Resin driveway surfacing or concrete block paving? Not, perhaps, one of today’s great
questions! But if you’re looking to improve the exterior of your home, the
drive is likely to loom large on the list of essential make-over areas. So,
what is the best option? When it comes to the pros and cons of block paving vs
resin surfacing for a decorative driveway,
there are several issues to consider.
Resin, Bound or
Bonded?
The
first question might be ‘what is resin surfacing?’ It’s a good question and the
material is pretty new on the market. There are, in fact, two types of resin
surfacing commonly available. Resin bound drive and resin bonded; the former uses gravel/aggregates mixed with
resin to create a solid, durable finish. Resin bonded surfaces are also gravel
but in this case the gravel is scattered over the resin mixture and bonds to it
that way instead. Concrete blocks should need little explanation, as they are
pretty much what they say!
A Truly Decorative
Driveway
Resin
surfacing is basically gravel upgraded! Combined with resin it creates a
strong, durable, long-lasting finish which can be laid in any pattern, design
or motif that you desire. Choice here is the big thing; aggregates come in a
huge range of colours and sizes, allowing you to really create a stunning
design.
Motifs
or patterns can easily be incorporated into the finished surfaces and this is
where resin can really outperform concrete blocks. Whilst it’s true that block
paving can offer some choice in terms of design and colour, it’s always going
to have that ‘block-factor’, offering less on the aesthetic front than a resin
surface.
Low Maintenance, High
Enjoyment
Maintenance
is an important consideration when it comes to your home. Less is definitely
more on this front. Less maintenance, more time to enjoy your home, in this
case! Block paving, when well laid, provides a strong, hard wearing surface, as
does a resin surface. However, again, resin may come up trumps on this front.
Paving
is susceptible to algae as well as moss, and weeds will soon find their way
through joints between the blocks. Resin is an equally strong surface but is
slip resistant, easy to wash/brush down and weeds will, for once, have met
their match.
Envious Friends and
Eager Buyers
Practical,
reliable and a bit old fashioned? Yes, that’s block paving for you. Resin
surfaces offer a modern, stylish solution with a wow-factor that’s off the
scale, when laid by experienced firms.
Visitors will be green with envy at the sight of a resin decorative
driveway and will be soon asking for your contractor’s number! If you’re looking
to sell your home this wow factor can also be the one that hits potential
purchasers before they’ve even come through the gate!
