Last week we took a look at the facts about resin driveways, the increasingly popular surfacing technique favoured by property owners throughout the UK. This week, we will go into a little more detail about the benefits and pitfalls of resin driveways and if they could be right for you.
The pros
Cost – compared to other driveway surfaces (tarmac, gravel and paving), resin driveways are competitively priced and relatively easy to install.
Low maintenance – once installed, your resin driveway will stay pretty fresh; weed growth will be minimal and as long as you keep the surface clean and clear, it will stay looking good for years to come.
Drainage – as mentioned in our previous blog, bound resin is permeable, which means that water can penetrate it and drain away naturally.
Aesthetics – with a wealth of choice in terms of colours and textures, the design of your resin driveway is limited only by your imagination (and your personal taste!)
Durability – as they offer a flexible surface, resin driveways are resistant to damage from heavy usage, meaning that a well installed driveway will continue to look as good as new.
Sustainability – utilising natural materials, resin driveway installation is a lower impact option than the traditional tarmac.
The cons
As always, resin driveways aren’t entirely perfect. There are a few considerations before making the choice.
Colour loss - if having a bright, colourful driveway is a motivating factor, bear in mind that the colours may fade with exposure to sunlight. If your drive gets a lot of sun, it is worth asking your driveway installer to recommend colours which are less likely to fade.
Moss – all surfaces are susceptible to moss growth, especially in darker, wetter areas. However, when resin gets moss, it can be incredibly slippery, which can pose a risk. Ask your driveway specialist what you can do to prevent moss growth.
Staining – if you choose a pale surface, you could end up with stains typical of a driveway, such as tyre marks and oil stains. Consider this when choosing your colour and check with your specialist about recommended cleaning products and processes.
Regulations – as a relatively new service, resin installation is as yet unregulated. This means that it is more important than ever that you find a driveway specialist that you know you can trust – so take a look at Trust A Trader’s directory of vetted, accredited, reviewed and trusted local resin driveway specialists.
We hope this was useful; follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more tips, advice and home improvement ideas.