What is tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing is the process of removing old, cracked mortar from between bricks and replacing it with new mortar that is a very similar color to the original bricks. Sand plays an important role in being combined with cement to create a standard mortar mix. This mixture replaces the old mortar which ultimately prevents water from seeping through the bricks. Water damage can be very damaging if not prevented through tuckpointing. Mold, mildew and deterioration can all be a result of this.

What is Bank Sand used for?

• Tuckpointing
• Grass installation or leveling grass
• Volleyball courts
• Foundation underneath a pool
• Sand box
• Chicken coop
• Playground floors
• Gardening

Is Bank Sand good for grass?

Bank sand, like mason sand, can be used for grass leveling or being used as a base when you are laying or leveling grass. Mixing sand with a dry topsoil with your bank sand can be at your advantage when dealing with leveling grass. Bank sand has good drainage so it is ideal to use with grass.

What’s the difference between Bank Sand and Mason Sand?

Bank Sand and Mason Sand are very similar in texture. Both are very fine, clean sands and are suitable for recreational activities. When choosing which sand to use, generally you want to choose bank sand when filling a sandbox, playground, outside area, etc. bank Sand is even finer than mason sand and is less likely to have any small, sharp particles in it like rocks or pebbles. Mason sand is generally used for more industrial projects such as making mortar for bricklaying or pavers.

Gardening with Bank Sand

When you are planning on starting your garden, make sure to add some bank sand to your soil. You generally want to add your choice of soil, some bank sand, clay and silt. The purpose of adding sand in there is to help with your drainage. The sand particles can create space between the soil, clay and silt and allow water to easily pass through. It is important that you have good drainage throughout your garden or you run the risk of flooding or oversaturating your plants. Both can lead to damage to the plants themselves, or the growing of mold and bacteria in your garden.

Sandbox Sand

If you are looking for safe sand to put in your child’s sandbox, make sure to try bank sand. Since it is so fine in texture, it will be soft on anyone who steps on it or holds it. Bank sand naturally tends to be free of big particles that are sharp and can be a danger to your child. Once you have your bank sand in the sandbox, make sure you take the proper steps in maintaining it’s cleanliness.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON MAINTAINING YOUR SANDBOX:

• Make sure when you originally add your sand to your box, you immediately check for bigger particles in it. Though bank sand is known for being fine and smooth, you can never be too careful.
• Regularly check the sand to make sure nothing fell or blew into it that could be a hazard. Animal feces, rocks, concrete or other small objects can blow into the sand and become hidden. Make sure to check every now and then for big pieces.
• Clean your sand. To guarantee that your sand is free from germs and bacteria, use an equal parts water and vinegar solution to spray it down frequently.
• When your sand is wet, let it completely dry before covering it. If you cover your sandbox with wet sand inside, you are more likely to grow mold or bacteria in it.
• Cover your sandbox. After you or your child are done using it, cover the box to guarantee it’s safety from small or large objects.