Although the concept of resin driveways is fairly new in the UK, it has started becoming more popular over the past few years. When a resin driveway is laid, it involves bonding decorative gravel on to an existing solid surface by using clear or coloured resin.
Resin driveways are not only visually appealing; they are known for being highly resistant to moss, weeds and even oil leaks from vehicles. They won’t fade as a result of prolonged sun exposure and these driveways are also known for not requiring a lot of maintenance over time.
A Cost-effective Option
Having a resin driveway laid is one of the most affordable ways to make your home’s driveway look respectable once again. It can be laid over existing concrete or tar (provided that it’s still in relatively good condition), making it far cheaper because of not having to remove the existing driveway material first.
Resin driveways are available in several different colours, meaning that it’s possible to have it match the rest of your home. They are known to be extremely durable as well, because of a sealed top layer that is resistant to severe weather and the weight of vehicles being driven over it. Another advantage of these driveways is that being porous, it prevents water from pooling in puddles all over your driveway during wet weather.
Getting the Job Done
In most cases, a resin driveway will be laid on top of an existing concrete or tar surface. This goes a long way in helping to reduce labour costs on your quote because of the fact that no prior excavation will be required. Sometimes, driveway edges may still require minor excavation, especially if any type of block edge is being installed. This allows resin to be installed to the correct depth.
Having a resin driveway installed on top of regular block paving is not always recommended because of the potential movement of these blocks after the resin has been laid. This can result in an uneven finish, which will result in the resin cracking over time – especially if your driveway is used a lot.
Some installers may provide you with the option of laying resin over a block-paving surface, but no guarantee will normally be provided in cases like these. You may be offered two quotes if you have a block-paving driveway – one for installing the resin directly over the block paving and one that includes excavating the block paving and placing a tar sub-base down.
While it may be tempting to accept the cheaper quote out of the two above mentioned scenarios, the cheaper option will not last nearly as long because the block paving will almost certainly start shifting over time. In addition, you will normally be provided with a solid guarantee if you decide to remove the block paving before laying the resin down.
An Alternative Option
An alternative option that a contractor may offer is that of using a grid system instead of a solid sub-base such as concrete or tar. This is usually somewhat cheaper, but it may also not last as long as a solid resin base. Problems with resin driveways usually only occur if they’ve been installed on top of block paving as well.
Calculating the Cost of a Resin Driveway
Some factors affecting the cost of having a resin driveway laid are the size of your driveway and the type of stones that are used. On average, materials can vary between £35 and £80 per square metre though.
Contractors installing your driveway can charge anywhere between £140 and £220 per day per labourer for labour costs, and there can be as many as three labourers performing the work at a time. Below are a few average costs of having a resin driveway installed:
- A 20 square metre driveway can cost between £1,900 and £2,400 and take between three and five days to complete
- A 40 square metre driveway can average between £2,800 and £3,400 and take up to two weeks to complete
- An 80 square metre driveway could cost anywhere from £5,250 to £5,900, and this can take between two and three weeks to install to completion
Obtaining Quotes
Before allowing any contractor or company to provide you with quotes to lay a resin driveway, it’s important to obtain references and ensure that they are accredited.
When requesting quotes through our website, you will be able to rest assured that you will only receive them from fully accredited and experienced contractors. We have several available contractors and companies available to perform this type of work, and they will contact you to set up a convenient time to inspect your existing driveway.
If you would like to take the hassle out of searching for reliable and accredited contractors, simply fill in our website contact form. Once you’ve provided your contact information, up to four accredited contractors or companies will contact you so that arrangements can be made to provide you with quotes to have your new resin driveway installed.
FAQs
1. What surfaces can resin be laid over?
It’s best if a resin driveway is laid over an existing permeable asphalt or concrete surface that’s still in relatively good condition.
2. Must I obtain planning permission to install a resin driveway?
In most cases, no planning permission is needed to have a resin driveway installed. However, it is still recommended that you check with your local council beforehand.
3. Is there a difference between resin bonded and resin bound driveways?
The main difference between these two types of driveway is that resin bonded driveways are not porous and resin bound driveways are.
4. Can resin driveways withstand the weight of vehicles driving on them?
Yes. The surface of these driveways becomes extremely hard and durable.
5. Why aren’t resin driveways that popular yet?
Until recently, one of the main factors that put homeowners off of installing resin driveway was the cost. However, pricing has come down quite a bit over the past few years – meaning that these driveways are slowly becoming more popular.
6. Are different colours available?
These days, more than 50 different colour options are available. This means that you can choose a colour that best matches the rest of your home’s exterior.
7. Can resin be laid over an existing driveway?
Although resin can often be laid over an existing concrete or tar driveway, it’s normally recommended that a new base be laid instead. This will ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
8. Can resin driveways withstand extreme temperature changes?
Extreme temperature changes will not have any effect on resin driveway surfaces. This makes them an ideal option for homeowners who are looking for something that is long lasting and visually attractive. These driveways will also not get as hot as tar or cement surfaces during the hot summer months.