Do You Need a Membrane Under Self-Binding Gravel?
At YourResinDriveway.com, you can be sure of installation of quality self-binding gravel of different types. Self-binding gravel is very versatile, coming in various sizes and colours. They are becoming very popular because they are visually appealing, have a low-maintenance requirement and can be used for different purposes including driveways and garden paths. They are also suitable for different landscape projects for both commercial and residential areas.
In contrast to traditional loose gravel, self-binding gravel is tightly compacted and binds together to form a solid, durable surface which is why it is more long-lasting and less likely to become uneven or crack. They also give a natural appearance and are not so difficult to install.
What is Self-Binding Gravel?
Self-binding gravel is a mixture of clay, sand and dust which is compacted to form a firm base and solid surface while also having the appearance of a natural traditional gravel.
Self-binding aggregates come in different sizes, ranging from 12mm in diameter to those smaller than 1mm (fines). They are ideal for a variety of applications including pathways, driveways, around heritage properties, stately homes, parks and bridleways. Thus, they are perfect for old and modern homes, offering classic outdoor design styles.
They are more of a fixed layout and when installed properly, they remain solid for decades. Self-binding gravel can be used as alternatives to conventional decking areas within your garden and can be used to create relaxation spaces for leisure games, dining, etc.
Self-Binding Gravel: Pros and Cons
Pros/Advantages of a Self-binding Gravel
There are many benefits that come with installing a self-binding gravel and we will look at some of them in this section.
They Are Decorative And Visually Appealing:
Self-binding gravel is very decorative and eye-catching. Self-binding aggregates can be used to create a very beautiful and elegant garden layout, self-binding gravel path and self-binding gravel patio. They are an ideal surfacing system to bring the desired transformation or upgrade to any property.
They Guarantee A Solid, Firm Finish:
Because patios, pathways and driveways are under constant use, they should be installed with aggregates that are durable, resilient and able to withstand several adverse weather conditions. Self-binding gravel driveways, patios and pathways are known to be long-lasting thanks to self-binding aggregates which provide strength and solidity.
Surfaces installed with compacted gravel are less likely to become uneven, develop cracks or bumps which are commonly experienced in traditional loose gravel surfaces or other loose alternatives.
Low Maintenance Option:
Maintaining a self-binding gravel doesn’t require so much especially when they are permeable. However, it doesn’t mean that they should not be taken care of. Regular sweeping with stiff bristled brush and occasional pressure wash is recommended to keep them in good condition.
With a self-binding gravel, you do not have to worry about loose gravel being moved out of place. Thus, the stress of periodic shovelling of gravel back into position is eliminated in this case.
Cons of Self-Binding Gravel
Despite being a very good option for installation of various surfaces, there are a number of drawbacks that are associated with self-binding gravel. These include the following;
Installation Process Can Be Technical
It may not be so easy for you to undertake the installation of a self-binding gravel driveway, path or patio as a DIY project except you are already a pro at such projects. Additionally, self-binding gravel requires time to dry properly before use and environmental conditions during installation can impact on the time needed to dry completely.
Sometimes, it may take up to two weeks for your self-binding surface to be properly dried and ready for use. For this reason, it is important that you do not lay a self-binding gravel in freezing conditions in order to ensure durability.
It May Be Difficult To Repair Or Replace
Unlike traditional loose gravel which is not so difficult to replace when they begin to fade or lose their beauty, it can be quite difficult to make appropriate replacements to a self-binding gravel by yourself because it is designed by nature to provide a permanent solution.
You may therefore need to contact qualified suppliers and installers of self-binding aggregates to carry out any significant repairs, modifications or changes.
There Isn’t So Much Flexibility
If you are someone who can be indecisive and would want to make periodic changes to your garden design, you may need something that is a lot more temporal and can be changed easily. In such a case, you may need to install another alternative to a self-binding gravel since it is difficult to make so many alterations to it.
Do you Need a Membrane Under Self Binding Gravel?
The simple answer is yes. You need a membrane under a self-binding gravel during the installation process. After ground preparation, you need to lay a weed suppressant membrane before laying the sub-base layer. The function of the membrane is, as its name implies, to prevent the growth of weed and other unwanted plants through the surface of your self-binding gravel.
Let us now look at how to lay a self-binding gravel.
How to Lay Self-Binding Gravel?
This section outlines the processes of installing a self-binding gravel and when you follow these steps, you will be able to lay a durable, solid and attractive driveway, garden path, patio, pathway, etc.
- Preparation Of The Installation Area:
- Lay A Sub-base
- Spreading The Self-binding gravel
- Compact the self-binding gravel:
- Water Rolling
- Give the set-up time to set:
The first step towards laying your self-binding gravel is to prepare the ground. This is a very important process and if not properly done can affect the durability of the installation. This process involves digging the area, removing any existing material such as grass or old gravel, and levelling the ground. Also make sure that the area is well drained and devoid of water as your self-binding gravel can break down over time if there is water underneath.
The final step in preparing the area is to lay a weed suppressant membrane to prevent growth of unwanted vegetation.
After the area is prepared, the next step is to install a Type 3 or a Type 1 subbase. The sub-base you install will depend on what you actually want. While a Type 1 sub-base is not permeable, the Type 3 type is permeable and we will recommend the latter. The essence of a sub base is to provide a stable based for the self-binding gravel and prevent cracks, sinking, bumps or unevenness over time.
It is also very important that the sub base is compact and you will need a compactor or a roller to do this. For garden paths and pathways, use a roller with a minimum weight of 1.5 tons; and for driveways, use a roller weighing at least 2.5 tons.
We advise that you should not be in a hurry in this stage as compaction is key and you may need to make several passes before you get the required compaction level.
Once you have your sub-base well installed, apply the self-binding gravel. You should be aware that several particles of different sizes make up the self-binding gravel and you can either purchase premixed self-binding gravel or mix your own using a 4:1 ratio of gravel to binding agent.
The self-binding gravel has to be spread evenly at a thickness of 75mm to achieve a compacted 50mm finish. Use a rake while spreading and spirit level to make sure that it is level This step is also very important to achieve a solid, well-bonded surface finish.
The self-binding gravel takes a few minutes to start binding together and so it is important to work quickly when spreading the gravel.
Once the self-binding gravel is evenly spread, use a roller of similar weight to the one used for the sub-base to compact the gravel. This will help to ensure that it is well tightly packed and will form a solid surface.
Also see to it that there’s a slight fall to prevent water pooling, allowing for proper drainage.
Ensure that you constantly check for an even fall and make sure the coverage is uniform. If the installation is large, the distance from the first point of drainage to the end should not be more than 4 metres.
Use a non-tinned rake or screed with a board to prevent particles from spreading to unwanted areas.
This is a very important step which will help you achieve a well-bonded self-binding gravel. You can make use of a water roller or spray sufficient water and then roll the gravel again. The objective is to float the fines to the top surface of the gravel. If during the process the gravel sticks to the roller, add more water to create a flood that pushes forward as you roll across the gravel surface.
If there are any lines or grooves after the water rolling process, use a soft wide broom to gently pass over the surface while the surface is still wet to ensure that it is uniform.
Allow the setup to set for at least 24 hours so that the binding agent time will fully harden and bond the gravel together.
Helpful Tip
We recommend that you aim at completing all installation processes the same day to ensure a smooth and seamless finish. Also, you can lay any new areas that can be placed side by side with the existing areas without overlapping as long as the edge is neat.
Summing Up
Self-binding gravel is very solid, durable and relatively low-maintenance. You can maintain the surface by keeping it clean and free from debris which may interfere with the draining of water from the gravel surface.
Additionally, we recommend that you do not use salt or other de-icing chemicals on the surface to get rid of snow or ice. These can damage the binding agent. It is preferable to use a plastic shovel to remove snow.
For more enquiries and discuss about an upcoming self-binding gravel project or a resin bound gravel installation, reach out to us via our phone lines.