It is essential to weigh the pros and cons of a resin bound driveway before you decide to get one. Being fully aware of all the facts surrounding resin bound driveways puts you in an excellent position to make the right selection.
A resin bound driveway is one made of a combination of resin and aggregate stones. It is one of the best types of driveways available. The paving used is a fully permeable solution with a flexible surfacing material, which makes it resistant to cracking. Also, the paving allows the free drainage of water through the surface.
Pros Of A Resin Bound Driveway
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It Is Affordable
Many factors determine the costs of installing a resin gravel driveway. However, generally, the prices range from £40 to £70 per square metre. Installing a resin bound driveway on a suitable pre-existing sub-base reduces the costs of installation significantly. In the long run, getting a resin drive will prove to be quite advantageous, compared to cheaper alternatives of lesser quality.
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Ease Of Installation
The process of installation is relatively simple and is a third faster than the installation processes of other surfaces. The process saves time and money mainly when resin bound drives are used as overlays upon a pre-existing surface. However, in cases where groundworks are to be carried out, the entire installation process can be completed within a week.
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Ease Of Maintenance
This driveway is quite low-maintenance because of its structure and composition. It eliminates the need to clear out weeds and loose stones. Instead, what is needed is a sweep or a power wash twice a year to keep it looking brand new. This inevitably helps you save money.
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It Is Aesthetically Appealing
Resin bound drives are the most recent innovation in surfacing technology. They offer a contemporary and stylish alternative to the regular block paving, tarmac, or gravel surfaces. Many of them are quite attractive and add to the aesthetic appeal of a piece of property. Once correctly installed, a resin bound driveway can enhance the look of any house.
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It Is Durable
This driveway is long-lasting and sturdy, especially when it is made out of quality materials. The driveway cannot be damaged by water because of its permeability. It is estimated that a resin bound drive can last up to a decade. It has been known to last even longer than other kinds of surfacing.
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It Is Environmental Friendly
As a result of its porous nature, it does not retain water, creating puddles, flash floods, or surface water run-off. Instead, water drains through the surface of the driveway into the ground. Thus, there are hardly drainage issues. Furthermore, resin bonded gravel is made from sustainable natural and recycled materials. This makes it quite friendly to the environment.
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A Broad Range Of Choice
A broad range of combinations of colour are available. The driveways could be created in different shapes and patterns. This is to say that one can choose a driveway that blends in with the entire premises. On the flip side, one may choose a driveway design that has a striking but beautiful visual contrast. You can make your driveway appear however you want. Your only constraint is your imagination.
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No Planning Permission Requirement
Most resin bound driveways do not need planning permissions to be installed. They are full Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) compliant which a legal requirement for all new developments.
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It Is Flexible
Resin bonded driveways are constructed in a way that they cannot be damaged by weight. But, this is only so when the driveway has been correctly installed. Also, the materials that make up this type of drive enable it to adapt to climatic changes without cracking.
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It Increases The Value On A Piece Of Property
A house with a stunning driveway is usually more desirable to a potential customer. Therefore, it can be sold for a higher price than one with a regular driveway.
Cons Of A Resin Bound Driveway
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The Colours May Start To Fade
If you do not pick your colours carefully, you may end up with those that tend to fade quickly. This usually happens as a result of exposure to direct sunlight. Therefore, you need to ensure that the colours you select are entirely stabilised. You may need to consult professionals for recommendations of suitable colours.
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Growth Of Moss And Algae
Because water passes through the surfacing easily, this may lead to the growth of moss and algae. This would make your driveway look scruffy and untidy. The best thing to do is to sweep and power wash your driveway occasionally.
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No Formal Regulations
There are no official standards or legal regulations concerning the installation of resin drives. This may pose a problem when inexperienced or unlicensed independent contractors or paving companies are hired.
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Stains
When you select light colours, this may make your driveway quite prone to blemishes. Examples of common stains include oil stains and tyre marks. However, these stains can be removed by using suitable cleaning methods.
Things To Note When Installing A Resin Bound Driveway
Here are some of a few points to put into consideration when installing a resin gravel driveway. They include:
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Hire A Reputable Paving Company Or Installer
You need to be cautious in hiring paving companies or contractors because of the lack of formal regulations. You must exercise vigilance as you evaluate which company or installer to hire. Do not be driven by price and aesthetics in making this decision. Ensure that you choose some of the best and most reputable companies or installers in the UK.
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Be Mindful Of The Size Of Stones Used
The size of stones used in the drive can affect the drainage system. It is best to use larger stones to allow for easy drainage. Smaller stones are best used if there is a pre-existing drainage system.
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Use The Most Suitable Type Of Resin
There are different types of resin available, and they have significant differences. If you want dark stones and a general darker finish, protection from the Ultra Violet rays may not be a huge concern. However, if you are aiming for light-coloured stones with a lighter finish, then the resin you use must offer protection from Ultra Violet rays.
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Mind Your Environment
If your area is heavily trafficked and vehicles regularly have to make a turn, a resin drive might not be suitable for you. This is because turning frequently can make the resin lift, and that would spoil the drive.
Is Resin A Suitable Alternative To Block Paving?
Most homeowners opt for block paving because it is cheaper to install than other kinds of driveways. Also, block paving can come in a wide range of designs and colours, making it a desired option. When it is damaged, it can be quickly fixed as individual blocks can be easily removed.
However, resin drives are increasingly becoming more popular and viewed as a better option compared to block paving. The primary reason for this is that block paving is prone to sinking and is easily damaged by persistent rainfall. Also, weed and moss grow between blocks, making the driveway look untidy and unkempt. The process of removing these unwanted growths is not particularly easy either. Furthermore, unless the blocks are porous, one may suffer drainage issues with block paving. Installing a drainage system could be quite pricey too.
However, a resin driveway has all the benefits block paving does not have, and even more. Resin bonded driveways are considered the ultimate solution because of the numerous benefits offered.
How Much Does A Resin Driveway Cost?
There is no clearly defined answer to this question because it depends on a variety of factors. One of these factors is the size of the driveway. The total cost of installation boils down to the size of the driveway. The larger the size, the higher the price. However, it is pertinent to note that some companies offer discounts on big projects.
Read also: How Much is a Resin Driveway?
Another factor is the presence or lack thereof of an existing surface. Where there is a suitable existing surface, this reduces the installation cost. However, where there is a lot of work to be done, such as surface preparation, repair, or levelling, this may increase costs.
Also, another factor which many people do not take into consideration is the depth of aggregate. The thicker the aggregate, the more durable the drive is, and the higher the installation costs.
Whether the resin would be UltraViolet stable or not is a factor that affects costs as well. Another factor that determines installation costs is the edging to be used. Edgings are used to protect the driveway and make it more beautiful.
In Conclusion
The benefits of installing a resin drive far outweigh the disadvantages. However, these disadvantages may be of varying degrees of importance to different people. Our advice is to cautiously weigh the resin-bound driveways pros and cons against one another before you make a selection.
