Situations where swelling is seen, these areas do not settle in. They remain elevated. In turn, once their product does cure out, it tends to shrink and potentially pull away from the edges of the project.
Not all polymers are created equal. Pavermate Z3 has controlled water absorption into the joints, allowing the installer a reasonable timeframe in which to activate each area.
The competition uses polymers that quickly swell which makes it necessary to work in smaller areas while still leaving the real possibility that water has not been able to migrate through the entire joint. Issues come up where the joint surface skims over and the sand below is still left unbound. These issues are still seen today.
SRW Products recommends a traditional installation method to help ensure projects are done right each and every time.
Shortcuts take in unpolymeric sand. Installs can be very time-consuming and costly if done wrong. We will briefly go through our instructions and then watch a video, which is available online.
Z3 installation instructions. Best application techniques. Always tumble the bags. Spread the sand. Avoid pushing across long distances. Sweep excess sand prior to compaction. Protect the paver surface with a rubber or plastic plate or woven fabric. Compact the paver surface. The second pass should be perpendicular to the first.
Sweep additional sand to set the joint height and clean the surface, sweeping and also using a leaf blower prior to activation.