Joint sand keeps the joints between paving stones or patio stones free of weeds, and it also keeps paved driveways free of uncontrolled growth. We will tell you here which products you use for grouting and how you can use them.
Joint sand is an option to prevent weed growth in joints
Our recommendations
our recommendation
25kg joint sand no organic components absolutely weed-inhibiting quartz sand 0.3-0.8mm washed, fire-dried, sieved
18.99 EUR To the product| material | finely ground silicate rock |
|---|---|
| grit | different, between 0.3 and 0.8 millimeters |
| color | gray (light) |
| weight / packaging | 25 kilograms |
This fine-grain quartz sand (€15.85) is just right for sweeping into narrow joints - for example between patio or pavement slabs. According to the manufacturer, you need around 25 kilograms for 20 square meters, provided the joints are no wider than three to five millimeters and the paving stones are no higher than six centimeters. Many users praise the uncomplicated use of this joint sand in their Amazon product reviews: pave, sweep in sand, muddy - done!
our recommendation
trendystone polymer joint sand 25 kg basalt anthracite - pavement joint mortar for narrow joints from 1 mm joint width
44.95 EUR To the product| material | basalt |
|---|---|
| grit | different, very fine |
| color | basalt gray (anthracite) |
| weight / packaging | 25 kilograms |
This joint sand is also well suited for narrow joints between one and ten millimeters wide. According to the mostly positive product reviews on Amazon, the ready mix is easy to work with and is suitable for both concrete and natural stone paving. The polymer jointing sand is best used for pointing (covered) terraces and footpaths, but due to its frost resistance you can also use it for clinker and flagstone surfaces with pedestrian traffic outdoors.
our recommendation
Dansand 32FAST20 joint filler, natural
27.86 EUR To the product| material | granite |
|---|---|
| grit | different, rather fine |
| color | bright (others for sale) |
| weight / packaging | 20 kilograms |
Dansand is one of the best-known manufacturers of high-quality joint sand, which is also confirmed by the numerous satisfied customer reviews on Amazon. Don't be confused if the product is labeled as grout but what appears to be sand appears to you. After sweeping the joint sand into the joints, you muddy it with plenty of water and then let it dry - within 48 hours the material becomes solid like mortar, but still remains permeable to water.
Purchase Criteria
Intended use / area of application
Joint sand primarily has one task, namely to fill the gaps between paving stones or slabs. In addition, the material should ensure that no weeds or moss can get through and the paved area remains free of vegetation. However, there are differences in the load-bearing capacity, because you cannot use every joint sand for a driveway that is used by cars! Therefore, always pay attention to the information provided by the manufacturer, such as "only for tread loads" or "for foot coverings" etc.
grit
When choosing the joint sand, you should also pay attention to the grain size: For narrow joints, use fine granules so that they completely fill the openings and leave no gaps. For larger joints, a coarser grain size is better, as is the case with granite chippings. In addition, it makes sense to choose a mixture of different grain sizes instead of a uniform grain size. Crushed sand with square edges seals joints more effectively than round grain, as it cants better.
Types of sand / ingredients
There are different types of joint sand. In addition to natural crushed sand, such as that found in quartz sand, rock flour (€14.13) or joint chippings, artificial polymer mixtures (sometimes with cement) are commercially available. The latter are also offered under the name "joint mortar" and are cheaper than ground natural stone. The desired effect is created here by adding chemical components, while with natural joint sand it depends on the preparation. If possible, choose cleaned and dried sand.
color
Another selection criterion for suitable joint sand is its color. Choose the tone that matches the laid slabs or paving stones, so that a harmonious overall picture is created. The different types of joint sand are available in the colors light, grey, anthracite, black and red. The material can be colored or the color is created by using a specific source rock, such as granite for gray or basalt for anthracite / black.
workability
In general, the processing of joint sand, regardless of the type and variety, is very simple: you lay the paving or clean the joints if there is already paving, sweep in the sand and then muddy it with water. Dry weather should prevail for several days so that the material can settle and solidify. Note that some joint sand types are not suitable for all substrates - for example for a gravel substructure.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
How does joint sand work?
Joint sand suppresses the growth of weeds and moss because it creates conditions that are hostile to growth: the material has a naturally high pH value and is also low in nutrients.
Weeds come through, is joint sand no good?
Nevertheless, vegetation can occasionally still get through, after all weeds are particularly robust and resistant plants. In addition, joint sand does not completely close the gaps between paving stones, but ideally remains permeable at least to seepage water. Sometimes the cause is that the joint sand layer is not thick enough or the substrate is unsuitable.
How do you process joint sand?
Joint sand should only be used when the pavement tops and joints are completely dry. Many manufacturers give as a guide that it should not have rained 48 hours before. Now sprinkle the joint sand into the joints, then sweep it first straight and then diagonally into the gaps. Remove excess joint sand with a soft broom.
Which joint sand for driveways used by cars?
Choosing a suitable joint sand is particularly important for driveways used by cars. This should prevent the covering from shifting due to the load. It is best to use pressure-resistant material for this, such as quartz or granite sand. Other broken or crushed sand is also suitable for this purpose.
How much joint sand?
How much joint sand you need depends on the grain size of the desired product and the height and width of the paving joints. High stones with wide gaps naturally use more joint sand than lower paving stones with narrow joints. In general, however, you can expect a 25-kilogram sack for every ten square meters of space.
Difference between joint sand or joint chippings?
Depending on the grain size, joint sand is more or less fine rock dust, which always remains loose. Fugensplit refers to a coarser grain. If you want to avoid the disadvantages of this material (e.g. blowing out of the joints), choose a product with a binder. This becomes rigid, but still lets seepage water through when it gets wet.
What is grout?
Joint mortar is a joint sand that hardens, for example, due to a special composition and/or the addition of binders. Here you have the choice between different types: synthetic resin joint sand (rigid joints even when wet), cement joint sand (for thin laying material) and polymer joint sand (very fine sand with binding agent).
equipment
Joint and plaster sealing
The problem with natural joint sand is that the fine granules can easily be washed out or blown away. A joint and pavement seal prevents this by strengthening the joints. Simply pour the liquid over stones and grout and then scrape it off with a rubber squeegee.
our recommendation
CleanPrince 10 liter joint and plaster sealing | Joint strengthener Sand joints Sweep out grit Joint strengthener Joint seal Joint sealer Joints Wall joints Stone joints Slab joints Paving joints Sealer Sealing Compactor Compressor Weed protection Sweeping protection Joint sealer Joint sealer acts like paving joint mortar
EUR 49.90 To the productjoint scraper
This practical helper is an important tool for removing weeds, moss or grass from joints before sealing. You can extend this model with a suitable handle and work in a back-friendly way.
our recommendation
Fiskars joint scraper, joint cleaner, device head, length: 25 cm, width: 7 cm, steel blade, black/orange, QuikFit, 1000687
EUR 12.90 To the productcleaning
Older pavers and slabs are often covered with a greenish film and no longer look nice. This coating - it is algae, lichen or fungi - can be tackled with a special remover.
our recommendation
A.K.B. Algae remover, green growth remover 20-fold high concentrate, (fungus and lichen remover (long-term!)), 0401, (2x5L 20fold + 2L A.K.B.200(m²) + spout), BAuA No.N-62256 and BauA No.N-72850
70.36 EUR To the productstone care
You can use a stone impregnation so that the freshly laid paving stones or terrace slabs look like new for a long time and dirt does not stick to them. This is invisible after curing, but reliably repels both water and dirt.
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