3 Things That Will Cause A Gator Nitro Job To Fail

We learn from our mistakes. However, a mistake on a Gator Nitro job can be quite a headache to fix. In this article, we’re going to share the keys to success when working with Nitro and explain the top 3 things that will cause a job to fail.

Close-up Photo Of Watering Gator Nitro

Mistake #1: Not Using Enough Water

A Gator Nitro installation involves a lot of water. In fact, there’s really no such thing as too much water when it comes to Gator Nitro. The product can be installed rain or shine. While it might seem strange, you’re going to want your surface completely drenched when working with this product. Aside from soaking your pavers or natural stone, you’re also going to want to saturate the surrounding areas with water … the house, the foundation, the deck, (even your tools!) … literally anything and everything you don’t want Gator Nitro sticking to. This product sets up very quickly and once it has hardened, it’s not going to be easy to get off.

Mistake #2: Installing On An Uneven Surface

Unlike polymeric sand, Gator Nitro offers very little in terms of flexibility because it hardens from top-to-bottom. Gator Nitro is an extremely strong and rigid jointing material. To avoid cracking, it’s imperative that you ensure stability of the pavers or stones. Any movement can potentially cause cracks in the joints. This is also why Gator Nitro should be used in pedestrian applications and residential driveways only.

Mistake #3: Trying To Fill A Tight Joint

Gator Nitro is designed to perform in joint widths that are a minimum of 3/16 in. up to a maximum of 2 in. It’s not a good fit for tight joints because the resins in the product make it gummy and cohesive. You won’t be able to get Gator Nitro into those extremely tight hairline joints like you could with polymeric sand. You’ll also need at least a 1 in. deep joint height for Gator Nitro to perform optimally. As long as your pavers can accommodate this height, you’re good to go.

Long Story Short…

Avoid making these mistakes and you’ll be destined for success when installing Gator Nitro. Interested in learning how to choose between Gator Nitro and polymeric sand for different applications? Be sure to download our free guide.

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Gator Nitro vs. Polyermic Sand: The 5 Main Differences