Proper Way to Re-Sand Brick Pavers

Preparation

• Before adding new sand, examine the condition of the joints. If most of the sand joints have worn away, look for weeds and debris. Wear gloves and pull weeds and grass out by the roots so they won't grow back. Use a wire brush or shop vacuum to remove as much of the remaining sand from the joints as possible and spray the joints with weed killer. Cleaning out the old sand ensures all weed seeds and grime are removed, which improves the appearance and longevity of the new sand joints.

Reset Brick Pavers

• Pavers are more likely to shift as sand joints wear away. Removing old sand makes it easy to reset pavers as necessary. Look around the ends of the site and any places where the lines of the pattern look off. Lift the pavers from the sand bed beneath and place them back down in their correct position. Some patterns, like basket-weave and herringbone, rely on straight joints for the overall appearance. Replace any pavers that are chipped or cracked.

Re-sand Pavers

• Once all of the pavers are correctly in place, use a stiff broom to sweep fine sand back and forth so it falls into the crevices. Polymeric and other fine sands are made to cling to bricks like cement when moistened. Continue adding sand and pushing it into the joints until they are packed tight. Sweep off excess and hose 50 to 100 square feet at a time. Hose it lightly, but thoroughly to prevent the sand from floating to the surface. Wait 10 minutes before watering the surface again. Give the bricks 24 hours to set before allowing foot or vehicle traffic.

Maintenance

• Re-sanding paver joints should be done every two or three years according to the amount of traffic and harsh weather the surface is exposed to. Consider sealing the entire surface with a penetrating sealer to preserve the sand joints even longer and protect the brick pavers from water damage.