How long before rain after A polymeric sand application?
Products like Alliance’s Gator Maxx G2 and Supersand G2 are rain-safe 15 minutes after being activated with water in traditional applications (and 24 hours in overlay applications). If you’re working with first generation products (Gator Maxx or Supersand), the joints will be rain-safe one hour after being activated with water in traditional applications (and 24 hours in overlay applications).
In order for any polymeric sand to cure, the joints must be allowed to fully dry out. This could take up to 48 hours or even longer based on weather conditions or if the surface got wet.
⚡️KEY TAKEAWAYS
G2 polymeric sands by Alliance are rain-safe in 15 minutes in traditional applications
First generation polymeric sands by Alliance are rain-safe in 1 hour in traditional applications
Polymeric sand will cure once it has been allowed to fully dry out (generally 48 hours under ideal circumstances)
Rain-safe timeframes will be longer on overlay applications
Polymeric sand should never be installed on a wet surface
The ideal weather for a polymeric sand installation is above 32°F (0°C) and dry
TIMELINES & TEMPS FOR POLY SAND
| PRODUCT | TYPE | RAIN-SAFE IN | TEMP |
| G2 Gator Maxx | Traditional | 15 Minutes | Above 32°F (0°C) |
| G2 Gator Maxx | Overlay | 24 Hours | Above 32°F (0°C) |
| G2 Supersand | Traditional | 15 Minutes | Above 32°F (0°C) |
| G2 Supersand | Overlay | 24 Hours | Above 32°F (0°C) |
| Gator Maxx | Traditional | 1 Hour | Above 32°F (0°C) |
| Gator Maxx | Overlay | 24 Hours | Above 32°F (0°C) |
| Supersand | Traditional | 1 Hour | Above 32°F (0°C) |
| Supersand | Overlay | 24 Hours | Above 32°F (0°C) |
Related questions
My job got rained on during the rain-safe window. What should I do?
If a heavy downpour takes place within the rain-safe window, there’s a good chance that the polymeric sand will wash out of the joints and spill onto the surface of the pavers. This can create multiple issues, including not having optimal levels of sand in the joints and the potential for the product later drying on top of the pavers. In this case, you’d have to start from square one once the surface completely dries out and the weather conditions become optimal.
What if a light rain occurs immediately following my polymeric sand installation?
As long as the sand hasn’t washed out of the joints, you might be alright! You’ll need to wait for the product to completely dry in order to make an assessment.
What are some telltale signs that rain has compromised the polymeric sand joints?
If your job site is showing any of these signs, you might have to start your installation process over from scratch:
Sand has washed out of the joints
Sand has spilled over onto the surface of the pavers, creating a residue
Joints are bubbling or not hardening up after the recommended setting time