Outdoor Specialist

The Ultimate Guide to Installing a Resin Bound Driveway

Introduction

A beautiful, well-maintained driveway can enhance the overall appearance of your property and increase its value. If you're looking for a cost-effective way to give your driveway a fresh look, a resin bound driveway could be the perfect solution. Not only does it look great, but it is also durable, low maintenance, and can be installed quickly. In this blog post, we'll take a look at how a resin bound driveway is installed, so you can know what to expect.

Site Preparation

The first step in installing a resin bound driveway is to prepare the site. This involves removing any existing surface, whether it's concrete, tarmac, or gravel. This is important to ensure that your new driveway will be level and will have a long-lasting bond. The area is then excavated to a depth of at least 200mm, depending on the substrate and the intended use of the surface. The entire area is then compacted to ensure there is a solid foundation for the resin bound layer.

Edge retention and drainage

Once the site has been prepared, the edges of the driveway are secured using steel or aluminium edging. This ensures that the resin bound layer will not seep away from the edges of the driveway, thereby maintaining structural integrity. While creating the edges, proper provision of drainage is also made to ensure that water can flow away from the surface.

Mixing and application

The next step is to mix the resin and the aggregates. This is usually done on-site, and the mixing ratio varies depending on the type of resin and the aggregates. A specialist mixer is used, and the aggregates and the resin are mixed thoroughly until they have formed a homogeneous mix, which is then poured on the prepared surface. It is then spread using specialised trowels, and the surface is levelled as it is being laid.

Curing

Once the resin bound layer has been laid, it needs to cure for at least 24 hours before any traffic is allowed on the surface. Any foot traffic should be avoided for at least 12 hours after installation to avoid leaving footprints on the surface. The curing time of the resin depends on several factors, including the weather conditions and the type of resin used.

Finishing

Once the resin has cured, the surface is ready to be finished. This may involve sweeping or power washing to remove any excess material, scuffing to remove any sharp edges, and ensuring that the surface is aesthetically pleasing. It may also involve the application of sealants or coatings to protect the surface from stains and colour degradation.

Conclusion:

A resin bound driveway is an attractive, durable, and low-maintenance option for your driveway. Installing a resin bound driveway requires several steps, from site preparation to site finishing. Each step is vital to ensure that the resulting driveway is durable and long-lasting. If you're looking to install a resin bound driveway, it's essential to engage the services of a specialist contractor who can handle the different steps efficiently. With proper installation and maintenance, a resin bound driveway can be a fantastic investment for your property.