What type of Resin should be used for a Driveway in the UK?

There are two distinct processes for laying a resin driveway in the UK, which is dependent on the type of driveway chosen - resin bonded and the resin bound driveway types. Each type of driveway has its own unique installation procedure, properties as well as final appearance.

Resin Bonded Driveway Type

This type of resin driveway is constructed by first mixing and pouring a layer of resin on the intended driveway area. Then the desired aggregate stones are scattered onto the resin to create a textured finish. The result is a driveway with great slip resistance thanks to its textured surface which also makes it very ideal for sloped areas.

However, it is not SUDS compliant as the surface is not porous and so water cannot drain through it after rainfall. This increases the risk of flash flooding and puddles of water forming on the surface. Because of this, a planning permission is required before you can install this driveway. You will also be required to construct an additional drainage channel to get rid of water from the driveway surface.

The resin bonded driveway is however cheaper to install than the resin bound type.

Resin Bound Driveway Type

For the bound resin surface, the driveway is installed by mixing the resin together with the aggregate stones in a forced action mixer. The mix is then trowelled onto the driveway area to create a permeable, flexible, crack resistant and very smooth surface.

Unlike the resin bonded driveway, the resin bound is SUDS compliant thanks to its porous surface which allows water to pass through eliminating the risk of flash flooding and water puddles on the driveway surface. With resin bound driveways, the stones are not exposed which could work loose over time. This type of driveway is also more durable, has a far less maintenance requirement, and is ideal for persons who are disabled and need mobility aids such as wheelchairs, etc. to move around because of its smooth surface.

What types of Resin are there in the UK?

Having known the types of driveways you can install with your resin. Let us look at the different types of resin. It is very important that you always use high quality resin for your driveway. This will not only ensure your driveway surface is elegant, smooth and attractive, it also enhances its durability.

There are two types of resin-

• The UV-resistant (UV stable or aliphatic polyurethane) resin

• Non-UV-resistant (non-UV-stable or aromatic polyurethane) resin

While the non-UV-resistant resin isn’t able to remain colour stable and discolours/fades over time, the UV stable resins are much more durable and colour stable.

Here are some advantages of installing your drive with the UV stable resin;

• UV resistant resins are more durable as they are able to withstand the effects of sunlight to a very large extent meaning that your driveway will continue to look beautiful even after many years.

• Whenever they fade, they fade evenly unlike the non-UV-resistant resin which fades unevenly and makes for an unpleasant sight

• UV stable resins are also more crack resistant thanks to their increased flexibility

• UV resistant resins also offer greater protection during rainfall

• They are also a lot easier to trowel and are able to adapt and tolerate different weather conditions

We therefore recommend that you use the UV resistant resin for your resin driveway construction. Your choice of resin goes a long way to affect the durability and efficiency of your driveway. When you fail to use a high-quality resin for your driveway, your resin bound surface will most likely fail.

Resin Bound Kits for installing Resin Driveways

If you're considering laying a resin driveway surface, you will need top quality resin bound kits for installation. Out kits consist of a two-part polyurethane binder, gravel aggregates (sizes typically 1-3mm & 2-5mm), C52 sand (or crushed glass for reinforcement).

Here are out top recommendation for full resin bound kit sizes:

UVR 7.5kg Resin Bound Kit

• 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.

UVR 6.5kg Resin Bound Kit

• 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.

Minimum Installation Depths

• Pathways and patios- 12-15mm

• Light Traffic Driveways- 18mm

• Heavy Traffic Driveways- 24mm

Desirable qualities for Resin Bound Aggregates

Apart from using the right type of resin for your driveway, you are also to ensure that the resin is mixed with quality aggregates. This is because the aggregate stones used in the installation of a resin bound surface has a very significant impact on how the finished surface looks. It also affects how durable the driveway will be. Therefore, top quality sourced aggregates from trusted manufacturers/suppliers should be used.

Please note the following when choosing aggregates for your resin bound surface include;

• Use only dry aggregates. Wet aggregates will not blend well in the mix with the resin and could cause lum ps.

• Use only clean aggregates. Ideal aggregates for your installation should be free of dust or other impurities which may interfere while being mixed in the forced action mixer.

• Use only aggregates that are well stored and packaged well

• It is also best to use aggregates that are prepared in large production batches to ensure consistency.

We have a wide array of aggregate stones of different colours, textures and sizes which you can use for your driveway project. These stones can be expertly blended to suit your desires, complement existing structures in your home or create powerful contrast to make your home the talk of the neighbourhood.

Use the right equipment and tools

Also important to the success of your driveway is using the right tools or equipment for your driveway. For instance, we do not recommend that you use concrete mixers for mixing your aggregates and resin. This is because cement or concrete mixers can give you an inconsistent mix which will be difficult to trowel or manipulate. Additionally, using a concrete mixer can affect the final appearance of your driveway as well as its durability.

Instead, we recommend that you use the Forced Action Mixer. The Baron Forced Action Mixer is highly recommended and has different models including the E120, F200 and F120 models. Using this machine guarantees improved safety while working, ease of removal of mix from the mixer, ease of cleaning and maintenance and increased mixing capacity of over 100litres among others.

Reach out to us 0808 273 7505 for more resin driveway installation tips. You can also fill out our forms online to request a free quote for your next project.