The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between Polymeric and Regular Sand for Concrete Pavers in Suffolk County’s Challenging Climate

When it comes to paver installations in Suffolk County, New York, the choice between polymeric and regular sand for joint filling can make or break your project’s longevity. Suffolk County receives 47 inches of rain annually, significantly higher than the US average of 38 inches, creating unique challenges that require careful consideration of your jointing material.

Understanding Suffolk County’s High-Moisture Climate Challenge

Suffolk County’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles, coastal moisture, and heavy traffic create demanding conditions for paver installations. The area experiences heavy spring rains that can cause erosion and runoff issues, while temperature differences between coastal and inland areas can exceed 36 degrees Fahrenheit, with two-thirds of freeze-thaw events occurring between November and April. These conditions make proper joint sand selection critical for maintaining stable, attractive paver installations.

Regular Sand: The Traditional Choice

Regular dry joint sand is a natural product known as “all-purpose sand” or “leveling sand” – fine-graded sand with some slightly larger granules that remains loose and flexible without bonding agents. While cost-effective at $5 to $20 per 50-pound bag, regular sand faces significant challenges in Suffolk County’s climate.

Regular dry paver sand must be touched up with a half or entire bag every couple of years, as rain, weeds, or insects can cause damage or spread out the sand. Regular paver sand tends to be prone to erosion, mainly due to weather, such as rain or wind, making it less suitable for areas with Suffolk County’s high precipitation levels.

Polymeric Sand: The Modern Solution

Polymeric jointing sand is a mixture of man-made and natural components, with fine particles containing bonding agents such as silica that activate when wet to form a hard compound. This technology offers significant advantages for Suffolk County’s challenging conditions.

Superior Longevity and Durability

When appropriately applied, polymeric sand can last up to 10 years, with a typical span of three to five years, depending on the environment. More durable and resistant to erosion than conventional jointing products, polymeric sand significantly increases the life expectancy of any installation, with joints that do not crumble or decompose.

Weather Resistance

In Suffolk County’s high-moisture environment, polymeric sand’s weather resistance becomes particularly valuable. Unlike regular sand, polymeric sand resists weed growth and washout from rain. Since it becomes rigid once dry, it doesn’t move around like regular dry sand, providing stability during freeze-thaw cycles.

Pest and Weed Control

Because it holds installations together more homogeneously than conventional jointing materials, polymeric sand creates a very hostile environment for weeds and pest infestations such as ants. Regular dry sand in paver joints will not prevent pests like weeds and bugs, commonly seen in areas where weeds or ant hills pop up through paver joints.

Installation Considerations for Suffolk County

Proper installation is crucial for polymeric sand success in Suffolk County’s climate. You must install polymeric sand on a warm and dry day during a week when temperatures do not dip below freezing. If you don’t blow or rinse off your pavers properly, you can end up with a film of sand all over your pavers.

Cost Analysis: Long-term Value

While polymeric sand costs more initially at $20 to $90 per 50-pound bag, you should think carefully about the long-term benefits; polymeric sand may cost more initially but add up to much less over the years. Regular sand will need a touch-up every couple of years, while touch-ups for polymeric sand would only be once every decade.

Expert Recommendation for Suffolk County

For Suffolk County homeowners considering Concrete Pavers Suffolk County installations, polymeric sand is the clear choice. The region’s high rainfall, freeze-thaw cycles, and coastal moisture conditions make the superior weather resistance and longevity of polymeric sand essential for long-term success.

Professional Supply and Support

When planning your paver project, partnering with experienced suppliers makes all the difference. Powerhouse Mason Supply is family owned and operated with over 20+ years in business, with a family that comes from generations of masons, making them extremely knowledgeable on design and application of products. With locations in both Roslyn Heights (Nassau County) and Amityville (Suffolk County), they understand the unique challenges of Long Island’s climate.

They stock an abundance of Cambridge and Nicolock concrete paving stones, along with alternative options such as Porcelain, Marble and Travertine pavers, ensuring you have access to quality materials that can withstand Suffolk County’s demanding conditions when properly installed with the right jointing sand.

In Suffolk County’s high-moisture climate, the choice between polymeric and regular sand isn’t just about initial cost—it’s about ensuring your paver investment performs beautifully for decades to come. Choose polymeric sand for superior durability, weather resistance, and long-term value in Long Island’s challenging environment.