This is usually done after the polymeric sand has been properly installed between paving stones. W x 4 in. 5. Perfect for the jointing of Interlocking Paver. D x 8 in. Continue to fill the gaps until the sand is flush with the faces of the bricks and won’t settle any farther. Polymeric sand is installed into the joints of interlocking concrete pavement. Ideal for stabilizing horizontal or sloping works such as driveways, patios. These weeds are harmful because they affect the integrity of your driveway. Choosing a good quality polymeric sand will make it easier to apply and you’ll end up with a much cleaner finished look. A strong and reliable jointing solution for interlocking pavers. However, you should think carefully about the long-term benefits; polymeric sand may cost more initially but add [email protected] I plan on sweeping up all the sand/weeds and cleaning the mud off the paver with interlocking soap. Installing polymeric sand is the final step in your paver project and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the longevity. On today's video, we discuss 7 reasons why polymeric sand fails. Magic Sand/Paver Locking Sand is an advanced polymer modified binding joint sand used in paver and slab joint applications. Play it smart and don’t take risks if there’s significant rain in the forecast. Then, using your broom, sweep the sand into any joints until the appropriate level is reached. 3. 40 lbs. Simply sweep the sand into the joints and saturate with a water mist. The contractor charges me $150 extra ($100 being material & $50 being labor since he has to come back at a later date). There are several important reasons. When all joints are filled, remove excess sand on surface. There's silica sand and a polymeric sand. Step 3: Tamp the Pavers. Patio pavers; Driveway pavers; Fire pits & fireplaces; Retaining walls; Permeable pavers; Popular Products. Make sure the sand is dry. Spray water on the pavers to make sure that the sand hardens and let it dry for some time. Choosing a good quality polymeric sand will make it easier to apply and you’ll end up with a much cleaner finished look. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. SmartSand® Polymeric Sand from Techniseal® is a mix of ASTM C144 graded sand and special polymers that provides a stable joint between interlocking concrete pavers exposed to normal traffic. Polymeric sand is a sand formula that is swept into the joints of pavers and natural stone to lock in the product, prevent weed. Never pressure wash polymeric sand immediately after you install it because it will ruin it. Once dry, polymeric sand can be swept into the paver joints. Not only will polymeric sand improve the strength and durability of a surface, but it will also help resist damage. Spread more product to fill joints again. There are several important reasons. 5. 12. 5. Pressure washer safe. Fill The Gaps. If there is any moisture present, it will cause the. The sand that is used is the same sand used in bags of play sand for filling a child's sand box and in. Book Your Appointment Today:Typically the installation of a jointing compound follows a few steps: In this process, the material is swept or moved around the surface of the project to ensure that the sand is filling the joints of the paving stones. There will always be a few ant hills that manage to get built in the cracks. How to use polymeric sand: Don’t cheap out on sand. Activate the sand by lightly showering the pavers with water according to the manufacturer’s directions. No doubt many patios and walkways were done with sand before polymerics came along. PolySweep Polymeric Sand is a blend of native sands conforming to ASTM C-144 standard, and binders to allow the joints to expand and contract with the elements such. Brush in multiple directions for more even coverage. The advantages of using polymeric sand for paving mostly revolve around its strength and durability as a joint filler. Available in beige and slate grey. Generously cut one of the corners of the bags open. Use a level to make sure each brick is lying flat. of coverage. Polymeric sand has a finer texture than jointing sand, and is specially designed to interlock with the pavers, fill the cracks between them, and harden upon drying to form a solid base. Fill paver joints by continuing to sweep the sand. The takeaway here: while you can’t control the weather, you can certainly control many aspects of your polymeric sand job. Finish the Patio. Remove existing weeds & moss. If you recall, we used some leftover paver sand to fill the cracks between the stones instead of spending the $95 that the stoneyard would’ve charged for a delivery of the polymeric stuff (which has some cement-like qualities to help keep it in place and block weeds a little better). Make sure to work when the pavers are completely dry before spreading the sand. 20-30 mesh). 1 year warranty. They used to fill up the crevices in stone pavers or brick patio with new or fresh sands between pavers. Prevent jointing material erosion by wind or water; as well as pr. Tap stones with a rubber mallet to compact sand. Just like all-purpose sand, polymeric sand comes in a wide range of colors. If your interlocking pavers were not installed with polymeric sand, you can replace it with these steps: Use a pressure wash or jet spray to wash out the old sand. It will be waterproof and flexible and it comes in many colors so you can get a close match to your sand joints (which I assume are either tan or gray). Simply. Grout is generally an interior joint sealer, whereas polymeric sand is usually an outdoor joint sealer. But there’s also a second trick you can use to top it all off perfectly. A high quality polymeric paver fini. In most cases, the sand between the pavers is running low and needs a touch-up. com; 551 Jevlan Dr Woodbridge, ON L4L 8W1; Facebook Instagram Linkedin. This video will show you how NOT to apply Paver Sealer to your driveway and will also explain the Top 3 tips and mistakes people do when applying sealer. The sand can also be watered afterward so that the sand stays in its place. Compare $ 670. Unlike polymeric sand, joint compound is permeable and excess water can go through the joints. Joint-It Fine is a weed resistant paving jointing sand, which has been developed specifically for use with block/brick paving, most commonly used on driveways or more heavily trafficked areas. Sweep the sand all over on the paved surface with a dry, stiff bristled broom. Alliance Gator Maxx G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand is an innovative product designed for use in joint applications of paver and natural stone up to a maximum of 4 inches. When it is combined with water it creates a strong bond that is ideal for filling in. Step 1: Use a dry brush to scrape off light polymeric sand buildup. Step-by-Step Instructions. Once GATOR MAXX SAND sets, it becomes very firm and locks between the paver joints. Pros of polymeric sand. To ensure that this important step is done right, we recommend that you generously water the sand until a thin whitish layer starts emanating from the paver joints. patio stone. The first step in polymeric sand installation is to thoroughly clean and dry the concrete paving stones. Avoid stone dust or limestone screenings, as these materials usually have too many fines (dust) that trap water that can cause early failure of the pavers. Techniseal Polymeric Sand for Paver Joints Installation Procedure. increments). This will allow for more space for polymeric sand to fall into which provides stability for the pavers. By increasing the interlock of the pavers and helping to form a solid base. Polymeric sand application - High quality sand used to fill in joints to prevent weed growth. Regular joint sand can wash out in wider joints prior to becoming stable & calcified. 4. drying and curing time is important too. - Harder (impossible?) for weeds to grow up through. This process also helps to secure the pavers into place. Spread about 30mm of mortar where you will lay the first pavers, then place the first paver. The sand remains hard when dry and flexible when wet. Understanding the differences between using polymeric sand vs. If you used a 3/4" angular crushed stone for the base and concrete sand for the bedding, then the ideal jointing compound to use would be regular jointing sand or polymeric sand. Ideal for high traffic areas. Step 5: Mist. Support this channel at you’ve got pesky weeds growing in your interlocking, using Polymeric Sand is a great way t. Filling joints between interlocking pavers and slabs has never been easier than with Sika FastFix-110, a high performance polymeric sand! Its superior quality provides for a durable joint that resists erosion, weed growth and insects. Over this, a 2- or 3-inch layer of tamped sand gives pavers a secure level surface. In this do it yourself video learn how to use polymeric sand for p. . I show you the entire process for interlocking, but the same process can be used to apply polymeric sand. BEST OVERALL: Black Diamond Coatings Dominator Polymeric Sand. I want to address all three of those,. Clean patio stones with a pressure washer or cleaner. However, one downside to using this type of paver joint sand is that it’s costly. 2014 Calypso Street. It’ll tamp down later. Polymeric sand is often used between joints in pavers to improve the stability of the structure. Screed the 1", tamp one more time, then use the same pipe for screeding the sand. GENERAL INFO. Apply sealant to pavers – applying a sealant is an effective way of preventing your bricks from cracking and creating space for weeds to grow. You can find it anywhere, costing $5 to $20 per 50-pound bag. To avoid this, you should use a waterproofing sealant that can be applied on top of the polymeric sand to help seal it further. During this step, make sure that the sand fills all of the gaps between the pavers. 4. If it is more than patio, it would be a huge mistake not to do a final vibration to level and create the interlocking strength between the pavers. Removing polymer haze from interlocking concrete pavers in Arizona. Sweep the Sand Into the Cracks. Using too much water can cause the sand to wash out of the joints. To be more precise applying the water to activate the polymer use a low pressure pump sprayer so that. Spread a light layer of paver sand over the entire area. Settle the sand by compacting with a hand and/or plate tamper (with rubber pad to protect pavers). In the same way that CaptSmethwick mentioned, new sand will not sit on top of old sand, but if you have areas that are deep, the new sand will adhere. In this article, we will discuss what polymer sand is, how it's used, and some of its benefits. With rain and heat, those cracks will disappear. Unlike polymeric sand, joint compound is permeable and excess water can go through the joints. We now offer water-permebale polymerics sand! Until recently water-permeable interlock joints needs to be filled with small rocks instead of sands. Yes, you can apply a second layer of polymeric sand. SAKRETE PermaSand is a joint locking material used in place of regular sand to stabilize pavers, stone or blocks. Final Compaction and Lock-up: Spread dry paver joint sand or masonry sand over the surface of the paver area approximately 1/4. Following weather guidelines when applying sealer and installing polymeric sand will help lead to a successful outcome of the project which leads to a happy customer. Once you’ve scrubbed, rinse the pavers with the hose, but not a pressure washer. The sand that is used is the same sand used in bags of play sand for filling a child's sand box and in. These are just a few tips to keep in mind when sealing pavers with. A&Z Interlock Design & Build. Sweep OPTIMATRIX Polymeric Jointing Sand evenly into the pavement joints using a push broom until the joints are completely filled. 4. Sweep off any excess material cleaning the surface of any granules of the material to avoid scuffing the pavers in the next step. 18. yard fill + View All. Leiden Cambridge Blend. A basic power washer is sufficient to remove all stains and debris. It also acts as a barrier to keep moisture out and reduce erosion. This video is a step by step guide on how to prepare and seal your interlock paving stone patio using Seal Kings' High-gloss Paving stone Sealer and Polymeri. Go with SAKRETE, The Pros Choice since 1936. . Get a dry bristle brush and use it to remove any tough sand haze buildup around the surface. Available in 25 KG bags. what is polymeric sand. The sand helps prevent future weed growth. Known a. Next, you’ll vibrate the sand even further down into the joints using a plate compactor. However, the actual cure time can vary. Removing as much excess sand as possible is vital to keep polymeric sand from hardening on the surface of your patio. Polymeric sand is installed into the joints of interlocking concrete pavement. Apply white vinegar to dirty and stained pavers with a spray bottle, so that it distributes evenly. Keep in mind that if you have pavers, you should apply polymeric or dry sweeping sand between the joints. The polymeric sand that I used recommends showering 30 square feet for 30 seconds, until the water starts to pool and the sand repels it. In terms of the day-to-day appearance of your pavers, polymeric sand may offer a cleaner look than regular sand. Prevents the growth of weeds and moss. Polymeric dust is simply polymeric sand that has. Installation video for Techniseal's SmartSand Polymeric sand for pavers and slab joints. At the same time, polymeric sand installation requires a lot of preparation. When it comes to enhancing the longevity and stability of your interlocking bricks, choosing the right sand is crucial. These weeds are harmful because they affect the. Make sure to press the additional sand down so that it is compacted. 2. Benefits from the Nextgel technology for cleaner application and faster wetting. Replace the pavers and tamp them into place. Leiden Cambridge Blend. It is one of a few different jointing compounds available on the market to fill the joints of pavers for the purpose of achieving horizontal interlock in the interlocking concrete pavement. Installation and. If the paver is not yet level, you can continue to adjust using the rubber mallet. 50lb Bag Of Alliance Gator Maxx G2 Polymeric Sand For Pavers And Natural Stone Joints Up To 4" In Diamond Black. Once all the pavers are set on their designed location, add a polymer sand on the gaps between the pavers. Use our app. KING has been Mixi. Polymeric sand usually lasts three to five years but can last up to 10 years if appropriately applied. Its job is to help with the interlocking process, to resist weeds and give colour options for a cleaner appearance. Pour the polymeric sand over the surface and spread it carefully along the pavers using a push broom. Read More Polymeric Sand: Exploring the Benefits for Paver ProjectsWhen you use polymeric sand, erosion is curtailed to a large extent because it binds the stone tightly. We have compiled a list of in field Do’ s and Do Not’s in an effort to make your experience with these sands a more favorable one. Buy 12 or more $ 3. Interior vs. Use a rubber mallet to knock the paver into place. And check the specs before you buy to make sure the product is suitable given the joint width in your paving. So do not be alarmed when small cracks form. Traditionally sand was used to fill cracks and hold the pavers, but heavy rain can easily wash the sand out from between the pavers. Polymeric sand needs to be replaced periodically. Its job is to help with the interlocking process, to resist weeds and give colour options for a cleaner appearance. Rather than use paver sand I used this. A bag is dumped onto the paving surface and. Shower your pavers to seal and harden the sand. Remove the paver by wriggling it back and forth with a paver extractor until the paver can be easily removed. Unlike regular sand, polymeric sand contains a binding polymer that activates when wet, locking the sand particles together and creating a durable, solid joint that resists weed growth and insect infestation. Remove excess residue with a leaf blower. Let me show you how we install polymeric sand to complete this pave patio. We use a high-pressure washing machine to clean out the old sand from in between the interlock cracks. If applied properly, the binding agent in the sand will harden in the joints and completely prevent weeds and ants from causing cracks in the surface. In this do it yourself video learn how to use polymeric sand for. 2. We install new polymeric sand between the interlocks. Patios crack and wither away over time, be it due to human activity, the weather, or simple aging. If your surface has a slope, start at the lower end and work your way up. 10095 Rickreall Rd Rickreall OR 97371 (503) 623-9084. In the long run, using polymeric sand will save you money from not having to relay the interlocking pavers as often. f. Place the polymeric sand and tap every paver so that it seats nicely between the pavers. BEST BANG. Composition: Medium grained: Primary Use: Foundational base and paver joints: Polymeric sand is essentially a sandy, granular. Don’t overfill the joints, though. Remove excess sand with a leaf blower. scraping out the old sand) to replace the polymeric sand on my patio and followed the instructions carefully. New $ 93. Our process is to clean out the joints as much as possible, flush in course sand and seal with Seal Lock sealer which has additives to ‘lock’ the sand together in. How To Apply Polymeric Sand To Interlocking And Pavers by civil engineering hacks - YouTube Sand sealing is generally done to seal the pores after premix carpet work is. Pressure washing - High Pressure 4000 psi, used to remove old debris and weeds. This method of installing the polymeric sand can be applied to almost any paver a. Each bag will cover approximately 85 square feet, although the coverage can vary depending on the size of the paver or joints. A water-activated polymer is introduced to the sand. How many square feet of interlocking paver patio does one 80lb bag cover?. Fill joints between interlocking pavers and slabs! Use KING PermaSand (Polymeric), a quick-setting, polymer sand. XL Polymeric Sand Midnight Black. 4. Crystalline silica. Go with SAKRETE, The Pros Choice since 1936. Ensure no sand is sitting on the pavers themselves, even if you have to sweep individual pieces; polymeric sand is hard to remove once wet. Spread over dry pavers and thoroughly sweep the Powerloc Paving Sand diagonally into the cracks with a broom. DYNA® OPTIMAX Premium Polymeric Jointing Sand is a dry mixture of calibrated sands, polymers, binders, and dedicated chemical controlling agents specifically designed to bind firmly and easily together in horizontal pavement joints. Applying Polymeric Sand for Paver Joints. Step One: Wash. . You want sand used for concrete mix because it has a rough, sharp, interlocking surface as opposed to desert or landscape sand which is basically round and smooth. Weed-Blocker Paver Locking Sand is a specially formulated polymer modified joint sand for use with pavement systems utilizing segmental concrete pavers, clay pavers or natural stone; concrete slab joint applications or filling gaps between segmental retaining wall blocks. Scroll down to the heading that says “How to install stone dust in between your flagstones”. Extensive cleaning of the surface of the pavers is critical to remove all jointing sand before wetting down the sand. In short: sweep the stone dust into the joints, hose down. Backed by a 15-year limited warranty. Beyond their protective qualities, poly sands and. Model # 695867 Store SKU # 1001813714. Before pouring the sand, you must dry clean the surface to remove any debris or dust. 8. Applied dry into the pavement joints, it will harden and stay in place after activation. Once adhesion breaks down the sand will begin to wash out of the joint, typically during the freeze thaw cycles. For long-lasting joints, follow all the procedural guidelines in the manufacturer’s manual. Its high-strength properties ensure a durable and smooth surface. . You’ll want to use the shower setting when it’s time to water your polymeric sand. Repeat this again to make sure the joints are. After chiseling, use a rigid-bristled brush to loosen and remove more of the polymeric sand. It is blended with fine sand and premium grade polymers to create a flexible and superior bond between pavers. 5. Ideal for stabilizing horizontal or sloping works such as driveways, patios, pool decks, pedestrian ways, roadways and traffic areas, Magic Sand/Paver Locking Sand is applied dry and. Add another thin layer of sand and. Durability. Polymeric dust is simply polymeric sand that has. Step 2. Model # 40100603 Store SKU # 1001570717. I would however, make sure the joints are completely full, and might recommend seeing how much rental for a half day use of a plate compactor to make sure it is in the joints tight. Regular sand can also last long but will require adjustments every 2 years so that the pavement doesn't shift. The process is quite DIY-friendly, making it a convenient. You can use this leveling sand for interlocking pavers, flower bed edging, retaining walls and patio stones. 9145 Fassett St SW Olympia WA 98512 (360) 878-9301 . However, one downside to using this type of paver joint sand is that it’s costly. Polymeric Jointing Sand is a polymeric-modified graded sand for filling joints up to 2 wide between interlocking pavers, brick, natural stone and concrete slaps. 1. Instructions Spread the Polymeric Sand. Some say not to use limestone screenings as a setting bed. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rewet with a light mist. Learn how to install paver locking sand in a concrete block patio or walkway. This sand "locks" the pavers in place. Joint sand is an angular washed sand used to fill the joints of the pavers from the top. Polymeric sand. Easy step by step application of polymeric sand for your pavers so you end up with a beautiful professional looking. - Harder to remove if you wanted to replace a stone at a later date. Silica sand is slightly better. In this video, I show you some brick paver maintenance with polymeric sand. Alternatives. Our repairs last. It's best to remove all the remaining sand first before putting in the new. Take care not to step in the sand or compress it. Use a tool or your fingers to smooth the mix in the gap. Activate With Water. This new generation of Intelligent Polymers neutralizes haze and dust. Polymeric dust offers similar benefits to standard polymeric sand, such as enhanced stability, weed resistance, and. For this example, lets assume that you want a thickness or depth of 1-inch. Remove excess sand with a leaf blower. With a push broom sweep it into all seams of your paver surface. Paver locking sand fills joints between pavers, tightening the blocks to preven. Inspect for moisture. Polymeric Sand keeps pavers from moving, keeps bugs and weeds from coming out from joints. Durable—concrete withstands heavy loads and extreme weather;Specifications. Regular sand is made up of coarse particles that efficiently work as a sealer for interlocking pavers and joints and this is best applied when creating a leveled. Share. . Perfect for the jointing of Interlocking Paver. Polymeric Dust. . To replace sand that has been washed out, simply pour joint sand over the pavers. Polymeric sand is a material used to fill paver joints, the empty spaces found between each paver, tile or natural stone. I think the reason this happens is because the sand absorbs water and holds it for. Sika FastFix-110 is easy to use and can be applied by both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. QUIKRETE® PowerLoc™ Jointing Sand is a polymer-modified graded sand for filling between interlocking pavers, brick, patio blocks and concrete slabs. Digging out the path to a depth of between 8 and 9 inches makes room for 4 to 6 inches of gravel. Polymeric sand comes as a dry, premixed powder. From the sweeping to the watering, these are the reasons why polymeric sand may fail. POLYMERIC SAND. Where other sands and grouts can crack allowing weeds to flourish, Joint-It Fine is naturally formulated to increase pH levels in the. When used for something like sealing paver joints, polymeric sand should last for 10 or 15 years, whereas grout will only last for three to five years. After applying the jointing sand, compacting is advised and then adding more sand. Dig out the sand, paint the sill, then use sanded-grout caulk. So it’s important to properly install high-quality polymeric sand to ensure you get the most out of your installation. Then with a leaf blower hold it waist high while your helper is holding the board up again and blow the loose sand off before wetting it. All pavers shall be manufactured for the construction of paved surfaces to be trafficked by jet or propeller driven aircraft. Polymeric sand would keep the water from flowing through. Installation Jointing Sand 1. Dump the polymeric sand onto the pavers, and then use a broom to sweep it around so that all of the cracks get filled. Polymeric sand is also easy to find but will cost you more—anywhere from $20 to $90 per 50-pound bag. 6. In terms of the day-to-day appearance of your pavers, polymeric sand may offer a cleaner look than regular sand. Pour polymeric sand into joints. Sand, or silica, makes up 80 percent to 95 percent of the mixture and is the primary ingredient in jointing sand. If you're looking for a way to improve the look and feel of your pavers, polymer sand for pavers may be the right solution for you. Spray water mist over the entire paved or hardscaped area, from high point to low point. Once the final coat is dried, test the pea gravel for stability. Whether your problem is just a few bricks, or a complete interlock restoration, nothing is beyond repair. . It also requires at least 48 hours before vehicular activities are allowed on pavers with polymeric sand. Which means you have to remove all the old sand. Extensive cleaning of the surface of the pavers is critical to remove all jointing sand before wetting down the sand. With the sand exactly where I wanted it, I grabbed the hose and set it to the “shower” mode. Tips on cleaning and re sanding. Polymeric sand is a type of material used to stabilize and fill the spaces between pavers. Polymeric sand improves the overall durability of the hardscape you install. Polymeric sand is a granular material placed between the joints or seams in brick pavers or stone in patios, walkways and driveways. Talk directly with our team. The polymeric sand application is now dust free, haze free, no blower needed, requiring only one watering and offering a Rapid Set technology of rain safe after 15 minutes. Specifications. Note: Polymeric sand is more suited for use in narrow, even-sized gaps, such as those between brick pavers. 1. 7. This will greatly reduce shifting in comparison. These are just a few tips to keep in mind when sealing pavers with. Now pour the sand. Item: #2622-531. Let it dry out and make your assessment. i just use my leaf blower to blow off the surface. The main difference between the two is that polymeric. This is the process of moving that jointing compound to the bottom of the paving stone. - do not spray water until the end, light spray to harden the sand in the cracks. Fill all joints with commercial-grade polymeric sand to stabilize joints and block weeds; water sand to activate the polymers and begin the hardening process. hose down and/or protect any nearby plant material. 4895 upvotes. Use a broom to fill gaps. 1)The professional approach to sealing monoblock, cobble and blockpaving using a roller kit. This item shall consist of a surface course composed of interlocking concrete pavers set in bedding sand on an approved base course constructed in accordance with the Plans and Specifications. Benefits from the Nextgel technology for cleaner application and faster wetting. Its high-strength properties ensure. Sika FastFix-110 is easy to use and can be applied by both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Repeat in sections of four until finished. The installation of the polymeric sand GATOR MAXX SAND is almost identical to using regular paver joint sand except for the application of water. To lock this material into place between the joints of the pavers, you can apply a joint stabilizing sealer. 1175-56) is a polymer-modified graded sand for filling joints up to 2” wide between interlocking pavers, brick, natural stone and concrete slabs. Your Partner. QUIKRETE® HardScapes Polymeric Jointing Sand (No. Repeat until the entire area is done. Empty spray bottles are available at your local hardware store. Once polymeric sand or paver sand are applied and set (in the case of polymeric sand), it’s hard to tell the difference without a closer look. Apply Polymeric Sand to Stop the Growth of Weeds between Paving Stones. However, if you used an ICPI-recommended hybrid or open-graded base with 3/4" angular stone as a base and 3/16" angular chips as the bedding material then. In this do it yourself video you'll learn how to apply polymeric sand to pavers and interlocking stone joints. brush the area with a brush or bristle broom. Home Renovators Canada - Installs only North America's Best premier interlock paving stone and retaining wall manufacturers like Unilock - Hanson Heidelberg. If some are unstable, either add more sand or use a rubber mallet to hammer them into place. Applying polymeric sand involves pouring it into paver joints, watering it, and allowing it to set for a few days. It's important to ensure there is no. Some will argue that the best kind of sand to use for paver joints is polymeric sand. Specifications. The video I'm watching suggested to use polymeric sand between the bricks. Here’s how. Step 1.