Resin Surfacing vs Concrete Block Paving

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!

5 Reasons to Choose Resin Bound for Winter

First impressions count, and your driveway is generally the first thing visitors to your home will see. Rather than settling for a paved or gravel driveway, why not embrace the current trend for resin bound driveways? This addition can add value to your home and ensure visitors get a positive first impression. In case you need any more reasons to choose a resin driveway, here are five!

1. Avoid Flood Risk
   

   

Unlike traditional gravel or paved driveways, resin bound driveways are permeable by water. This means that if you live in an area with flood risk, you won’t suffer from water pooling on the surface of your driveway. The resin surface or Resin Bonded Driveway provides excellent drainage and minimises the formation of ice too.

2. Enjoy A Low Maintenance Driveway
   

   

With no loose stones to worry about, Resin Bound Driveway or Resin Drive Surface are easy to keep clean and lower maintenance compared to some other types of drive. Mould and weed growth is reduced and your Resin Bound Drive should last for years to come. To maintain your drive, just jet wash or hose down the surface, then sweep with a stiff brush.

3. Customise Your Driveway for A Unique Look
   

   

Helping your home stand out from the rest can improve its kerb appeal, whilst also adding value to your home. Resin Drive come in a huge variety of colours and styles, so you can create a unique look that complements your property. When it comes to choosing the right design, you’ll be spoiled for choice, and you can select a pattern or colour to suit your tastes. You can even use a variety of colours and finishes to create borders and curves!

4. Save Money with Durable Resin Bound Drives
   

   

Did you know that installing a Resin Driveway Surfacing is up to 50% cheaper than using tarmac or block paving for your drive? It’s an eco-friendly choice too, and because it’s super hard wearing and long lasting, you will save even more money over time.

5. Enjoy A Stable Surface 
   

   

Because resin bound driveways or Decorative Driveway have an anti-slip finish, they provide better traction for pedestrians and vehicles. Their stable, flat surface has no loose stones, which means they’re ideal for wheelchair users and families with young children using pushchairs and prams.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to choose a resin bound driveway – these are just a few examples. Always ensure that you choose a reputable installer for professional results and to be certain your driveway will stand the test of time!

How to Give Your Home Some External Personality

The design of your home’s exterior should be as important as designing your interior. You want the front of the property to be welcoming and look well-kept and cared for; whilst the back areas you want looking neat, tidy and functional. There are many great ideas where you can add personality to you exterior, making it functional while ensuring you increase street appeal. So where do you start?

Your Own Distinct Driveway

One of the most unappealing things you will see on any home is an unkept or poor-quality driveway. Maybe you had a bricked drive and most of the bricks are missing or your drive is a gravel mess that keeps washing away with the winter rains. Considering getting a good quality resin driveway will pay off in the long run. In fact, it can make it more appealing to buyers should you ever decide to add value to your property and sell in the long run.

Walk This Way

Whether you have a front gate that guests use to access your property or you have a walkway down the side, there are a number of things you want to consider. The first is to make it look appealing, adding that personality to your home. But you also want to ensure that the walkway is safe to reduce the risk of falls.

If you currently have a few slabs dotted here and there as a make-shift walkway, then you know how many times you have almost tripped; especially at night when you can't see very clearly! A beautiful walkway will add the personality you are looking for, while providing you with a safer option when guests come to visit.

Let me Entertain You!

Do you have a piece of back garden where the grass never grows and is just a section of mud? Creating an entertainment area can be a great addition to the home and add much needed external personality. Think about Resin Bonded Driveway!  You can have the size of the space covered in a specialised resin, which is going to provide you with a beautiful finish. Here, you can place some seating and turn it into a usable space rather than an eye sore.

Flourishing Flower Beds

Add some personality with colour with a number of beautiful flower beds. Use resin to create a gentle walkway through the flower beds or to separate them. This will enable you to create your own garden design that enhances your home and provides it with a personal touch.