Once brick pavers have been professionally cleaned, the joints between them need to be refilled. This helps support the pavers, improve the surface’s appearance, and reduce open spaces where weeds and grass can grow.
Two common finishing options are sand and seal, and polymeric sand. Although both involve filling the joints between the bricks, they work differently and create different results. Understanding those differences can help homeowners choose the option that best fits their property, appearance preferences, and maintenance goals.
What Is Sand and Seal?
The sand-and-seal process begins by brushing regular silica sand into the gaps between the cleaned pavers. A sealer is then applied to the area, saturating the sand and coating the brick surface.
As the sealer dries, it helps firm up the joint sand. The sand does not become as hard as cement, but it becomes firm enough to help keep the pavers stable.
The sealer also changes the appearance of the brick surface. It creates a matte finish rather than a shiny or high-gloss look and can bring out the pavers’ natural color, making them appear richer and more vibrant.
What Is Polymeric Sand?
Polymeric sand is a specialized joint material placed between the pavers after cleaning. Instead of being hardened with a separate sealer, it is activated with water.
Once it sets, polymeric sand becomes much harder than regular silica sand. Its firm, cement-like consistency helps it remain in the joints longer and provides durable support between the pavers.
Because this option does not include a surface sealer, it will not enhance the color of the bricks in the same way as sand and seal. Homeowners who prefer the natural appearance of dry brick may find that appealing.
How Do the Finished Surfaces Look Different?
Appearance is one of the biggest differences between these two options.
Sand and seal coats the pavers, bringing out more of their color. The finished bricks typically look deeper and more vibrant while still maintaining a matte appearance.
Polymeric sand focuses on filling and strengthening the joints rather than coating the brick surface. The pavers retain more of their natural, unsealed appearance.
The right choice may depend on whether you want to enhance the color of your pavers or preserve their existing natural finish.
Which Option Requires More Maintenance?
Sand and seal generally require more regular maintenance. As the sealer wears away and the sand begins to loosen, the area will eventually need to be cleaned, re-sanded, and sealed again.
Polymeric sand is designed to last longer in the joints. When the pavers eventually become dirty from pollen, dust, moss, or everyday outdoor exposure, they may only need to be washed rather than completely re-sanded.
For homeowners who want a lower-maintenance option over time, polymeric sand may be worth considering. However, homeowners who value the color-enhancing benefits of a sealer may prefer sand and seal despite the additional maintenance.
Does Polymeric Sand Eliminate Weeds Completely?
Polymeric sand can help reduce the open spaces where weeds and grass grow, but no joint material can guarantee that unwanted growth will never appear.
Weed seeds, dirt, and organic material can settle over the joints over time. Moss spores can also travel through the air and grow in damp or shaded areas. Existing root systems beneath the pavers may also attempt to grow back after the visible portion has been removed.
Addressing heavy weed or grass growth before the pavers are cleaned can help improve the finished result, particularly when roots may already be established below the surface.
Why Do the Joints Sometimes Look Uneven?
Homeowners should understand that restoring existing pavers is different from installing new pavers.
During cleaning, loose sand, weeds, moss, and failing joint material are removed. Some joints may open more deeply than others because the process removes what is already loose or deteriorating. As a result, the width and depth of the gaps may vary from brick to brick.
New construction typically has more uniform joints. A maintenance project works with the current condition of the existing paver system, so perfectly identical joints should not always be expected.
Is There an Option That Combines Both?
Some projects can combine polymeric sand with a surface sealer. With this approach, the polymeric sand is installed and hardened first. The sealer is then applied during an additional visit after the brick surface is dry.
This can provide the firm joints associated with polymeric sand while also enhancing the pavers’ color. However, because it combines the more costly parts of both processes and requires an additional trip, it is generally the most expensive option.
Choosing the Right Finish for Your Pavers
Neither sand and seal nor polymeric sand is automatically the right choice for every property. The best option depends on what you want from the finished surface.
Sand and seal may be a good fit if you want:
- A richer, more vibrant brick color
- A matte protective coating over the pavers
- Firm joint sand
- A traditional restored appearance
Polymeric sand may be a good fit if you want:
- Harder, longer-lasting joint material
- Less frequent re-sanding
- A natural, unsealed brick appearance
- Lower maintenance over time
The age and condition of the pavers, the size and depth of the joints, existing weed growth, and your preferred appearance should all be considered before making a decision.
Find the Right Option for Your Brick Pavers
Choosing among sand, seal, and polymeric sand is easier when you understand how each option looks, performs, and requires maintenance. Both can help support your brick pavers, but they offer different finishes and long-term benefits.
At Adams Power Wash, we help homeowners throughout Southeast Michigan choose a brick paver restoration option that best fits their surface condition and the finished look they want to achieve. We offer sand and seal, polymeric sand, and a combination option for qualifying paver areas.
Call us today at (248) 895-8962 to discuss your project and schedule a free estimate.
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