TOP 7 TIPS FOR INSTALLING G2 INTELLIGENT POLYMERIC SAND
G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand is manufactured by mixing specially calibrated sand with sophisticated intelligent polymers, which neutralize haze and dust. The end result: a second generation of polymeric sand unlike anything you've ever seen before. In this blog post we’ll discuss our top seven tips for installing G2 on your next hardscape project.
G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand features four main benefits:
- No Dust
- No Haze
- No Blower
- One Watering
This product is designed to offer hardscapers the cleanest, fastest, and easiest installation possible. To achieve the maximum results intended for G2, here are seven installation tips you should follow.
1. Get the current TDS.
Whether you’re using Gator Super Sand G2 or Gator Maxx G2, be sure you familiarize yourself with the Technical Data Sheets we’ve published on our website.
2. Follow ICPI Tech Spec #2.
Pavers and slabs must be installed according to ICPI Tech Spec #2 (non-overlay) before the installation of G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand. For overlays, ICPI recommends 2 inch (5cm) diameter drainage holes spaced approximately 10 feet (3m) apart and at the lowest elevations in the slab. Holes should be filled with #8 stone and covered with a 1 ft. x 1 ft. (30cm x 30cm) patch of geotextile (i.e. Gator Fabric 4.4). Drilled holes should allow any water entering the bedding layer to freely flow out.
3. Check the weather.
Temperatures must be above 32°F (0°C) with dry conditions in order to successfully install G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand. You’ll also want to ensure there will be a minimum of one hour of dry weather after activating the sand with water. For overlays, you will need 24 hours of dry weather.
NOTE: Our new G2 with Rapid Set Technology is rain safe after only 15 minutes! Read more...
4. Check for dryness.
Do not install G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand if the paver joints are damp or wet. This will prevent the sand from properly sliding into and densely packing the joints, which is critical to the product’s performance.
The sides and surfaces of the pavers must also be completely dry prior to installation. You should never install G2 if the surface is damp or wet as this will prematurely activate the product and lead to the polymers sticking on the surface.
5. Avoid excessive watering.
G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand requires only ONE watering! And since you’ve only got one chance, be sure to get it right! Use the Shower setting on your hose nozzle to avoid excessive watering or flooding of the surface. Using too much water or too much pressure can cause the polymeric sand to wash out of the joints.
6. Save enough space.
G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand should be installed at a minimum of 1/8 inch (3mm) below the edge or chamfer of the paver. The filled and cured polymeric sand joints should never be in direct contact with foot traffic or tires as this will cause erosion to occur.
7. Follow these specific rules for pools.
For all paver surfaces, but particularly around in-ground pools, there must be a slope of 1/8 inch (3mm) per linear foot away from the edge of the pool to ensure optimal performance of the G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand.
For pool coping units, it is mandatory to use mortar in the joints. However, G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand can be used for the rest of the paver installation around the pool.
Follow these seven tips and you’ll be in excellent shape for a successful G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand installation!
