Outdoor Flooring Options over Concrete
Reasons To Choose A Resin Driveway Over Concrete?
While it is obvious to see that resin bound driveways look stunning, you may have some questions about the cost, reliability, durability etc. We are here to give you honest and frank opinions on why we think Resin is a far better quality option than most other driveway solutions.
If you are considering upgrading or laying a new driveway to add to the aesthetics of your property, you are in the right place. Resin bonded driveways can either blend seamlessly with your property, or you can make a bold statement. Whichever you choose, you are going to add value to your property and make it look great in the process.
Well, we know it is pretty, but …
Is A Resin Driveway Any Good As An Aggregate?
The short and simple answer to that is, yes, it is good. In fact, a resin bound driveway can be excellent and quality aggregate.
A resin bonded driveway will be durable, permeable, and aesthetically pleasing. Plus, you have the added bonus of having a low maintenance driveway, which our previous customers love.
Sounds great, but it must be expensive right?
Well, it is a lot less expensive than you may think.
How Much Does A Resin Driveway Cost?
This is a multilayered question. For a start, it depends on the type of resin driveway you have installed. You can either put a layer over an existing sub base, known as an overlay, if the sub base is suitable. Or you may need a full installation where new groundworks, laying of sub base, is required.
It also depends on whether you install the driveway using the self-installation kits or have an expert come and lay it for you. But here is a rough guide to what you can expect cost wise…
A trade starter pack for driveway projects, which covers up to 33 m² starts at £819.14 plus VAT.
SudWell DIY kits, which cover 1 m² are £26.49 plus VAT.
(With the DIY kits you would measure your area and multiply by the number of kits needed to get an idea of cost.)
For a small area, 10 m² prices start from around £800 for a resin bound overlay and £1,200 for a complete resin bound installation.
The larger the area, the higher the cost of installation will be. For extra large areas for larger projects, over 100 m² you could be looking in the region of £10,000 plus.
One of our expert team will be happy to give you a more accurate quote when you get in contact.
Installing a resin bound driveway is still cheaper than a lot of alternatives and it should outlast concrete, tarmac, block-paving and loose gravel.
What Base Do You Need For A Resin Driveway?
Fully Excavated Resin Bound Driveway:
For a full installation, your driveway would be dug out. First a geo-textile membrane would be laid to prevent soil etc from migrating upwards into the surface.
Next would be the sub base made from compacted non-frost susceptible hardcore. This would be followed by a porous open graded course asphalt, again densely compacted. Finally, the layer of resin bound gravel can be laid on top.
This may sound like a lot, but the whole thing is only around 250 mm deep. But it is important to have drainage for the permeable surface to be effective.
Resin Bound Overlay Driveway:
Your original driveway will need to be a stable base for you to be able to overlay the resin bound gravel. This means that there are no cracks or holes and the original drive has been laid on a base that is permeable.
If your original surface is not in perfect condition, do not panic. It is fairly simple to remove any debris and fix loose or cracked areas prior to laying the brand-new resin bonded gravel. We even supply kits to repair the cracks if you want to do it yourself.
An overlay is the quickest and cheapest option when it comes to laying a resin bound driveway. If you are unsure whether your existing driveway is suitable to lay a resin surface over, contact one of our knowledgeable team and we can help you.
Can You Lay a Resin Driveway Over Concrete?
Yes, you can, providing the concrete is in stable condition as stated above.
Other questions our customers often ask are to do with the maintenance of a resin bound driveway…
Do Weeds Grow Through Resin Bound Driveways?
No, weeds will not grow through the resin surface as there are no gaps for them to come up through.
Do Resin Bonded Driveways Crack?
It is highly unlikely that your resin bound driveway will crack if it has been correctly installed. The resin creates a flexible surface that is less prone to extreme weather conditions the way concrete and tarmac are.
If for some reason a crack does appear in the surface however, it is extremely easy to fix and there is no need to dig up the entire driveway to do it.
Can You Pressure Wash A Resin Driveway?
Yes, you can pressure wash a resin driveway. In fact, it is recommended that you pressure wash your driveway regularly to ensure that surface moss doesn't grow and cause the surface to become slippery.
How Do I Look After My Resin Driveway?
All you need to do to look after your driveway is give it a regular sweep to remove any debris, dead leaves etc. Then once every couple of months, give it a pressure wash to remove any dirt and prevent the surface from becoming slippery.
Resin bound gravel is tough, durable and stain resistant. It is a rare occasion where a stain will appear that regular pressure washing will not be able to remove. If you find yourself with a stubborn stain, warm soapy water should do the trick or a mild detergent that is suitable for cleaning paving. Just be sure to rinse with the pressure washer afterwards.
Can You Do A Resin Driveway Yourself?
Yes, you can! All you need to install a quality resin driveway yourself is a little confidence, the resin bound DIY Kits and good weather.
When you buy the DIY Kits, you are given access to free training videos and there are step by step instructions included with every kit.
So, as long as you are physically able to, and are reasonably good at DIY, you have got this.