Recently we’ve been talking a lot about resin driveways. We’ve taken you through what they are, how much they cost, what their pros and cons are, and celebrated DPM achieving our certification to install them. During all of those poses we’ve touched on the fact that there’s a lot of things you can do with resin driveways, but we haven’t gone into too much depth about what those things are, and what they mean for you. So, that’s what we’re going to do today – explain your options for resin driveways, and how they impact the way the finished product looks in front of your home.
Bound or Bonded Resin Driveways
This might make us sound a bit mad, but bear with us. Because while resin bound and resin bonded driveways might sound very similar, they are actually slightly different. It’s all to do with the finish and the permeability of the materials, both of which are important to consider when choosing a resin driveway for your home.
Resin Bound: A resin bound driveway is a permeable, smooth surface that’s fully compliant with SuDS (Standards for Sustainable Drainage) regulations. This means that water can drain naturally through the material and into the soil beneath, where it will disperse and cause no damage to the land or your driveway. This type of resin driveway is made from a blend of aggregate, coated with a clear UV-stable polyurethane resin. The provider will ensure each piece of aggregate is fully coated in resin by using something called a ‘force-action mix’ process. This produces a cold-pour aggregate mixture that can be poured directly on the driveway area. This mix is then hand trowelled to level it out and create a smooth, colour-constant surface with no loose stones or jutting areas.
Resin Bonded: A resin bonded driveway is different in 2 key ways. First, it is a non-permeable surface which means water can’t penetrate the material at all. Because there is no natural drainage, you will need to ensure that soak-always and channels drains are installed to prevent run-off and flooding. If you don’t install these extras, you will need planning permission to install this type of driveway under new planning regulations that came into effect in October 2018. A resin bonded driveway also gives you a different finish to a resin bound driveway. Instead of that smooth, glass-like finish, resin-bonding gives you a ‘scatter coat’ effect. To achieve this, the resin is poured into the base first, and the aggregate is scattered over the top. This gives your driveway a more natural ‘gravel’ look, while still getting the strength and staying-power of resin. However, it’s not nearly as durable as resin bound driveways. The aggregate particles will loosen over time, which can cause chips and damage, and it’s a much harder finish to keep clean, so you’ll find moss growing happily.
When you speak to your resin driveways specialist, this will be the first question they ask, as it will dictate the rest of the project, from time to cost and even some of your aggregate choices.
Colours and Patterns
Once you’ve decided on the type of resin driveway you want, you can move onto the more ‘fun part’ Mainly, choosing your aggregates! Aggregate comes in a huge variety of size, shapes, styles and colours, so there is something to suit everyone. A popular choice is to go for a more natural, gravel looking aggregate to give them the look of a gravel driveway without all the downsides. But you don’t have to opt for something so simple. You could choose brightly coloured stones, a mix of large and small stones, or a mixture of different types. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also choose multiple colours of aggregate and use them to create a design or pattern. When it comes to resin driveways, the only limit is your imagination. This might mean you need to do some thinking and planning before you contact your driveway installer, but it will be worth the wait when you see your beautiful resin driveway for the first time, and know that your designs will last a lifetime.
At DPM, we’re always happy to talk you through your options for resin driveways. We are fully certified resin driveway installers, with years of experience designing and laying driveways of all shapes and sizes. We particularly love resin driveways because they are sturdy and robust, while giving you a lot of scope to put your own style on the materials. With our help, you can have a driveway that makes you stand out from the houses on your road, and will make you smile every day. To find out more, or to get your free, no-obligation quote, just get in touch with the DPM team today.
