No. Because resin bound is water permeable this makes it SUDs compliant (Sustainable Urban Drainage System). This means you can create a new surface or extend an existing one without the need to go through a lengthy planning process.

The SUDs regulations were passed in 2009 and they are designed to prevent the build up of water to prevent flooding. Water permeable resin bound complies to this.

No. The most versatile feature of resin bound is that it can be used to resurface any existing surface that is structurally sound. The existing surface is prepped and the new surface applied on top.

Not only does this save the homeowner money, its also more environmentally friendly as it reduces waste, time and the amount of machinery required to carry out the installation.

Typically an overlay surface will save the homeowner between 50%-60% compared to having the existing surface excavated.

Recycling your old surface is better for the environment and better for your pocket! Resurfacing you old surface can save you as much as 70% against the cost of digging it up for a completely new one.

There are no other surfaces that are as cost effective as a resin bound overlay and to create any other drive will mean digging up the old one.

Block paving typically costs £156m2 where as a resin bound overlay typically costs £72m2 and can usually be completed in less than 2 days.

If the area only requires minor preparation, your surface can be installed in a single day ready for use the following day. Our highly skilled installers can install up to 400m2 (4,300sq ft) in a single day.

If there are preparation works, an area is to be extended or it is a completely new build surface we will provide you with a quote breaking down the preparation works and resin installation.

In the winter it can be as little as 3-4 weeks. In the summer it can be 12 weeks or more. Because we have access to the best teams in the country and we are always recruiting new installers we try to keep lead times down.

Additionally we often get projects that have interruptions caused by weather, (which can be fine in a different location) or preparation delays which can open up the calendar to bring projects forward at short notice.

So if you have a short notice project it is always worth speaking to the team as we can usually accommodate these.

There are a number of variables including how much preparation work is required, access to the property and the size of the surface.

For the purposes of projecting the cost of your own project, a typical overlay will cost between £45 - £75m2 + vat.

If a full dig out is required this will add an additional £120 - £150m2 + vat

Resin bound and resin bonded surfaces are both types of paving systems that involve the use of resin and aggregates, but they differ in their application methods and the characteristics of the finished surfaces.

Here are some of the differences between resin bound and resin bonded.

Resin bonded is generally used where a non slip surface is required. This can be car parks, municipal parks, road junctions, pedestrian areas and access ramps. It is very quick to install and has very high slip resistance. It is also non water permeable.

Its laid by applying a thin screed of polyurethane resin and whilst the resin is wet blinding the surface with the required aggregate. The aggregate sticks or bonds to the resin. Recommended aggregate size range 1-3mm (1/32"-1/8") larger aggregates will require substantially more resin. The finished surface can be swept to remove excess aggregate.

Installing resin bonded is a highly skilled job.

Resin Bound is a much more widely used paving surface. This is because there is no loose stone, the range of aggregate colours and sizes are much greater. It is also water permeable, environmentally friendly, low maintenance and very durable.

With a resin bound all of the aggregates is encapsulated in a UV stable polyurethane resin like BoundTEX or EcoTEX. It is applied by hand producing a smooth finish with no loose stone. Typical stone sizes are 1-8mm (1/16" - 5/16") which is generally determined by the surface use.

Installing resin bound is a medium to high skilled job.

No. Whilst there are some quite big cost differences between aggregate colours its impractical to factor these in to a quote so they are all charged at the same rate.

Resin bound is usually laid at three times the diameter of the largest aggregate. This typically means the surface will be 15-18mm deep.

Whilst some companies recommend 18-20mm in depth for driveways and imply this increases strength. This is an urban myth.

Increasing depth will increase the price but not the strength. For 90% installations a 15-18mm is perfectly adequate for a 15 year guarantee.

If you have a high use surface or heavier vehicles to increase the strength you will need to increase the amount of resin used so that the percentage of resin to aggregate is higher. A typical mix consists of 7.5Kg (16.5lb) of resin to 100Kg (220lb) of aggregate. Reducing the aggregate to 75Kg equates to a 25% increase of resin to aggregate which will increase the strength.

Resin bound is not inherently slippery. However, when it rains the water on the surface can become slippery much like water on tiles. Again tiles aren't inherently slippery until they have water on them.

Slip resistance of wet resin bound can be improved by the application of 1mm clear crushed glass during the installation process. By default the surface will not have glass on it as most people prefer the surface without it. However, you will be able to request it prior to installation at no additional cost.

Broadly speaking there is very little difference between the systems available. The original formulation was developed by a German company called Bayer.

Many companies copy this formulation and then make their own tweaks to it. The tweaks are usually about reducing the manufacturing cost to increase the sellers profits.

At Resin Drives we use the original Bayer formulation which costs more but is the only resin tested and approved by Transport for London.

Some companies get their systems BBA approved which means they are suitable for the intended purpose. BBA certification does not mean that the resin is better, stronger or will last longer, it simply means it works in the proposed resin bound paving environment.

Lastly on this point many resin wholesale companies claim they manufacture their resin to their specific formulation, but this is simply not true. They might customise it by adding certain amounts of catalyst but they are not making the raw system.

Manufacturing premium quality resins requires a substantial amount of very expensive machinery, a very controlled environment and a great deal of technical expertise. In the whole of Europe there are 5 or 6 proper resin manufacturers most of which are big chemical companies like BASF.

All surfaces installed by Resin Drives are guaranteed for 10 years. This is approximately one third of the design life of the product which has been designed to last for 30 years.

The key to keeping your surface lasting and looking as good as new in 30 years time is maintenance. If you imagine never washing or maintaining your car it would only be a couple of years before it started to show the signs of neglect. A resin surface is no different.

It does not require anything like the maintenance that a car requires but cleaning and spraying with weed killer once or twice a year will extend its life way beyond 30 years. We would also recommend a roller coat every other year to keep it looking fresh.

Resin bound uses polyurethane resin which cannot be installed whilst raining. It needs to be installed in the dry when the temperature is 3oC (37oF) or higher.

Whilst some companies claim their resin is moisture tolerant this is true of all polyurethane resins but that doesn't mean it can be laid in the rain. Moisture tolerant is very different to moisture proof and if water is mixed into any type polyurethane resin it will react with the water by expanding.

In general you will get an initial cure from between 2-8 hours, full cure 24-48 hours and a full chemical cure is achieved after 28 days.

The curing times are determined by the amount of catalyst in the resin, daytime and the subsequent night time temperatures, humidity, sunlight/cloud cover, rain, and the trowel lubricant used by the installer.

A typical example of when curing times can change dramatically is in the spring and autumn. In these seasons its not unusual to have high daytime temperatures, followed by low night time temperatures.

If in doubt press the surface to check its dry before walking on it.

TIP - To know the curing state of each part of the surface ash your installer to make a small sample at the beginning, middle and end of the installation. That way you can test these to see if its cured.

Yes. There are minor technical and technique differences such as smaller aggregates are used with a higher percentage of resin to aggregate. Plus a seal coat is usually applied, but yes resin bound is one of the few surfaces that can be installed inside and out on the same project. Its ideal for bi-fold doors.

Unless otherwise notified, the materials will be delivered a few days prior to your installation. However, in some situations the materials will arrive at your property on the day of the installation with the installation team.

You will need to make space for the materials to be delivered, and, if delivered in advance you will be responsible for their safe keeping.

Whilst every endeavour is made to get the delivery companies to delivered on time and in the correct place, this cannot be guaranteed for a variety of reasons including vehicle breakdowns, traffic, human error and illness.

In our experience, the more helpful the homeowner is with the delivery company, the more likely it is that a delivery will complete smoothly.

Yes. If the surface is damaged in any way we have a range of repair techniques to minimise the appearance of the damage.

Please remember the aggregates are formed naturally and seams in colour will change. Depending on the time difference between the installation and a repair this will determine how big the colour variation is. If you are concerned about damage we would recommend keeping some aggregate from the original installation.

We also have some advanced repair techniques which can achieve a much better colour match. These involve removing some of the original aggregate, dissolving the resin off and reinstating it over the top of a lessor matching colour.

Resin bound is really easy to look after and very low maintenance.

The natural build up of dirt, grime and moss can be removed with a stiff broom and a light pressure wash. We also offer aftercare packages to keep your surface in tip top condition.

TIP: This is the maintenance we would recommend carrying out once a year or every other year.

• Early Spring - Sweep off loose debris from the winter.

• Early Spring - Spray with weed killer to prevent weed seeds germinating.

• Mid Summer - Sweep off loose debris.

• Mid Summer - Spray with weed killer to prevent weed seeds germinating.

• Autumn - Sweep off loose debris.

• Autumn - Soap and pressure wash the surface to clean it.

• Autumn - Apply a polyurethane resin roller coat to refresh the surface. Optional: New crushed glass can be applied to refresh slip-resistance.

There are companies that will tell you this, however weeds grow when a seed lands and finds a way to grow in the surface it lands on. So whilst its hard for weeds to grow on a resin drive its not impossible. The best way to manage this is to spot treat them when you see them or to spay the whole drive 2 to 3 times a year.

Yes. One of the most common misuses of the surface is to turn the steering wheel of the car whilst stationary. This is called dry steering and will damage resin, concrete and asphalt.

Dry steering is not covered by any resin companies warranty and is a chargeable repair. Its also easy to spot and easy to avoid.

The environmental impact of resin bound surfaces involves considerations related to the materials used, installation processes, durability, and long-term sustainability. Here are key aspects to consider:

Permeability and Water Management: Resin bound surfaces are permeable, allowing water to drain through the surface. This characteristic contributes to sustainable water management by reducing surface water runoff, minimising the risk of flooding, and promoting natural groundwater recharge.

Use of Recycled Materials: Some resin bound systems incorporate recycled materials, such as recycled glass or recycled aggregates. Using recycled materials can reduce the demand for virgin resources and contribute to the overall sustainability of the installation. When aggregates are quarried larger blocks get used for worktops and tiles and with each cut more waste is produced in smaller sized aggregates and these are the ones that get used for resin bound.

Sustainable Resin Formulations: Some manufacturers offer resin bound systems with environmentally friendly formulations. These formulations may include bio based or renewable materials, reducing the environmental impact associated with resin production.

Longevity and Low Maintenance: Resin bound surfaces are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. The long lifespan of a well installed resin bound surface means that it can reduce the need for frequent replacements, minimizing the overall environmental impact over time.

Energy Efficiency in Production: The production of resin bound surfaces can be energy efficient compared to traditional paving materials. Some systems require less energy during manufacturing and have a lower carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable product.

Minimal Disruption during Installation: The installation process for resin bound surfaces is typically efficient, leading to minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. This can be advantageous in terms of reducing noise, dust, and disturbance during construction.

Recyclability and End of Life Considerations: Resin bound systems can be 100% recycled when they reach their end of life.

By carefully selecting materials, considering local conditions, and following sustainable practices during installation, the environmental impact of resin bound surfaces can be minimised, making them a potentially eco friendly option for various applications.

Resin bound surfacing can enhance safety in various ways, making it a popular choice for a range of applications, including driveways, pathways, playgrounds, and public spaces. Here are ways in which resin bound surfaces contribute to safety:

Slip Resistance: Resin bound surfaces are designed to provide a textured and slip resistant finish. The combination of BoundTEX UV resin and aggregate creates a surface with good traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls. This is particularly important in outdoor areas, where surfaces may be exposed to rain, snow, or other wet conditions.

Smooth and Even Surface: Resin bound surfaces create a smooth and even finish, minimising tripping hazards. The consistent surface level is especially beneficial for pedestrian areas, playgrounds, and other spaces where trip hazards should be minimised.

Reduced Puddle Formation: The permeability of resin bound surfaces allows water to drain through the surface, reducing the formation of puddles. This feature helps prevent standing water, which can contribute to slippery conditions.

Durable and Stable Surface: When properly installed, resin bound surfaces form a durable and stable surface that can withstand regular foot traffic and vehicular loads. This stability contributes to a safe walking or driving experience, especially in high traffic areas.

Wheelchair Accessibility: Resin bound surfaces can be designed to meet accessibility standards, providing a smooth and accessible surface for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. The even surface allows for easy movement without the hindrance of uneven terrain.

Clear Demarcation: Resin bound surfaces can be used to create clear demarcation and visual contrasts. This is particularly useful for defining pedestrian pathways, crosswalks, or designated play areas, helping to guide individuals and improve overall safety.

Reflectivity: Some resin bound systems offer reflective aggregates or additives that enhance visibility, especially in low light conditions. This can improve safety for pedestrians and drivers by making the surface more visible.

Chemical Resistance: Resin bound surfaces are resistant to many chemicals, reducing the likelihood of surface damage due to spills. This feature is beneficial in areas where exposure to chemicals, such as driveways, may occur.

Low Maintenance: The low maintenance nature of resin bound surfaces contributes to overall safety. Regular cleaning and occasional resealing help maintain the surface's properties and prevent the development of hazards over time.

It's important to note that the specific safety benefits may vary depending on the choice of aggregates, the resin system, and the installation method. Working with experienced professionals and following recommended guidelines during installation ensures that the resin bound surface meets safety standards and provides a reliable and secure environment.