The Key Benefits of a Resin Bound System

In terms of new drive finishes, a resin bound system is one of the best you can buy in the market. Understanding why to choose resin over other kinds of driveway is useful when you come to realise the many benefits associated with this system. This article will look at the structure of resin drives, their key strengths and then some of their drawbacks so you’ll be able to see why some choose resin driveways for their homes.

Why Choose the Resin Option?

All resin driveways are a mixture of stone aggregate and resin, either bound or bonded together. Due to the composition of resin bound systems, they allow for water to drain through without compromising their quality or durability. A resin bound driveway comes out on top compared to its resin bonded cousin. Even looking at the comparison below, it begs the question: why not choose resin?

Regarded for their lack of maintenance and for how aesthetically pleasing they look, resin bound driveways are superior to other surfaces. Offering a flat, smooth surface that’s useful in all conditions and seasons, it’s a pleasure to walk and drive on. They typically keep their colour, allow for water to penetrate, maintain slip resistance, reduce the chance of weeds to grow and for frost to set in. The reason why you’d choose resin over tarmac, block paving or otherwise seems obvious, but the cost factor can always put some people off.

Resin driveway costs discusses what you can expect to pay in 2024.

Resin Bound Driveway Benefits

• Durable

• Low maintenance

• Appealing

• Permeable

• Safe

Durable

So, why choose resin bound for your driveway? Not only is a resin bound driveway more enduring than other types, it’s capable of withstanding a lot of weight and weather damage without compromising its strength. Areas of high traffic won’t wear down the surface, which is what makes them popular for both drives and public spaces. Their UV stability also prevents them from being damaged by exposure to sunlight each and every day. All in all, they’re hardy drives to have installed.

Low Maintenance

Another reason why some choose resin is for the lack of maintenance involved, especially when compared to other kinds of drive surface. The upkeep required tends to be minimal because the resin seals the surface, which prevents a lot of problems in the first place. A pressure washer can be used to clean any grime that accumulates on the surface and a stiff brush can be used to remove any debris. Twigs, leaves and dirt can get trapped in the small holes in the drive, which can make it not look as attractive, but they can be easily removed.

Appealing

Visually, one of the reasons why you’d choose resin is due to the uniformity of the finish. Its seamless design complements its surroundings and creates a neat look. With different sizes and colours of aggregate available, you can create bespoke designs to personalise your drive. This gives you the flexibility to pick an option that suits you.

Permeable

The permeability of a resin bound driveway is arguably its greatest strength. Surface water is reduced, as well as the runoff, because it drains through to the ground below. It prevents flooding and doesn’t overburden the existing drainage systems. Unlike resin bonded driveways, which require planning permission if over a certain size, they can be installed any size without issue. Why not choose resin simply based on its permeability?

Safe

Due to its composition, a resin drive allows for a non-slip surface, which is useful in all seasons. As they’re permeable, you can maintain grip in the wet and not have to worry about frost in the winter. Children or the elderly are more secure as they’ll be less prone to slipping up, which is why some choose resin over other options.

Resin Bound Driveway Drawbacks

• Price

• Installation process

• Colour fading

• Moss

Price

Resin driveways are largely the more expensive option. Why choose a resin driveway if it’s too expensive? The many benefits outlined above are reason enough if it’s within your price range. However, for some, the cost is simply not feasible, which can lead people to seek alternative options.

Installation Process

The installation process for a resin bound driveway is incredibly intrusive. Why choose resin when it needs a lot of work to begin with? A suitable sub-base needs to be present before the resin drive can be fitted on top. It’s a labour-intensive process that takes a lot of time, and any imperfections during installation can cause problems later down the line. If groundworks need to be completed first, heavy machinery needs to dig up your old drive. Why not choose resin with a sub-base that’s ready in the first place? You can save yourself a lot of money in the process.

Colour Fading

Resin also comes in non UV-stable form, which can fade in colour when exposed to sunlight over long periods of time. This can be an issue if objects are left on your drive during the day, leading to patches of discolouration here and there. This is one of the reasons why you’d choose resin that’s UV-stable, even if it does drive up the cost even further.

Moss

Despite being permeable surfaces, resin bound driveways offer the perfect conditions to harbour moss. This can lead to your driveway becoming slippery and becoming more of a hazard. As long as you keep on top of the minimal maintenance required, you can jet wash the surface to ensure moss doesn’t thrive. It’s no wonder why you’d choose resin if it prevents weeds, but just be wary of moss.

Why Choose Resin for Your Driveway?

By now, you should have a better picture of the real benefits of a resin bound driveway. You can understand why some choose resin drives over others and for a multitude of different reasons. No system is perfect, however, so there are always drawbacks, but the key to mastering your drive is in understanding it completely. The resin bonded driveways section is a valuable library of information.