Gator Dust: Polymeric Stone Dust for Stone Joints
Preparation
Gator Dust is recommended for a variety of uses, including patios, walkways and pool decks. The stones have to be installed on a drainage base system: maximum of 1" (2.5 cm) of bedding sand, plus a minimum of 5" (12.5 cm) of crushed stone compacted at 95% Proctor density.
Installation for New Application
Step 1: Install stones on a drainage base system.
Step 2: Make sure that the top surface of the stones is dry. FOR NATURAL STONES:Using a hard bristle heavy duty construction broom, sweep Gator Dust in between the natural stone joints. FOR WETCAST STONES:Using a scoop, carefully pour Gator Dust in between the joints and avoid getting any Gator Dust on the stone surface.
Step 3: Hit the stones with a rubber mallet; this will make the Gator Dust settle firmly into the joints by removing the air pockets. Repeat step 2 and this step 3 at least two more times.
Step 4: Using a soft fine bristle broom, sweep off all excess Gator Dust that is on the stone surface. Insure that Gator Dust lies at least 1/8" (3 mm) below the top of the stones.
Step 5: Using a leaf blower, blow off all Gator Dust residues lying on the stone surface. Depending on the physical layout present, it may be more appropriate to remove residue by using a vacuum unit.
Step 6: First Water Spray: At a height of 4 feet (1.2 meter), use a water gun connected to a hose to direct a fine mist (setting of water gun: “mist” or equivalent) of water on a certain stone area for 10 to 15 seconds. Wait 3 to 4 minutes (not longer). Proceed to Second Phase. Second Water Spray: From a height of 2 feet (0.6 meter), aim the water mist directly at the stone surface. Mist and rinse simultaneously so as to eliminate any Gator Dust residue left on the stones. The Gator Dust residue should go directly into the stone joints. Wait 3 to 4 minutes (not longer). Proceed to Third Phase. Third Water Spray: From a height of 2 feet (0.6 meter), aim the water mist again directly at the stone surface. Again, mist and rinse simultaneously so as to eliminate any Gator Dust residue left on the stones. The Gator Dust residue should go directly into the stone joints. However, stop misting (ALERT) when you see a minimal amount of water retention on the stone joints.
Step 7: Repeat the directions of step 6 for all other areas that have not been misted with water.
Step 8: Use a leaf blower to remove all the excess surface water that is lying on the pores and crevices of the stones. This blowing action is necessary to help remove any remaining Gator Dust residue that was left on the stone surface from the previous steps. Depending on the physical layout present, it may be more appropriate to remove remaining residue with a vacuum unit.
PLEASE NOTE: Gator Dust becomes very firm but will crack if the crushed stone base has movement. By following the installation instructions carefully, you will obtain a very hard jointing material. It should be noted that Gator Dust will continue to harden over time. Do not apply on wet or damp surface since bonding action will cause Gator Dust to stick on surface and avoid proper sliding in joint. Do not use if rain is expected within 24 hours. Avoid excessive watering or flooding of stone areas. When installing stones around an underground pool a slope of 1/8” (3 mm) per linear foot (30 cm) away from the pool is mandatory. All stones surfaces must have a drainage slope for the Gator Dust to work at its optimum. For the pool coping blocks it is mandatory to use mortar in the joints. For the rest of the stone installation around the pool, you can use Gator Dust. Do not sweep Gator Dust over asphalt.
IMPORTANT!
The water used in step 6 will activate a bonding action as well as condense Gator Dust in the joints. Too much water will undo the dense compaction obtained during step 3 and reduce the final performance of Gator Dust. If steps 4, 5, 6 and 8 are not done properly, a white haze may appear on stone surfaces following installation. This is due to excess Gator Dust residue left on the stone surface. This haze will dissipate over time. It can also be removed by using a concrete efflorescence cleaner.
WARNING! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.
- Gator Dust must be installed above 59°F.
- Gator Dust can only be installed if rain is not forecasted in the next 24 hours.
- Minimize or avoid walking on the natural stone for 24 hours after the installation of Gator Dust.
- Staining may occur – if Gator Dust is left lying on the stone surface for a long duration, moisture can form and will activate Gator Dust on the stone surface.
- Do not use Gator Dust when installing concrete pavers or concrete slabs.
- Gator Dust is designed to work with wetcast & natural stones.
- Individual bags must be kept in dry storage.
- Do not sweep over asphalt.
- Formulated for pedestrian use only.
- Gator Dust will not withstand vehicular traffic
Gator Supersand Bond
Preparation
Supersand Bond is recommended for a variety of uses, including pool sides, patios, foot paths, driveways, parking spaces, pavements, etc. The concrete pavers have to be installed on a drainage base system composed of 2 layers. The upper layer can have a maximum of 1" (2.5 cm) of bedding sand. The lower layer must have a minimum of 5" (12.5 cm) of crushed stone compacted at 95% Proctor density.
Installation for New Application
Step 1: Use a concrete sand as your bedding sand to do the final levelling. Install the concrete pavers on this concrete bedding sand , and compact with the help of a minimum 4000 lbs centrifical force vibrating plate. It is also recommanded to have a protective mat fasten to the vibrating plate, so pavers surface will not be damaged.
Step 2: Make sure that the top surface of the pavers is dry. Using a hard bristle heavy duty construction broom, sweep Gator Supersand Bond in between the paver joints and then compact by using a vibrating plate. Repeat this step at least 2 more times. Using a soft fine bristle broom, sweep off all excess Gator Supersand Bond that is on the paver surface. Insure that Gator Supersand Bond lies at least 1/8" (3 mm) below the top of the pavers.
Step 3: Using a leaf blower, blow off all Gator Supersand Bond residues lying on the paver surface. Depending on the physical layout present, it may be more appropriate to remove residue by using a vacuum unit.
Step 4: First Phase: At a height of 4 feet (1.2 meter), use a water gun connected to a hose to direct a fine mist (setting of water gun: “mist” or equivalent) of water on a certain paver area for 10 to 15 seconds. Wait 3 to 4 minutes (not longer). Proceed to Second Phase. Wait 3 to 4 minutes (not longer). Proceed to Second Phase.
Step 5: Second Phase: From a height of 2 feet (0.6 meter), aim the water mist directly at the paver surface. Mist and rinse simultaneously so as to eliminate any Gator Supersand Bond residue left on the pavers. The Gator Supersand Bond residue should go directly into the paver joints. Wait 3 to 4 minutes (not longer). Proceed to Third Phase.
Step 6: Third Phase: From a height of 2 feet (0.6 meter), aim the water mist again directly at the paver surface. Again, mist and rinse simultaneously so as to eliminate any Gator Supersand Bond residue left on the pavers. The Gator Supersand Bond residue should go directly into the paver joints. However, stop misting (ALERT) when you see a minimal amount of water retention on the paver joints. Repeat the directions of step 4, 5 & 6 for all other areas that have not been misted with water.
Step 7: Use a leaf blower to remove all the excess surface water that is lying on the pores and crevices of the pavers. This blowing action is necessary to help remove any remaining Gator Supersand Bond residue that was left on the paver surface from the previous steps. Depending on the physical layout present, it may be more appropriate to remove remaining residue with a vacuum unit.
IMPORTANT!
The water used in steps 4,5 & 6 will activate a bonding action as well as condense GatorSupersand Bond grains in the joints. Too much water will undo the dense compaction obtained during step 2 and reduce the final performance of Gator Supersand Bond. If steps 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 are not done properly, a white haze may appear on the paver surface after the installation. This is due to excess Gator Supersand Bond residue left on the paver surface. This haze will dissipate over time. It can also be removed by using a concrete efflorescence cleaner.
Instructions for Existing Application
Using a pressure washer, remove all the existing joint filling material from the top of the pavers to the bottom. Be careful to not disturb the bedding sand under the pavers. Follow step 2 to 7 of NEW PAVER JOB instructions (previous page).
Please Note: Do not apply on wet or damp surface since bonding action will cause Gator Supersand Bond to stick on surface and avoid proper sliding in joint. Do not use if rain is expected within 1 hour. Avoid excessive watering or flooding of paved surfaces. When installing pavers around an underground pool, a 1/8" slope per linear foot from the pool is mandatory. All paver surfaces must have a drainage slope for the Gator Supersand Bond to work at its optimum. For the pool coping units it is mandatory to use mortar in the joints. For the rest of the paver installation around the pool, you can use Gator Supersand Bond.
Gator Maxx Sand for Overlays
Preparation
Gator Maxx Sand is recommended for a variety of uses, including pool sides, patios, foot paths, driveways, parking spaces, pavements etc. The concrete pavers have to be installed on a drainage base system composed of 2 layers. The upper layer can have a maximum of 1" of base sand. The lower layer must have a minimum of 5" of crushed stone compacted at 95% Proctor density. It also can be used for non-drainage bed systems (See diagrams on next page). You must have a minimum 1° top surface slope for proper water run off.
Installation for New Application
Step 1: Remove all loose and fragile concrete.
Step 2: After excavating, cover the ground with a geotextile, refill with crushed stone, (minimum 5") and compact it. Make sure that the geotextile will be wide enough to go up against the paver edge restraint, this will prevent the migration of the bedding sand. On the slab section, prepare a minimum 12" wide geotextile strip. This should be wide enough to go up against the paver edge restraint, thus prevent the migration of the bedding sand.
Step 3: Install the paver edge restraint where needed. Then install the bedding sand (concrete sand) for proper leveling, (maximum 1"). Assure that the pavers or slabs will be flush with city sidewalk. Respect a minimum 1 degree slope for proper water run off from the paved surface.
Step 4: Install the concrete pavers or slabs.
Step 5: First, compact the paved area with a vibrating plate compactor, with a 5000 lbs centrifugal compaction force. We recommend using a mat fastened to the vibrating plate to compact the pavers. At least two passes are required across the pavers to seat them in the bedding sand. Second, make sure that the pavers’ side and top surfaces are dry before applying the polymeric sand. Spread GATOR MAXX SAND over the pavers then use a hard-bristle brush to sweep the sand into the joints and filling them completely. Run a vibrating plate over the pavers in several directions to compact the sand inside the joints (this action is not appropriate for slabs). Repeat this step (spreading the sand, then compacting) at least two more times. If a vibrating plate compactor cannot be used, tamp the stones with a rubber mallet and make sure the GATOR MAXX SAND is densely packed in the joints.
Step 6: Using a fine-bristle broom, remove any excess sand from paver surfaces. Make sure the finished sand level is at least 3 mm (1/8") lower than the surface of the pavers. Using a leaf blower, remove any sand residue from paved surfaces. Depending on the physical layout, it may be more appropriate to remove residue by using a vacuum unit.
Step 7: At a height of 4 feet (1.2 meter), use a water gun connected to a hose to direct a fine mist (setting of water gun: “mist” or equivalent) of water on a specific paver area for 10 to 15 seconds. Wait 3 to 4 minutes (not longer). Proceed to STEP 8.
Step 8: From a height of 2 feet, aim the water mist directly at the paver surface. Mist and rinse simultaneously so as to eliminate any GATOR MAXX SAND residue left on the pavers. Any GATOR MAXX SAND residue should go directly into the paver joints. Wait 3 to 4 minutes (not longer). Proceed to STEP 9.Step 9: From a height of 2 feet, aim the water mist again directly at the paver surface. Again, mist and rinse simultaneously so as to eliminate any Gator Maxx Sand residue left on the pavers. The Gator Maxx Sand residue should go directly into the paver joints. However, stop misting (ALERT) when you see a minimal amount of water retention on the paver joints.
Step 10: Use a leaf blower to remove any excess water lying on paver poresand crevices. This blowing action is necessary to help remove any remaining GATOR MAXX SAND residue that was left on the paver surface from the previous steps.
PLEASE NOTE: The water used in steps 7, 8 & 9 will activate a bonding action as well as condense GATOR MAXX SAND in the joints. Too much water will undo the dense compaction obtained during step 5 and reduce the final performance of GATOR MAXX SAND. If steps 6 to 10 are not done properly, a white haze may appear on the paver surface after installation. This is due to excess GATOR MAXX SAND residue left on the paver surface. This haze will dissipate over time. It can also be removed by using a concrete efflorescence cleaner.
Instructions for Existing Application
Using a pressure washer, remove all the existing joint filling material from the top of the pavers to the bottom. Be careful to not disturb the bedding sand under the pavers. Follow step 5 to 10 of Installation for New Application.
