3 REASONS WHY EFFLO CLEANING GETS DONE AFTER A POLY SAND INSTALLATION
It's now Week 3 of our #SummerSealerSeries. And today we’re addressing three reasons why efflo cleaning gets done after a poly sand installation.
Performing steps in the correct order is critical for most outdoor hardscaping projects. We recently had this great question sent to us:
“Why do you recommend cleaning efflorescence after new polymeric sand is installed? Wouldn’t it damage or weaken the joints?”
In this blog post, we’re giving a three-part answer to this! Here are the three reasons why efflo cleaning gets done after a poly sand installation.
1. Efflorescence Cleaner Will Not Affect Polymeric Sand
That’s right! Polymeric sand is not affected by the efflorescence cleaner in any way! If the polymeric sand has not cured and is still soft, however, the water and scrubbing action could damage the sand joints. Generally, polymeric sand is going to be cured in 48 hours (but that might be longer or shorter depending on the weather conditions). Be sure to let the sand fully cure prior to beginning the process of efflo cleaning.
2. Runoff
It’s very difficult to clean efflorescence from pavers without sand in the joints. The cleaner simply runs down into the joints and disappears before it has the chance to do its job. Having the joints filled allows the cleaner to sit on the surface and react with the efflorescence to remove it as intended.
3. Residue Removal
When installing any polymeric sand, there will be some residue that gets left on the surface. If the sand is installed correctly, there should be nothing but some clear polymer left on the surface. This material needs to be removed before sealing. Hence, if the project is going to be sealed, the proper order of steps must be: 1. Sand installation 2. Efflorescence cleaning and then, 3. Sealing.
For more on efflorescence and the process of removing it, be sure to read through these blog posts:
- Why You MUST Use An Efflorescence Cleaner Before Sealing Pavers
- The Top 5 Things You Need To Know About Getting Rid Of White Haze On Your Pavers
- 8 Facts About Efflorescence
- How To Remove Efflorescence From Concrete Pavers In 6 Easy Steps
