The first thing people notice when they approach a particular house is the driveway, which is a fundamental part of any home. Since there are many driveway possibilities available on the market, choosing the adequate driveway for your premises can be overwhelming. From tarmac to asphalt, brick pavers to cobblestones, and resin driveways, the market is swamped with various driveway choices. Each with its own distinct set of advantages and disadvantages.
Even though homeowners are pretty familiar with the majority of choices, there’s one exciting option that is relatively new to the British market – resin paving. Resin-based driveway surfacing is quickly gaining in popularity thanks to significant advances in polymer and epoxy resins in recent years. In the following article, we will layout everything you need to know about resin driveways and why it might be the ideal solution for your property.
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Resin Paving Solutions For Driveways
Resin is a smooth, extremely hard-wearing, low-maintenance surface. The material comes as a top surface layer to which an aggregate can be laid on and glued down. There are two solutions for driveways: resin-bonded and resin-bound driveways.
Resin-bonded consists of dispersed aggregate, which is installed on top of a resin layer. Resin-bonded driveways give the impression of loose gravel on the driveway requiring regular maintenance compared to resin-bound driveways. They don’t drain as well as the resin-bound because the initial resin layer acts as a barrier that doesn’t allow water to drain as quickly, leading to water pooling. The water presence in resin-bonded driveways can cause moss growth, which can cause some damages to your driveway if it’s not maintained correctly. The price to install a resin-bonded driveway is slightly lower, starting at around £800 for a driveway under 30 square meters and up to £6,000 for driveways with more significant proportions.
Resin-bound driveways consist of aggregate, mixed in altogether with the resin. Afterward, the mixture is trowelled to create a smooth finish. There are no loose stones on the surface. The finished surface creates an appealing aesthetic looking, robust, and a long-lasting driveway that can last up to fifteen years or more. These sophisticated surfaces don’t retain water in them at all. They are drip-fed through the surface rather than flowing directly into the drainage system. Thus preventing water pooling situations, which are essential during heavy rainfall. Resin-bound driveways cost a bit more than resin-bonded driveways. The price range varies between £1,200-£10,000 depending on the size of the driveway.
Edging Options For Resin Driveways
If you opt for a resin driveway, you should also know that it’s imperative to choose the right edging profiles to protect your driveway and improve the aesthetic look. The three most popular edging options for such driveways include classic curbs edging, stone edging, and aluminum edgings.
The classic curb edging is most commonly made up of concrete and is typically rounded to create a delightful aesthetic look. Curb edgings can either be buried alongside the driveway or can be featured as an upstand.
If you want to achieve a more seamless look, you can go with the stone edging to blend it with your resin driveway. Consider using granite edging, as the material will prove to be quite beneficial in the long-run due to its long durability.
While granite is undoubtedly not a cheap option, aluminum edgings are among the most affordable options at just £7 to £12 for an 18mm trim. They come in two different shapes, straight or flexible. Flexible aluminum edgings are some of the most used edgings worldwide because they are not expensive. They can also be formed in any way or design.
Is There A Best Time Of The Year To Install A Resin Driveway?
According to driveway specialists, the resin material is not supposed to be poured in winter months or when temperatures are below 5°C. It needs warmer temperatures to cure in a few hours. If you are seriously thinking about installing a resin driveway, we encourage you to book professional driveway builders in the summer months when the temperatures are higher. At the same time, spring is also a suitable period for the installment of resin driveways.
Pros Of Resin Driveways
- Resin driveways are an eye candy that adds immediate value to your property. These driveways are a popular choice amongst modern homeowners because they stand out more than any other driveway surface. They can enhance any house’s appearance, thanks to the vast palette of color combinations and textures.
- Compared with other driveway solutions, resin-based driveways are relatively cheap, with starting prices at just £40 per square meter.
- The material is exceptionally durable thanks to its top sealed layer that is resistant to extreme weather conditions and heavy vehicles. Besides, the resin will remain colorfast over the years.
- Resin driveways are easy and fast to install. The great majority of resin-based driveways will be finished in only a couple of days. However, it’s crucial to account for the weather, as too much rain can affect the glue needed to stick the aggregate together.
Things You Should Consider Before Installing A Resin Driveway
- Maybe the single disadvantage of the resin paved driveways is that they are not adequate for heavily trafficked areas.
- Never build your driveway with companies and builders that don’t have an outstanding public reputation. You want to avoid lousy jobs and unwanted results.
- Be sure to use the right type of resin. For example, if your choice is darker, UV stable resin is not imperative. On the other hand, if you opt for a lighter surface, consider using UV durable resin material.
- Proper maintenance is essential to prevent moss growth and keep your driveway look flawless for an extended period of time. If you don’t maintain your new resin-based driveway, the surface might deteriorate over time.
Final Thoughts
If you are interested in investing in your driveway, we strongly encourage you to consider resin paved driveways. Resin-bound systems come with many benefits such as quality drainage, aesthetically pleasing, and extremely hard-wearing. They can last up to 25 years as long as they are maintained.
Featured Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
