What Not To Do When Installing Gator Dust
With its natural-looking and textured finish, Gator Dust is the ideal joint material to use on a stone application. However, working with this product is a little different than working with polymeric sand. In this post, we’ll share some common pitfalls to avoid to help perfect the installation process.
1. DON’T USE IT IN JOINTS WIDER THAN 6.”
Joint widths oftentimes will vary on a natural application. For Gator Dust to perform as it's intended, it should be used in joints that are between ½” and 6.” Peeling may occur if the sand is used in joints that are too wide.
2. DON’T INSTALL IT WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING THE FORECAST.
While polymeric sand can be installed in temperatures above 32°F, Gator Dust requires slightly warmer weather. Make sure the temperature will be above 59°F and that no rain is expected for at least 24 hours after the installation.
3. DON’T FILL THE JOINTS TOO HIGH.
Just like polymeric sand, Gator Dust should be filled to ⅛” below the chamfer of the stone. Since the surface of natural stone can be irregular, be sure the sand is filled up to ⅛” below the lowest part of the surface.
4. DON’T SKIP THE STEP OF COMPACTION.
Another critically important point - Gator Dust needs to be compacted! This can be done by tapping the stones with a rubber mallet, which will allow the sand to drop deeper in the joint. (Sweeping and compacting should be done at least twice to ensure enough product is being used in the joints.)
5. DON’T UNDERWATER IT.
A common mistake that’s made when installing Gator Dust is not using enough water during the activation phase. While it may seem like a lot, we recommend working in 50 sf. sections and watering for 90 seconds at a time. Applying too little water will result in a thin crust being formed in the joint with loose sand beneath it that’s not activated.
6. DON’T USE IT FOR VEHICULAR APPLICATIONS.
Gator Dust doesn’t have enough compressive strength to support vehicular traffic. It should only be used for pedestrian applications.
RECAP
Avoid these six pitfalls and achieve a successful Gator Dust installation.
DON’T use it in joints wider than 6.”
DON’T install it if the temperature is below 59°F or if rain is expected 24 hours after the installation.
DON’T fill the joints past ⅛” below the stone’s chamfer.
DON’T skip compaction.
DON’T under water it. (Think 50 sf for 90 seconds!)
DON’T use it in vehicular applications.
To learn more about Gator Dust and how to properly install it, be sure to visit the product page at AllianceGator.com.
