand is no longer doing its job.
Fresh sand acts as a barrier and deters insects from nesting beneath your driveway.
4. Loose or Shifting Pavers
If your driveway feels uneven or pavers move underfoot or vehicle traffic, the joints may have failed. Replacing the polymeric sand can restore stability to the surface by locking the pavers tightly in place again.
5. After Pressure Washing or Surface Restoration
If you’ve had your interlock driveway pressure washed or relaid, the old joint sand is likely gone or compromised. It’s crucial to replace the polymeric sand afterward to protect and finish the job properly.
Why Timely Replacement Matters
Letting damaged or missing joint sand go unchecked leads to a variety of issues:
Shifting pavers and uneven surfaces
Tripping hazards
Water infiltration and base erosion
Faster breakdown of the entire driveway structure
On the other hand, timely replacement ensures:
Longer lifespan of your driveway
Reduced maintenance and repairs
Improved curb appeal
A safer and more durable surface
How Often Should Polymeric Sand Be Replaced?
In general, polymeric sand lasts between 3 to 5 years, depending on weather exposure, drainage conditions, and the quality of installation. If your driveway is in a high-traffic area or exposed to heavy rain or snow, you may need to replace it more frequently.
What’s Involved in Replacing Polymeric Sand?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:
Remove old or broken-down joint sand using a pressure washer or mechanical tools.
Clean the surface thoroughly and let it dry.
Apply new polymeric sand evenly over the pavers and sweep it into the joints.
Compact the surface to help the sand settle deeper into the gaps.
Activate with water, using a gentle spray to avoid washing it away.
It’s a job best handled by professionals to ensure proper installation, drainage, and lasting results.
Trust Rhinos Masonry for Interlock Sand Replacement and More
At Rhinos Masonry, we provide expert interlock cleaning, lifting, relaying, and polymeric sand replacement services across Canada. We use only high-quality materials and proven techniques to keep your driveway strong, safe, and looking great.
Whether you’re seeing signs of erosion or want to refresh the look of your interlock surface, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free quote and give your interlock driveway the protection it needs — for years to come.
