I’ve started installing brick pavers as a favor/goodwill. Do pavers necessarily need to be “set” when sanding in with a vibratory compactor? I’m worried about breaking the brick (not concrete) pavers with it, and it is only a walkway, no heavy traffic. I understand they have brick pads that I suppose cushion the compactor, but I would still worry about breaking the bricks. I’ve read some installation guides that just call for sweeping and watering in the fine sand, and others that spec. a compactor.
Thanks!
Replies
Caveat - I've only done concrete pavers.
The guy at the rental yard said he busted up a bunch of brick running the plate vibrator. The key according to him was to keep lots of sand on the surface, and to run the vibrator at it's slowest speed. Of course, this supposes that you have thoroughly compacted the base material so you are working from a stable base...
Keep the sand dry - that's how it works it's way into the joints. Wet sand will not fill the voids fully. The sand should be 30 to 60 grit, kiln dried.
When you are finished compating, sweep all excess sand then seal with Surebond Joint Stabilizing Sealer. Apply at around 100 Sq Ft per gallon. $50 per gallon but well worth it - the joints look like they have been grouted (no tracking sand!) and it lasts a decade.
Edited 6/22/2003 12:11:56 PM ET by wrudiger