How Resin Bound Surfaces Reduce Ongoing Costs

Resin Bonded Drive

Most homeowners look for ways to reduce their ongoing costs. Running a home can be expensive. By the time you have decorated, replaced windows, fixed rotting timber and other tasks; you can easily be out of pocket. You will also have wasted a lot of time. The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce your costs, such as installing a resin drive surface rather than a block paved or concrete one.

In this article, we are going to look at how resin driveways can save you cash.

Weed Control

Resin Drive Surface

Weeds are the bane of many a homeowner’s life. Some would argue that a weed is a plant growing in the wrong place, but who wants a six-foot thistle growing anywhere? Nettles aren’t much fun either! The problem with most drives is that in time, weeds appear. Weeds are insidious. They spring up in cracks and crevices, between block paving and through poorly laid tarmac.

A resin bound driveway is impervious to weeds and acts best as Decorative Driveway. The nature of the resin drive surface means that weeds can’t grow in it or through it. This means your bottle of weed spray won’t be needed and you don’t have to spend Sundays digging out dandelions.

Less Maintenance

Resin Bound Drive

Non-resin drives need a lot of maintenance. Besides weeding, you will probably need to repair cracks and joins, re-bed block paving, sweep rubbish and fix drainage issues. After a few years, you will probably have to install a whole new drive. This can all be avoided by installing a resin bond driveway instead. Resin surfaces last for significantly longer, so you don’t need to worry about replacing your driveway.

Cleaning a Resin Drive Surface

Resin Driveway

Cleaning a drive is another odious task. It can take several hours to remove weeds and brush sand between block paving. When you think that time costs money, it makes sense to reduce your outgoings. Installing a resin drive will cost more initially, but in the long run, it will save you time and money in maintenance. To clean a resin drive, all you need to do is give it the occasional quick brush and a pressure wash from time to time.

When done properly, resin drives look great and can add value to your home, but only if they are installed by professionals. You can buy resin kits, but make sure you know what you are doing, or it will end in tears.

Resin Drive

Resin vs Gravel

Millions of UK homes have driveways for cars, caravans and trailers. Along with concrete and block paving, resin bound/resin bonded aggregate and gravel are all popular choices for homeowners thinking about upgrading their driveway.

Anyone considering upgrading their driveway might be pondering resin versus gravel. Both are popular materials for a driveway or area of hardstanding. In this article, we are going to consider the pros and cons of each.

Pros of a Resin Bonded Driveway

Resin Bound Drive and bound drives are made from aggregate mixed with resin. It creates a permeable surface that water can pass through without pooling on the surface, as is the case with concrete and block paving. Resin surfaces look attractive and will last a long time with very little maintenance, although this does depend on the quality of the installation.

Resin bound driveways come in lots of different colours and patterns. You can choose from a wide range of aggregates and design a pattern to suit your tastes if you feel like being creative. Resin mixed with aggregate is impervious to weeds and you won’t have to worry about potholes and cracks.

Cons of a Resin Driveway

The main downside of a resin bonded driveway is that it is more expensive than some other surfaces. You also need to have it properly installed, although there are DIY resin kits available if you want to have a go at installing a resin driveway yourself.

Pros of a Gravel Driveway

The main advantage of a gravel drive is that it is cheap to buy and easy to build. Anyone can buy a ton of gravel from a builder’s merchant and spread it over the area they use for a driveway. It’s a quick and easy weekend project. You don’t need any skill and the drive will look great; at least for a short while.

Cons of a Gravel Driveway

There are a few disadvantages when it comes to gravel driveways. Firstly, gravel has a habit of moving around. It rarely stays where it is put, and you’ll soon find that gravel migrates into your flower beds, in the street and into your home.

Secondly, gravel driveways are prone to weeds, even when weed membrane is used as a base layer. Gravel surfaces also tend to sink in softer areas, so your driveway will have indentations from cars and potholes where aggregate has washed away.

The final decision will usually come down to cost versus durability, so weigh everything up carefully before you install your new driveway!

Why Resin Surfaces are Accessible for Disabled People

Whether you are currently looking for a new surface for an existing drive and walkway (or are in the middle of planning a new home with your builder) if you have any ambulant disabled person in the family, the type of surface you choose can make a huge difference. It is always wise to understand what you might be up against if you select the wrong surface. It’s also helpful to read up on the importance of Resin Driveway for disabled people. Let’s find out some more…

What Exactly is a Resin Drive Surface?

Having suggested that ambulant disabled people do better on resin surfaces, it might help to understand exactly what a resin drive surface is first. There are actually two very different types of resin drive surfaces available to the public:

Resin Bonded Surfaces

A resin bonded drive is where aggregate (tiny stones ground to a size between 1mm and 6mm) is covered with a film of UV resin.

Resin Bound Surfaces

A resin bound drive is where the aggregate is mixed with the resin and then trowelled directly onto the ground and smoothed over.

Of the two, most experts find that resin bound drives have a longer life expectancy and are less likely to crack over time. Both are porous to allow water to filter through to the ground underneath, but a resin bound driveway will offer a better release of potential-ponding water in a quicker amount of time.

The Main Benefits of a Resin Bound Driveway

Whether you are seeking to surface just the driveway or all walkways as well, there are many benefits to a resin surface. The first benefit was just mentioned above. Resin surfaces are porous which means that you are less likely to encounter ponding, from heavy rain or melting snow, than you would on a paving-block or concrete surface. They also offer a great deal of grip, either underfoot or for wheelchairs alike.

In addition to being permeable, there is some amount of flexibility to a resin bound surface. This means that over time, the surface is less likely to crack or buckle. For disabled people who need to use a wheelchair or walker to get up a drive or path, this is an invaluable benefit. One slight crack in the pavement could quickly cause difficulty in moving around.

In the end, it’s all about offering a long-lasting and safe surface for people with ambulant disabilities. Not only do the experts suggest that a resin drive surface is your safest option, but it will be one of the most attractive as well!

Driveway Drainage Tips

Are you getting tired of having a driveway which constantly fails to absorb rainwater? Does your driveway become dangerous during periods of bad weather? Then maybe it is time for a change! Not only is your driveway the entrance to your humble abode, but it also serves as a holding bay for any vehicles you may have. It is important to keep it clean, tidy and presentable. After all, it helps to be proud of your home!

For environmental reasons, a Resin Driveway Surfacing is becoming more popular by the day. Their permeable surfaces allow rainwater to drain through, reducing the build-up of puddles and ice. This keeps your driveway looking sharp, clean and attractive.

A Brief History Lesson

Wind the clocks back to 2007 where the United Kingdom suffered torrential downpours, which led to over £3bn worth of damage to our country’s streets and roads. Some of the unfortunate events that occurred here led the government to make a huge change in permitted developmental rights for homeowners.

In 2008, the change was made where if you are installing a permeable surface on your driveway, you no longer need to apply for planning permission. This is to reduce the likelihood of any repetition to the disaster of 2007, ensuring the safety of millions of people.

Resin Driveway Surfacing

A Resin Drive Surface offers aesthetic pleasure as well as functional purposes. They are incredibly easy to personalise, meaning you’re not restricted when it comes to colour variety. However, it is pivotal you maintain your driveway’s appearance to ensure tip-top performance throughout the year.

When it comes to seasons like autumn and winter, rainfall naturally occurs more often. When the leaves fall in autumn, leaving them to rest on your driveway can obstruct the drainage of rainwater. So keeping your driveway clear of any clutter will go a long way. In winter, if the surface is obstructed, the rainwater will settle and in extreme temperatures, freeze over. The last thing you need is a frozen resin driveway surface, as it is incredibly dangerous to use for both pedestrians and vehicles.

What Can I Do?

By keeping your driveway clean of any spillages, clutter and debris, you’re already going the extra mile to maintain its appearance and functionality. If you haven’t already invested in a resin bound driveway and are considering a different material (like concrete) it may be time to think again. Companies like the Yorkshire Resin Company can give you any level of advice and assistance you may need. You can visit their website to find out more!

How Much Does A Resin Driveway Cost?

Did you know that resin driveways are one of the most popular choices for driveways in the UK? Or that resin is not only beautiful but also durable and surprisingly affordable too? The best part about resin material is that every single project is different, giving you a truly unique driveway and a new spot of envy for the neighbourhood. This also means that no two prices are the same, so figuring out how much your new resin driveway is going to cost can be a bit of a challenge.

Factors Influencing Driveway Costs

When you’re planning on installing a new resin driveway – and having the work carried out by professionals is always the best move – there are many different factors that can influence how much your project is going to cost.

Obviously, the larger the area, the more aggregate required. The layout of your driveway can also impact the cost. The size and required depth of aggregate, as well as your colour choices, will also influence the amount you’re going to spend. A more complex pattern or design that requires multiple colours of resin (as well as edging) is going to cost considerably more than a simple, mono-colour resin driveway.

Concrete, Tarmac or Grass – What’s Your Existing Surface?

The type of surface your driveway currently has will directly influence the cost of a resin bonded driveway, as more preparation may be needed for certain types of surfaces. If you have a grassy or stoned area, excavation will be on the cards. Whilst a resin driveway can be laid directly over a concrete or tarmac surface, there will still be some amount of preparation required.

Don’t let your installation company convince you a quick hose down of the existing surface is all that’s needed. Weeds, potholes and cracks on the existing surface can all impact the quality of your finished resin driveway and may lead to problems in the future. Look for an installer who will take time to properly prep the base layer – that means power washing it, repairing cracks, filling in potholes and removing weeds. This ensures a perfect finished product and a resin driveway that will last for year to come.

Get a Quote and Site Survey

A resin driveway is always going to cost a little more than more traditional types of driveway, but as you can see, many different factors influence the cost. Many companies offer a free quotation and survey, allowing you to figure out exactly how much your new driveway is going to cost before you commit to installation. We highly recommended taking this option before making a decision!

Why Not Add a Spot of Colour to Your Driveway?

When it comes to improving the curb appeal of your home and giving it interest, homeowners are quick to look at things such as a lovely garden, an attractive front door and garage door, lighting and updating pathways. One area that may be overlooked is the potential your driveway has to offer. Did you know that you can actually add interest, as well as curb appeal to your home, by adding a spot of colour to your driveway?

Resin driveway surfacing is what makes colour possible and can completely transform the way the exterior of your home feels and looks. So, let’s take a closer look.

What is a Resin Bound Driveway?

For those who are unfamiliar with a resin bound driveway, this is a smooth and decorative surface resistant to cracking and weed growth. The material isn’t just reserved for the driveway either. You can also use that resin on pathways and steps to create flow and added curb appeal!

The material is a mixture of resin and stone that is bonded together. The resin bound aggregate mixture then goes through a hand-installation process in order to create a smooth surface.

What Are the Pros?

There are a number of pros in choosing a Resin Bonded Driveway including the big one, which is the fact you can add colour to the mixture. You can be real specific in your colour selection too, so you'll be able to achieve the look you want. In addition to this, resin bound surfaces are smooth with no loose stones that can cause a tripping hazard. They are also permeable, so you can say goodbye to water pooling!

Are There Any Popular Colours?

Now as for what colour to add to your driveway, it’s obviously a personal choice but there are some colours that are a bit more traditional and tend to work well with a variety of homes and styles. If you want it to look natural, then opt for something that is softer and more sophisticated.

If you’re the more vibrant type, splash a little red, white and blue on there and create a patriotic driveway that really catches the eye! It really is a blank canvas for you to be as creative as you like. Work with a professional driveway installation company in order to obtain the best design and the look you are hoping for!

How to Get the Most Out Of Your Resin Surface

If you’re wondering just what a Resin Bonded Driveway can bring to your home, then you are in the right place. A driveway is a very functional part of the home, which tends to just sit there and await pedestrians and vehicles. Why limit your driveway to such simplicity? Read on to see just how much you can get out of your resin surface!

Optimal Personalisation

The standard tarmac colour is so…1990’s! Nowadays, resin surfaces can be any colour and any shape you want them to be! With this amount of control over your driveway’s appearance, you can be confident that your resin surface is to your liking.

This decision should be made with an air of caution, though. Bespoke Resin Driveway can be time consuming to make and apply, so make sure your decision is the final one! ‘Think of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ and how nerve-wracking that was to watch! Is it your final answer?

Year-Round Protection

The beauty of a Resin Drive is the level of protection it brings to your driveway. The permeable materials used means it can handle the unpredictable weather with ease, but it also transforms during the change of the seasons. In winter, it fights against ice and snow build up, meaning you’re far less likely to slip on the way to and from work.

Fast forward to what we like to call summer, again the permeable surface allows the driveway to breathe (yes, they can breathe). This means that your driveway won’t overheat or crack on the surface, which can lead to loose stones or uneven surfaces. Let’s face it – you don’t want either of these outcomes!

Enjoy The View!

The best thing you can do to get the most out of your driveway is to just admire the view. At the end of the day, you should take pride in your home and the driveway comes into the equation beautifully.

Simple maintenance, including warm water and a stiff bristled brush, elongates the driveways façade and appearance. This provides more time to show off to the neighbours!

Find Out More!

If you want a trustworthy company who offers a 10-year guarantee, on top of the benefits of having a resin driveway, you can always check out the Yorkshire Resin Company. You can visit their website at www.yorkshire-resin-company.co.uk for more information and a look at their services.