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Updating your driveway can improve the attractiveness of your home, and it can even increase the property value. But with so many different surface options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide on which one is right for you. Resin-bound driveways are a relatively new driveway option that has numerous benefits (but also some potential issues).
Let's take a closer look at the resin-bound driveways pros and cons.
Resin-bound systems are created by mixing resin with aggregate and some sand. The aggregate can be a mixture of whatever stone, gravel, or other materials that you choose. All the materials are mixed in a forced action mixer to create a uniform mixture. The mix is then trowelled onto a flat surface to create a smooth finish.
Resin-bound driveways can often, but not always, be laid over the existing driveway, as long as it is flat. If it can't be laid onto the existing surface, then a sub-base will need to be created before the resin driveway can be laid.
This sub-base is 150mm MOT Type 1 that is then rolled down with a vibrating roller to create a flat and smooth surface for the resin-bound material.
These two surface types are easily confused with each other. While they are both a surface that is created using resin and aggregate, the method of applying these materials is very different.
With resin-bonded, rather than mixing the resin and aggregates beforehand and then trowelling them onto the surface, the resin is laid first and the aggregate is thrown on top. This can often be a cheaper and quicker option, but there is a higher potential for loose stones and the surface isn't permeable.
Installing resin-bound driveways is one of the quicker driveway surface options because the resin-aggregate mix is laid in one go. It then takes around eight hours for the resin to cure (although you shouldn't really walk on it for around 24 hours).
When you compare this with something like block paving, which can take around four to five days to install, you can see that resin-bound driveways can be a much quicker option.
If you need groundwork done beforehand to prepare the surface, for example, if it isn't being laid over existing concrete, then it will take longer to complete the project.
A resin-bound driveway is also a cheaper option per square metre than for many other driveway surface choices, so can be a great option if you are looking to save money. This is partly due to the lower labour costs needed because it is so much quicker to install, but it is also due to the lower cost of the materials.
Aggregate is often made up of recycled materials so can be much cheaper than professionally-cut stone, for example. Again, if you need to have groundwork completed before the resin driveway can be laid, the cost will likely increase.
One of the benefits of resin driveways is just how easy they are to maintain. There is very little that you will need to do in terms of maintenance, beyond sweeping debris away and power-washing if it gets dirty.
You don't need to reseal and you don't need to top the resin up. And, even better, weed growth and moss growth is less likely with resin-bound driveways compared to other surfaces such as block paving.
Resin-bound driveways are permeable. This is because there are tiny gaps between the stones and gravel that allow water to naturally drain through and for surface water run-off. This natural drainage system makes them sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) and it also means that you are unlikely to experience any drainage issues, such as flooding, or pooling surface water.
There are legal regulations regarding SUDS. They are now a legal requirement for new developments and these formal regulations also relate to planning permission. If your driveway is permeable, as a resin-bound driveway is, you won't need usually planning permission to complete the work. You would if it were a non-permeable driveway.
It is important to remember that your driveway is only permeable if its underlying surface also is. If you had a sub-base created, then this will usually be permeable, but if it was laid over an existing surface then this will also need to be permeable.
You can expect your resin-bound driveway to last at least 10-21 years and, if properly installed and maintained, it can last upwards of 25 years. As long as there is no movement in the layers underneath, a resin driveway is also unlikely to crack, peel, or scuff.
For some driveway surfaces, such as tarmac, asphalt, or concrete, the heat island effect can be a problem. This is when, in hot weather conditions, the surface absorbs and stores the heat from the sun which can make them very hot to the touch.
Because resin-bound driveways are permeable, they allow the cool air from the soil underneath to rise to the surface which helps to keep them cool and avoid the heat island effect. This is also less of an issue with a lighter resin finish.
One of the greatest appeals of resin driveways is their visual appearance. You have a lot of choices when it comes to what colour combinations and different patterns to use, so you can really make the look your own.
The smooth finish, which some liken to a "stone carpet", is sleek, modern, and sophisticated and can make a big difference to the look of your property's entrance.
Often, resin driveways can be installed directly on top of your existing driveway, providing they are a suitably flat and damage-free surface. This is much more likely with something like an existing concrete or tarmac driveway than it would be for grass or block paving.
Colour fading isn't always an issue with resin driveways, but it definitely can be. If it has been installed correctly by professional contractors, you would expect them to use UV-resistant resin or a coating that offers UV protection on your driveway.
If your resin-bound surface doesn't have UV light protection, however, then it can be prone to discolouration due to being in direct sunlight. Ultra-violet rays from the sun can interact with the resin and cause the colours in the aggregate to fade quickly. This is especially the case for lighter coloured stone, which is likely to darken, and less of a problem if you already have a darker finish to your driveway.
Iron spotting is when there is iron oxide in your aggregate mix, and this is more of a problem with a darker stone that contains red colours. This can be avoided by using a higher amount of resin in the resin-aggregate mix.
A resin surface is designed for pedestrians and residential use. What this means is that you would usually be fine to park everyday vehicles on a resin-bound driveway, but heavy vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are likely to damage the driveway.
Staining can occasionally be an issue. Oil stains, in particular, can be difficult to remove if they aren't washed away immediately. If this happens, apply detergent and warm water and leave it to soak for 10 minutes before using a pressure washer to wash it away. If the oil is left on the surface for too long it can cause permanent staining.
Tyre marks can also be an issue and these can be avoided by not turning the steering wheel when your car is stationary on your driveway. If your resin-bound driveway is showing clouding, this is due to moisture contaminating the resin while it was curing and is impossible to fix. If the driveway is installed properly, however, this isn't a problem that you should encounter.
Resin paving is a skilled job but there is no regulation about who can claim to be a trained resin driveway contractor. It is important, therefore, to do your due diligence when looking for a company to install your resin bound driveway.
Being able to see photographs of their previous driveway or patio installation, reading online reviews, and researching multiple companies can all help you to find one that will be able to install your resin-bound driveway properly.
Resin driveways can be difficult to repair. Because of the smooth and uniform surface, any patch repair is going to be almost impossible to blend in fully. So while a resin-bound driveway is less likely to get damaged in the first place than many other options, if it does get damaged this can be a much bigger issue.
Avoiding damage can be key, so make sure not to place or drag any heavy skips across the driveway, and try not to use anything that will place a sharp point, such as a motorbike stand or a tyre jack.
A resin-bound system can create a driveway suitable for many different homes and styles. The large variety of different coloured aggregates and pattern placement can also mean that your new driveway can be tailored to your specifications. They are also durable, low-maintenance, and are permeable enough to avoid any drainage issues, although they can be difficult to repair and can occasionally become discoloured. Being aware of some of the pros and cons of resin bound driveways can help you to make an informed decision about whether it is the right option for you.
