I've seen a lot of guidelines for using joint products like polymeric sand, but most of them come from regions that don't experience the extreme winters we have in Ontario and Quebec. Some landscapers from Canada and the northern Midwest have mentioned that these products can struggle with winter movement and might lead to issues such as waves in patios. I'm curious if there's any solid consensus from people in similar climates. I laid a patio myself two years ago using regular sand, which hasn't held up very well, so I'm considering a jointing product. I just want to make sure I'm not setting myself up for more problems in the long run.
1 Answer
If you're in a cold area, resin joint sand might be worth considering instead of polymeric sand, as long as your patio's joint width can accommodate it. I've read that resin holds up better under harsh conditions, although I don't have personal experience with it. Just remember, a lot of polymeric sand issues stem from improper installation or poor drainage, so that's also a factor to keep in mind!
I've been using polymeric sand on the east coast of Canada for three years. It works fine for standard pavers but does need redoing every few years. For larger stones, resin sand is definitely better—it lasts longer!