How to Maintain Your Resin Bound Driveway during Winter Season?

Resin bound driveways are known to be very durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions including freeze and thaw cycles. However, without proper maintenance, rain, snow and frost may cause damage to your driveway, patio or pathway surface.

In this guide, we will look at tips for maintaining your resin driveway in the winter season.

Proven Tips For Maintaining Resin Bound Driveways In Cold Climates

1. Clean Regularly - Get Rid of Moss, Weed and Dirt

Overall routine maintenance is important for your driveway. As the winter sets in, we recommend using a stiff bristled brush to remove any leaves, debris, or organic matter accumulated on the driveway surface. Moss and algae growth can be a problem during the winter climate and leaving debris on your driveway surface can trap moisture which favours growth of moss and algae.

Look out for areas weeds are sprouting from, it could be an indicator that there are cracks. These cracks can be weak points which are susceptible to damage from freezing and thawing.

You can make use of a mild weed killer to get rid of weed. Also, you can use a hose pipe or pressure washer to keep your driveway surface clean.

2. Remove Snow, Ice and Frost

Although resin bound drive have anti-slip properties, ice and frost may cause slips and falls especially with heavy build up. This could lead to potentially serious injuries and so they must not be allowed to form. It is therefore important that you clear your driveway of snow.

When clearing your driveway, ensure you use a soft bristle brush or a plastic snow shovel instead of a metal shovel or any other sharp-edged tool.

You can also use rock salt to melt ice but do not use it always. Using excess salt can overtime be harmful for the resin bound surface. Other alternatives to rock salt include calcium magnesium acetate or sand. Rock salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, creating a brine solution of salt and water which then flows underneath the ice, breaking the bond between the ice and the driveway.

Additionally, do not use high pressure de-icers like hot water or steam, as they can damage the resin surface. Also, using road grit isn't advisable as it will only clog up the permeable surface but may even break down the resin surface.

3. Jet-Wash Or Pressure Wash Your Driveway

Jet washing is a very efficient way of cleaning your driveway and ensuring it is well maintained. Hosing down with a jet wash helps to prevent accumulation of dirt and stains. This should be done about 3 to 4 times every year using a flat spraying nozzle as this increases accuracy.

Before spraying your drive, use a stiff bristled brush to clear off the debris from the driveway surface. Ensure that the jet washer's pressure doesn't exceed 150 bar because using excessive pressure can cause irreversible damage to your driveway surface.

In addition, hold your nozzle 20cm away from the surface of your resin surface and spray your drive by moving the jet washer back and forth in a “sweeping motion.”

4. Use A Sealant

You can apply a breathable resin-bound driveway sealant on your driveway surface to reduce the effects of freezing and thawing cycles before the winter season sets in properly. The sealant will help to protect the driveway surface from moisture filtering which also reduces the chances of damage caused by frost.

Conclusion

While resin bound driveways are of low maintenance, resilient and durable, there is a need for proper maintenance services to ensure that your driveway remains in pristine condition. Adhering to the tips provided in this guide will go a long way to preserve your drive, maintain its visual appeal and increase its longevity.

Cleaning your drive regularly, avoiding the use of metal-edged tools, use of mild weed killer, regular jet-washing and appropriate use of rock salt to defrost the driveway surface will be very helpful.

If you would need more information, make further enquiries or need a free quote for your next driveway project, you can give us a call via our helplines.

We are a top UK based driveway installation company with over three decades of experience in the industry. You can be sure of excellent workmanship and installation of high quality, durable, aesthetically pleasing and SUDS compliant resin bound paving, driveways, patios and pathways.

Call our helplines to get started.