Eager to learn more about the disadvantages of resin driveways? Despite being the fastest-growing surfacing solution in the UK and an incredibly popular choice for both home and business owners, resin bound driveway problems do exist – especially if they’ve not been installed by a professional team.
However, these problems can be easily avoided and/or solved if you know how. Luckily, the expert team of driveway installers here at Impress Construction have explained some of their top tips and tricks for tackling these resin bound driveway problems below.
The most common problems with resin driveways
Just like any other surfacing solution, resin driveways aren’t without their issues, but this doesn’t mean they’re not worth installing. From loose stones to discolouring, we identify the most common resin bound driveway problems and explain the best way to solve them, helping you to keep your resin bound gravel driveway in fantastic condition for longer.
Loose surface stones
As the name suggests, a resin bound driveway uses resin to bind the aggregate/stones. However, in some cases, the resin may fail to bond appropriately with some surface stones, creating loose surface stones that spoil the smooth and seamless finish resin driveways are so well-known for.
To rectify this issue (and prevent the problem from worsening), it’s best to enlist a resin driveway professional to remove the damaged sections and replace them with a resin solution that’s properly bonded with the desired aggregate. Remember to use the same colour aggregate to avoid unsightly patches!
Water pooling
While the surface of a resin bound driveway is crucial to ensuring a smooth appearance, the sub-base is arguably even more important. In this case, resin bound paving must be installed on top of a SuDs-compliant (Sustainable Drainage System) base – often tarmac or concrete – to ensure efficient drainage.
This helps to prevent pooling during particularly wet weather (especially useful for UK homes and businesses!) and means additional drains around the driveway aren’t necessary. If a sub-base hasn’t been laid properly or isn’t SuDs-compliant, it’s often best to either create a sloping driveway or simply start from scratch.
Discoloured surface
A small amount of resin bound drivewaydiscolouration is completely normal and often occurs as a result of general usage and time. However, most resin is UV (ultra-violet light) stable (known as aliphatic polyurethane), meaning sunlight shouldn’t substantially affect the colour of the surface.
However, if your installer doesn’t use a UV stable resin and opts for something like aromatic polyurethane, the resin will turn an unattractive deep yellow-brown colour over time. Not only will this affect the appearance of the aggregate, but any plant pots or cars that remain on the driveway for long periods of time will leave unwanted patches where the sunlight hasn’t altered the resin colour.
Not to mention, the resin can interact in different ways depending on the aggregate used. So, if you want to avoid resin bound driveway discolouration, it’s best to use a UV stable resin and avoid lighter-coloured stones that can reflect normal discolouration.
Unsightly cracks
While resin bound driveways are incredibly durable, weatherproof, and long-lasting, cracks can appear in the surface if the base has started to crack. Not only are these cracks unsightly, ruining the seamless appearance of the resin, but they can also pose a safety risk to both drivers and pedestrians.
If the base has started to crack, it may begin to move and lead to even more cracks. As a result, it’s best to fix the root cause of any cracks as soon as possible by removing the current resin driveway and replacing the base.
Rust spots
Although this next resin bound driveway problem is less common, it does crop up from time to time. Rust spots can form over time when the aggregate used to create the smooth surface contains iron. Once this iron comes into contact with water (channelled through cracks in the surface), it will turn into iron oxide and lead to rusting.
Loose stones and cracks, no matter how small or insignificant they seem, should therefore be addressed immediately. However, you can avoid this common resin bound driveway problem entirely if you opt for an aggregate that doesn’t contain any iron.
Driveway lumps and bumps
Similar to surface cracks, if you’re seeing lumps and bumps on the surface of your resin driveway, it’s normally an indication that something else is going on underneath. If the sub-base is bumpy and uneven, then the surface will be, too.
Unfortunately, these bumps can ruin the smooth look of resin driveways and lead to other unwanted problems such as pooling during heavy rain. Unfortunately, the only way to solve this issue is to fix the bumps underneath and ensure the base is completely flat before laying a resin surface on top.
High-quality resin driveways
While common resin driveway problems do exist, the benefits of this premium surfacing solution still make a resin bound gravel driveway more than worth it for many home and business owners. The best way to avoid these common issues? Enlist help from a professional driveway installer like Impress Construction!
With years of invaluable experience installing resin driveways across the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire area, we’ve delivered countless low-maintenance and exquisitely stylish driveways throughout the North West.
Suitable for both traditional and more contemporary properties, a resin bound gravel driveway can be laid in a wide range of stunning aggregate multi-coloured shades. From resin-bound driveways with a reddish hue to driveways with a modern grey surface, there’s no shortage of attractive options to explore.
So, if your tired and worn-out driveway is crying out for a resin transformation, please don’t hesitate to contact the professional and experienced team of resin driveway installers here at Impress Construction. To find out more or get in touch, please feel free to call us on 01484 644396!
Alternatively, you can also send in your enquiry via email to info@impresspaving.co.uk or by filling in our handy contact form. Once we’ve received your enquiry, you can rest assured we’ll get back to you soon to provide you with your free, no-obligation quote!
