Is It Easy To Do a Resin Driveway?

This guide explains the steps required for laying a driveway. The steps shown here mentioned can also be used for other applications, such as paths, patios and more.

What Are The Available Kinds of Resin Driveways?

Resin driveways as the name implies are installed using a resin. They are of two types which may be confused with one another. These are-

With the resin bonded driveway, the aggregate stones are scattered unto a resin base. The drawback in this system is that the aggregate stones are not completely covered with resin but only bonded with the resin. Thus, the stones are exposed on the surface and will fall off over time. Additionally, resin bonded driveways are not SUDS compliant. This means that water does not drain through the surface as it is not permeable. Puddles of water can therefore be formed on the surface. To tackle this problem, a secondary drainage channel has to be constructed to direct water away from the surface.

On the other hand, the resin bound driveway is completely bound to the resin. The resin is mixed with the aggregate stones in the right proportion and poured onto the surface. It is then compacted down to create a smooth surface finish which is not only permeable allowing water to drain through the surface, but also flexible making it resistant to cracks.

Additionally, resin bound driveways are SUDS compliant and are therefore recommended. As long as a UV resistant resin is used in the installation of a driveway, it will last a very long time without discolouring.

They are durable, hardwearing, visually appealing, have low maintenance requirements and present the homeowner with unlimited design options which can be customized according to the needs of the homeowner to create a unique, stunning and elegant personalized driveway surface which compliments already existing structures in the property.

How Do I Install a Resin Bound Surfacing To My Driveway?

A resin bound driveway has to be installed correctly from the beginning in order to last as long as it should.

The process of installing a driveway as shown here can also be used in the installation of resin paths, resin patios, resin terraces and lots more.

A resin bound driveway can also be installed as a driveway DIY project using a DIY resin kit but it is much better when a professional does the job so as to ensure it is done properly.

Recommended Resin Driveway Mix Specification

As experts in the Installation industry, we have found out that having the correct ratio of resin to aggregates is key to achieving a lasting, durable resin surface. We have two sizes of DALTEX UVR Resin which can help you achieve this. These are:

DALTEX Bound plus UVR 7.5kg

• 75kg (3 bags) 2-5mm aggregates
• 25kg (1 bag) 1-3mm aggregates
• 6.25kg (¹/₄ bag) of C52 sand
• Total 106.25kgs - % resin 7.05%
• Coverage approx. 3.55m² at 18mm and 4.0m² at 15mm.

DALTEX Bound UVR 6.5kg

• 75kg (3 bags) 2-5mm aggregates
• 12.5kg (¹/₂ bag) 1-3mm aggregates
• 6.25kg (¹/₄ bag) of C52 sand
• Total 93.75kgs - % resin 6.9%
• Coverage approx. 3.13m² at 18mm and 3.6m² at 15mm.

Although we have mentioned two coverage approximations at two different depths, a minimum of 18mm is recommended for BBA Approved installations. However, for pathways, a depth of 15mm may be used. This is so that the surface achieves the required strength to withstand traffic.

The sand added increases the Resin Bound surface by approximately 15-25% and adds to the anti-slip properties of the finished surface. Also, a minimum of 7% ratio is the best content considering the variations in aggregate type and size. This also acts as a “cover-all.”

The following must be considered before installing a resin driveway;

• Suitability of the surface
• Stability of the base
• Possible cracks or any damage in the surface
• Rain- this resin drive project should not be carried out if rain is forecasted during or within 4 hours of completion
• Relative humidity- a reading below 80% on an outdoor hygrometer is okay for working. If it is higher, you may need to delay the project.
• Confirm that the surface is primed and dried
• Ensure you have all materials you need and in the right quantity. It is better to have a little excess of each material.
• Edging tape: Ensure to protect your work area with tape to avoid resin staining.

To reduce risk of delamination due to condensation or surface foaming of the system, all substrates to be coated should have a surface temperature at least 3°C above dew point and rising.

The following bases are suitable for a resin bound system installation;

• Tarmac
• Asphalt
• Concrete

What Do I Need For My Driveway Installation?

• Dried aggregates of your choice
• Resin- we recommend using UV resistant resins to help prevent the breakdown and discolouration of the surface over time.
• Forced action mixer to mix your resin and aggregates. We recommend the Baron F110 forced action mixer because of its durability, strength, has a 110 litre mixing capacity and can accommodate the recommended DALTEX UVR system mix design.
• Forced Action Pan Mixer
• Generator or power supply
• 110v transformer and lead
• Drill with slow start facility
• Whisk paddle
• Gaffer tape
• Resin trowel
• 5L /10L buckets, scrapers and small paint brush for keeping mixer clean
• Plenty of cleaning rags
• Wooden lute
• Knit wrist and latex gloves
• Clean wheelbarrow – polythene liners recommended
• Clean shovel
• Stanley knife
• Tarpaulins
• WD 40
• Gas burner and bottle
• Stiff brush
• Knee pads
• Disposable trousers
• Stopwatch
• Gazebo
• Hard Barriers, Cones and Warning Tape
• Beading if required
• Reflective Blankets (to cover stone and resin in hot weather)

The process of mixing and laying a Resin

• Step 1. Mix The Resin

Mixing the resin in the right proportion is very important. Accuracy is key to a successful installation. The right way is to only use one batch on a project and if more than one is required, take extra care to use the same batch in one area in case of slight batch-to-batch variation.

• Mix the resin in the container on a plasterer’s board or some other alternative but protective surface to prevent splashes.
• Part A component of the resin should be mixed at a slow speed for 10-20 seconds using a high-torque, helical bladed mixer. You may add an accelerator(catalyst) at this stage.
• Add Part B component and mix thoroughly at a slow speed for around 60 seconds until it is uniform.

The surface should be allowed to cure for about 8 hours. However, we recommend that the surface be left undisturbed for at least 24hours. You can add an accelerator to maintain the curing speed. It is recommended for temperatures below 15°C and especially when curing will take place overnight. The accelerator should be used with each mix to ensure uniformity of curing except for higher consistent temperatures of 25°C.

Note: Mix Part A before adding the accelerator. Mix for 15-20 seconds approx. before adding Part B.

• Step 2. Mix Resin, Dried Aggregates And Sand

This should be done using this procedure;

• Place one 25kg bag of 2-5mm aggregates, and one 25kg bag of 1-3mm aggregates into your Forced Action Mixer.
• Add the pre-mixed resin to the mix and start your stopwatch.
• Add the two remaining 25kg bags of 2-5mm aggregates.
• Slowly add the bag of C52 sand

The 2nd -4th steps mentioned above should be carried out for the same duration for every mix to avoid colour variation in the mix. Ensure the sand is evenly distributed throughout the mix. The mixing should not be more than 4 minutes.

• Empty your mix into your plastic lined wheelbarrow when you are done and turn off the mixer.
• Ensure all of the mix is scraped from the mixer and clean the forced action mixer thoroughly after every mix to avoid contamination.

Note the following:

• Ensure your aggregates are not damp prior to mixing
• Ensure no material is left uncoated. Therefore, it is advised you mix for sufficient time
• Make sure every mix is mixed in exact duration for colour uniformity.
• Use the correct blend of aggregates and keep aggregates in the shade

• Step 3. Transfer Material To The Work Area

Do the following as you transfer the mix to the work area

• Pour the mix in manageable quantities ensuring the mix is spread as evenly as possible. If too much material is poured in at a time, it means more trowelling and working on the mix.
• Check for inconsistencies at the trowelled areas and fix any marks or anomalies. This is easier to do at this stage and not later when the mix has cured.

• Step 4. Trowelling The Material

While trowelling, the following must be done;

• Plan the laying route and use chalk to grid the area out in squares.
• Lay batons to indicate where the mix should be tipped
• You can also use a screed bar to further even out the mix, prior to trowelling
• Ensure the trowel is cleaned thoroughly with white spirit prior to trowelling. We also recommend cleaning the trowel after every six strokes during the trowelling process. This is because a trowel will become sticky and will drag aggregates out of place.
• Ensure there are no gaps by packing aggregates into every angle
• Ensure the aggregates form a closely compacted level surface
• Trowel the mix until the aggregates stop moving in a fluid movement and become solid. However, ensure to do this in as few strokes as possible.
• Smoothen or polish the surface once it is leveled and compacted to help leave an attractive sheen on the surface.
• When pouring in batches, ensure that the edge of each trowelled section is rough so that the next batch can seamlessly blend into it.
• Add a light and even sprinkling of crushed glass to the surface to provide additional slip resistance

Reach Us For Free Quotation

For the best resin driveway ideas, you can contact us 0808 273 7505. We have our installers in Southampton, Sheffield and other professionals experts in the UK.

You can also contact us for a free quote. There are different factors that will affect your price of resin drives and we will take these into consideration and give you a very reasonable quotation.