Resin bound paving is a permeable paving solution constructed using a mixture of natural gravel or stone aggregate and a clear, fast curing polyurethane resin.The aggregate and resin are mixed on site just prior to application and trowell applied to achieve a smooth surface. Once cured the stone is completely encapsulated in the resin, creating a level, stable and water permeable surface, that is pleasing to the eye, durable and wheelchair friendly.
The surface is ideal for both small domestic driveways/paving and large commercial applications, such as retail areas, business parks, art galleries, museums and historic buildings. It is also ideal for use as a surface dressing for tree pits, avoiding trip hazards and litter traps, whilst allowing future tree growth and surface water to percolate to the roots.
The clear resin allows the beauty of the natural gravel/stone to show through but traps it in place eliminating both the stone loss and displacement associated with traditional gravel drives. This along with the fact that resin bound paving restricts weed growth from below make this an extremely low maintenance paving option. Dirt and dust can be removed from the surface using a pressure washer.
Different aggregate blends can be achieved by combining various stones and granule sizes with most companies offering a range of standard blends and offering bespoke designs on request. Areas of contrasting colours can be laid and bespoke designs and logos incorporated.
The UK has seen some devasting flooding in the last few years and a lot of emphasis is being placed on water management and the inclusion of SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) in new constructions and urban developments. The fact that resin bound paving is water permeable makes it ideal for use as part of a SUDS design and a resin bound driveway on top of a suitable permeable subbase does not require planning permission.
There is a popular misconception, perhaps stemming from its early days, that resin bound paving is prohibitively expensive, but this is no longer the case. The cost of an average sized domestic resin bound driveway comparible to that of block paving.
Resin paving should be laid on either a sound existing or newly constructed monolithic substrate of tarmac, asphalt or concrete. Elemental pavings such as block paving or flag stones are not suitable as any movement in the substrate can cause reflective cracking to occur in the resin bound surface. This type of surfacing can be tricky to apply as the resin is fast curing so its application is best left to trained experienced specialist contractors.
