ROMEX FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have questions about hardscape installation, products, or best practices? Our FAQ page is here to help. From choosing the right ROMEX solution to understanding installation requirements and maintenance tips, you’ll find straightforward answers to the most common questions we receive. Whether you’re a contractor, dealer, or homeowner, this resource is designed to guide you toward successful, long-lasting, and permeable hardscapes.

1. What is the best jointing compound for driveways?

The best choice depends on the paver choice and setting system (flexible or bonded) for the driveway. For residential driveways and interlocking pavers, ROMEX® FUGENSAND is recommended – it’s a jointing sand with a stabilizing sealer ideal for load-bearing driveway joints. It creates durable, permeable joints that resist weeds and shifting. For heavier-duty bonded or commercial driveways, ROMEX also offers professional two-component mortars (like ROMEX D1, Flex Joint or D2000) which can support vehicular loads up to 7.5 tons and 25 tons respectively.
2. Can ROMEX surfaces handle heavy vehicle traffic (trucks)?

Yes. When installed with the full RSG-10 bonded system, ROMEX surfaces are engineered to support vehicles up to 40 tons. This means even heavy trucks or machinery can drive on ROMEX-paved areas without cracking or deforming the surface, making it suitable for everything from residential driveways to commercial parking lots. For unbonded areas the choice of paver will determine that.
3. Is ROMEX jointing safe to use on pool decks (will chlorine or salt damage it)?

ROMEX ECO-FINE jointing mortar is specifically recommended for pool decks and has been tested to be resistant to pool chemicals. The resin-based joints are not affected by chlorine or saltwater, so you can use ROMEX around swimming pools without worrying about deterioration or discoloration of the joints.
4. Can ROMEX jointing be used with heated driveways or patios (radiant heat)?

Absolutely. ROMEX products are compatible with radiant heating systems installed under pavers. The jointing and bedding materials can withstand temperature fluctuations, allowing you to combine ROMEX permeable paving with under-surface heating for efficient snow melting without compromising the joints’ integrity.
5. What types of pavers or stones can ROMEX jointing mortars be used with?

ROMEX resin jointing is very versatile and works with almost any unit paving material – including concrete pavers, natural stone, wood block, porcelain or ceramic tiles, wet-cast or natural stone slabs, and brick. Whether the pavers are installed on a flexible base (sand set) or a hard base (mortar set), ROMEX’s permeable grout will bond and fill the joints effectively, as long as the paving units are properly laid and stable.
6. How can I stabilize loose gravel or pathways using ROMEX products?

ROMEX offers resin-based gravel binders to stabilize loose aggregate surfaces. ROMEX PROFI-DEKO is a rugged resin-bound system for clean aggregates without fines, creating a solid, permeable surface ideal for decorative gravel areas or tree surrounds. For pathways or gravel with fines (rock dust), the ROMEX D7000 Stabilizer is used as a topical binder, effectively locking together finer particles while maintaining permeability.
7. What is ROMEX TRASS Bed and why is it used under pavers?

ROMEX TRASS Bed is a permeable drainage bedding mortar used as an alternative to concrete under pavers. It contains a proprietary Trass additive and polymers that create a strong, load-bearing base without needing steel reinforcement. Unlike conventional concrete, TRASS Bed has about 50% void space for drainage, which allows water to pass through and relieves pressure during freezes – preventing efflorescence and frost heave damage in the paving above.
8. Does ROMEX offer a warranty or system guarantee for installations?

Yes. ROMEX has a System Guarantee (RSG) program that provides long-term warranties when you use the specified ROMEX installation system. For example, the RSG-10 fully bonded system (using TRASS Bed, ADHESION ELUTRIANT, plus a ROMEX jointing mortar) comes with a 10-year warranty. There’s also an RSG-5 option, which uses ROMEX ISATec earth anchors with a jointing product for a 5-year warranty, ensuring the paved surface stays interlocked and secure. These warranties demonstrate ROMEX’s confidence in the durability of its hardscape systems.
9. How do ROMEX jointing compounds prevent weeds between pavers?

ROMEX’s advanced resin jointing mortars cure to form a tight, hard bond in the joints, leaving no room for weeds to take root. By filling and sealing the gaps between pavers, ROMEX essentially “locks out” weed seeds – you get a clean, weed-free surface without needing to constantly pull weeds or apply herbicides.
10. How do ROMEX products stop ants from coming through paver joints?

ROMEX jointing compounds create a solid barrier that ants cannot penetrate. Unlike loose sand that ants can dig out, the ROMEX resin-bound joints harden and block ant tunnels or nesting in the paver gaps. This ant-resistant property keeps your patios and walkways pest-free, as ants are unable to dislodge the hardened joint material.

11. How do ROMEX hardscapes perform in freeze-thaw conditions (are they frost-proof)?

ROMEX hardscape systems are extremely frost-resistant. In laboratory testing, a ROMEX installation (with the RSG system) showed no damage after 50 intense freeze-thaw cycles. The design allows water to drain through and even accommodates ice expansion – for instance, the TRASS Bed’s high void space provides room for water to expand when it freezes. This means ROMEX surfaces resist cracking, heaving, or deterioration in harsh winter climates.
12. Can I clean ROMEX-jointed pavers with a pressure washer?

Yes. ROMEX joints are pressure washer safe up to about 2000 psi. The resin-bound joint material is durable and won’t wash out under high-pressure cleaning, so you can effectively remove dirt and debris without harming the joints or reducing permeability.

Regular pressure washing (e.g. twice a year) is actually recommended to keep ROMEX surfaces clean and performing optimally.
13. Are ROMEX paved surfaces ADA-compliant or wheelchair-friendly?

Absolutely. ROMEX products create very smooth, stable surfaces that meet ADA accessibility standards. Because the joints harden and keep pavers locked in place, there are no uneven edges or loose sand, reducing tripping hazards. The finished surface is firm and slip-resistant, which makes it easy for wheelchairs, strollers, and pedestrians to travel safely. For bonded aggregate surfaces, ADA compliance hinges on the aggregate choice rather than the resin itself.
14. Do ROMEX joints need to be replaced or re-sanded over time?

No – one big advantage of ROMEX is that it’s essentially a “one-time install.” When properly installed, the resin-bound joints are very durable and don’t require frequent replacement or topping up. They resist cracking and erosion, so unlike traditional sand joints that might wash out or need re-sanding every few years, with no paver shift/ movement ROMEX joints can last for many years (often decades) without needing to be redone.
15. Are ROMEX paver joints permeable to water (do they allow drainage)?

Yes, ROMEX jointing materials are designed to be highly permeable, meaning water can drain through the joints into the ground. The resin binder coats the sand or aggregate only at the contact points, leaving open pores and pathways between particles for rainwater to flow through. This helps reduce stormwater runoff and puddling,
making ROMEX installations excellent for sustainable drainage and flood prevention.
16. Will de-icing salts damage ROMEX joints in winter?

No. ROMEX’s resin technology is resistant to de-icing salts and most common outdoor chemicals. You can apply road salt or calcium chloride on ROMEX-paved driveways and walkways in winter without worrying about the joints deteriorating or losing strength. This chemical resistance gives you a long-term, worry-free solution for managing snow and ice on your hardscape.
17. Are ROMEX products easy to install for DIY projects?

Yes, many ROMEX products are formulated to be DIY-friendly and easy to use. They require minimal preparation and straightforward application, significantly reducing installation time and effort. In fact, even non-professionals can achieve professional-quality results with ROMEX jointing mortars and gravels, since they can be applied with simple tools and techniques. (ROMEX also provides free online courses and installation videos to help users learn the process.)
18. How do ROMEX systems prevent pavers from shifting or settling?

ROMEX offers a unique installation method to ensure no paver shifting. In the bonded RSG system, an ADHESION ELUTRIANT is applied to the paver bedding while it’s still wet, which locks the bedding layer to each individual paver. This wet-on-wet bonding creates a single cohesive structure, so the pavers essentially become anchored to the base and to each other. As a result, the surface acts as one solid unit, and individual pavers cannot rock, shift, or settle over time – even under heavy traffic or temperature changes.
19. Are ROMEX hardscape products environmentally friendly?

Yes, sustainability is a core focus for ROMEX. The company minimizes its carbon footprint by sourcing sands and aggregates locally (instead of shipping heavy materials overseas), which reduces transportation emissions and supports local economies. They also use renewable energy – for example, solar power is used to manufacture the ECO-FINE product line. Moreover, ROMEX’s permeable paving solutions help the environment by allowing rainwater to infiltrate naturally, reducing stormwater runoff and replenishing groundwater, which makes for more sustainable, eco-friendly hardscapes.
20. What maintenance do ROMEX surfaces require?

ROMEX installations are very low-maintenance. Typically, all that’s needed is a bi-annual pressure washing to keep the surface clean and free of debris. Unlike traditional paver

joints, you won’t have to re-sand or constantly weed the joints. If you have a resin-bound gravel area, you might apply a refresher topcoat every few years (e.g. 3–10 years, depending on usage) to restore the binding, but overall ROMEX surfaces retain their strength and look with minimal upkeep.

ROMEX FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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ROMEX FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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QUESTIONS

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Puncture Resistant

ADA Compliant

No Paver Shifting

Frost Resistant

Vehicle Rated

Highly Permeable

10-Year Warranty

One Time Install

Weed Resistant

Easy to Use

Pressure Washer Safe

Ant Resistant

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