Are you a homeowner looking to give your driveway a facelift? Your installer may have recommended resin-bound paving, but you wonder whether you will be getting value for money. If you're in this situation, then you are in the right place. In this article, we'll discuss the pros and cons of installing a resin drive, so you can finally make an informed decision.

Paving has evolved over the years, from block paving to flags, concrete, and tarmac. Now we have several manufactures, each producing different materials for paving. No wonder most homeowners find themselves at a crossroads when they have to select from a wide range of possible choices. 

In recent times, resin-bound systems have gained much popularity- you may have seen it as a kitchen island or a beautifully designed driveway. Resin is composed of lignin sulfonate, the same substance used to suppress dust on unpaved roads. In a resin-bound system, resin and stones are mixed in a suitable proportion and spread over an underlying concrete or macadam sub-base. It leaves a beautiful and smooth surface, which is also strong and durable against the gravelly appearance of a resin-bonded system where aggregates are scattered on a surface covered with resin. 

Pros of a resin-bound system

Sustainable Drainage system

Unlike other pavings such as asphalt and tarmac, Resin-bound paving is a Sustainable Drainage system that prevents standing water. A resin-bound driveway's sustainable system ensures that water puddles do not form on the surface, reducing flooding incidence. Due to this factor, it does not need planning permission from the Sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDs) because the resin's porous nature allows for easy natural drainage of rainwater to the sub-base

Driveways are easy to maintain

One of the best advantages of having a resin drive is its easy maintenance. Often, maintenance requires just brushing or washing a resin surface regularly since the smooth finishing allows for easy removal of debris. Usually, you can remove dirt, grass, weed, oil stains from vehicles, and small leaves with a simple jet wash or a stiff brush. Alternatively, hosing the resin surface down with clean water will also rid it of any debris. With chewing gum stuck to the surface, you can easily remove it with a freeze spray.

Aesthetically pleasing finish

For homeowners looking for an attractive and beautiful driveway, a resin-bound surface is a great choice. What is even more interesting about the resin system is that the aggregates come in different colors, sizes, and shapes. Therefore, you have the luxury to create a design of your own using different colors. When installed correctly, your resin surface has a smooth finishing, which gives it an even more striking visual pattern. If you want to avoid the dull, blocky feel of concrete and paving stones, an aesthetically designed resin drive might be the answer.

Durability

Also, a resin-bound pave way is best known for its durability. Compared to traditional block paving, the resin-stone combination and recycled glass add more strength to the resin paving, making it last longer. Again, due to its high permeability, water does not damage it, and because it is inert to weed and organic matter, it will remain strong and durable for so many years. Their appearance strikes the perfect balance between style and strength.

Quick and easy installation process

Last but not least is that it is quick to install. Because the surface is installed on an existing sub-base, installation is completed within a short time. It has rapid installation and setting times, allowing it to withstand foot traffic after 6 hours of being laid. So you can enjoy your driveway within a short time—also, applying a resin layer isn't very messy, making it a clean and hassle-free option.

Now that you know the advantages, let us explore some of its disadvantages.

Cons of a resin-bound system

Specialist Installers

One fact to note is that installation requires specialized equipment and skills; not just anyone can install it. Doing it yourself may result in a disaster, a waste of time and money, so it's best to consult someone more experienced.

It can get expensive

They may look beautiful, but they don't come cheap. Because specialist installers and equipment is needed, you would have to find one, and they can be challenging to come by, making their services expensive. There might be more affordable options out there for you if your heart is set on having a resin drive. (Link to client's website or contact page)

Unexpected rains during installation

Most of the problems associated with resin-bonded driveways are a result of improper installation. One of the common factors that affect installation is unexpected rain. It is important to note that water and resin do not mix; therefore, when your resin mixture gets wet at any stage of the installation process, it can have harmful effects on the resin's overall strength and aesthetic appeal. The smallest amount of moisture in the aggregates can result in stone loss and white patches blooming on the surface. One thing about this challenge is that it can prove difficult to avoid given its unpredictable nature.

Furthermore, you cannot immediately tell when moisture has managed to affect the finished surface application. Despite this, there are specific steps you can take to safeguard your resin from unfavorable weather, like downloading an authentic weather app on your phone to decide on a suitable day for your resin installation. 

Cracks can form if not installed correctly

Another problem worth mentioning is the development of cracks due to utilizing inferior resin. There are different types of resins available on the market, and some of them may be of low quality. Ensuring the quality of resin during a driveway installation is crucial in preventing cracks. Cracks can also occur when the right amount of aggregate (stone) is not used during the mixing process. Manufacturers of aggregate and resin usually specify the aggregate quantity and the right proportions for mixing resin. For example, you may find that a supply recommends each of their resin kits are to be mixed with 100kg of stone. It is therefore needless to say that for you to avoid this problem on your resin-bound paving, you are required to carefully read, understand the supplier's directions and ultimately comply.

Discoloring can occur over time

In addition to cracks is the problem of discoloring. Color change observed after installation is typically dependent on the type of resin used. If you don't choose your color keenly, you will end up fading quickly when your driveway has constant exposure to direct sunlight. To avoid any color change, you must use a UV stable resin.

Spending more money to fix loose stones

A loose stone on the surface of your resin-paving is another disadvantage to having a resin installation. Usually, this is due to an insufficient amount of resin used with the aggregates. In other words, when the quantity of stone aggregates used is not proportional to that of the resin. Loose stones can develop into empty patches over time. When this problem occurs, the pain point for installers is that stone aggregates fail to bond with the resin. If that happens, you might have to spend money on more stones and resin ingredients to make them stick. In so doing, you should be mindful of using stones that have the same color as those used in the initial installation process. The effect of having loose gravels on your driveway is that it compromises on the somewhat expected smooth finish. Again, you should be able to avoid this problem entirely by following the supplier's guidelines.

Installation needs to start early in the day as heat can affect the curing time.

The term curing generally refers to the drying of your installation. High temperatures can lead to rapid curing of the resin paving. The duration of curing for resin-bound paving is typically dependent on the ambient air temperature. Be careful not to install your resin if the relative humidity is not within 30% - 85%. Ensure that the sub-base has a temperature of at least 3°C above the dew point to avoid delamination caused by condensation. To avoid the problems associated with high temperatures, you have to begin installing as early as possible before the day gets warm and keep your aggregates out of direct sunlight since they can heat up and increase your mixture's temperature.

White patches

Another disadvantage is white patches on your resin driveway. They develop as a result of the presence of moisture during the time of curing. Resin setting time can differ primarily based on the season (whether it is winter or summer). In your preparation to install your resin, you have to ensure that the surface (grid, tarmac, or concrete) you are laying the resin is dry (to prevent delamination). Also, make sure that the aggregates you have chosen to work with are completely dry. Be sure to cover the stones if they are staying outside before the installation. Winter is perhaps not the right time for you to install your resin-bound paving.

Low depth application, mostly driven by cost

Poor depth application can also be a problem to deal with. This is because the resin-bound surface's overall functionality is significantly affected by the surface application's depth. Generally, there are several conventional depths for installing most resin driveways. The advisable minimum depth is pegged at 15mm. It is important to note that application depth is driven by cost, so installers stick with the minimum depth or sometimes even less. However, when the surface is laid below the minimum depth, it can break up. The resin-bound mixture can be installed at 12mm for installation on a patio or pathway since the surface will not be exposed to intense weight from vehicular traffic. 

To make it easier for you to choose the appropriate application depth for your installation, know that the absolute minimum depth for resin driveway application should be three times the largest aggregate particle. Let's say you are working with a 3mm by 6mm aggregate; then the absolute minimum application depth will be 18mm.

Rust

Rust spots may also appear on resin-bound paving. Usually, this occurs when metal objects are left on the driveway. When such items come into contact with rainwater, it causes them to rust. Rust spots may also occur because some of the gravels contain iron, a naturally occurring element that also reacts with water to leave marks on your driveway.

Durability can be compromised before its cured

A problem you would have to guard against is walking on the resin paving (by people or animals) when it is not fully cured. When this occurs, the ability of the surface to withstand pressure will be greatly compromised. Mark the area with cones and tape to deter people and animals alike from walking on the surface before it's fully cured.

The slow pace of installers can cost you extra cash.

Your resin driveway may have joints in them when temperatures are high, and your installer is not working quickly enough. Joints are formed when a batch of resin sets before connecting the next batch to it. When lines are formed on your resin paving, the only solution is to relay the entire driveway. Fortunately, this problem occurs rarely when temperatures barely reach 25°C, at which temperature reduces the resin's setting time.

Movement of the sub-base. 

Installing on a concrete or block paving can usually result in motion in the sub-base because concrete moves due to temperature changes. Therefore, if your resin is laid on concrete and it moves, so will the surface. The result is usually the appearance of cracks on your driveway or an overall uneven finish. Avoiding this problem largely depends on the experience of the contractor.

Surface detachment

The issue of surface detachment is a major course for worry during installation. It can occur when the resin-aggregate mixture is laid over an unsuitable sub-base. Also, if the surface is not sealed correctly, the presence of moisture can cause surface detachment. It is better to avoid this problem at all costs since repairing it will leave marks at portions where the resin-bound surface was replaced.

If you are considering a resin drive, it is important to weigh all these pros and cons. Just like deciding on which college to attend, choosing the right material for your resin drive is an important decision you make. Your driveway is a permanent structure, and you have to ensure that you get it right once and for all!