In recent years, resin bound surfacing has transformed housing developments across the UK. Gone are the days of using block paving or concrete to create functional driveways, paths and garden areas; now homeowners want to create an outside space which looks beautiful, is easy to maintain and stands the test of time.

What is resin bound surfacing?

Resin bound surfacing is where resin and natural stone are mixed and then laid onto a prepared surface. The material is then trowelled down to a smooth finish. The depth of a resin bound paving surface should be roughly between 12 and 24mm depending on the application and the size and type of stone used in the process.

Resin bound surfacing is often mistaken with resin bonded surfacing (it is easy to see why with very similar sounding names!). Resin bonded surfacing is where natural stone is laid onto a pre-spread resin base. Once this process is complete a film of resin is then applied to the surface. Resin bonded surfacing has more of a textured look and often has the appearance of loose gravel. A typical depth of a Resin bonded surface is around 6 to 8mm.

Why use resin bound surfacing compared to other surface materials?

Homeowners and clients alike appreciate the benefits of a resin bound surface. Not only do they get a visually attractive driveway or path giving their property ‘kerb appeal’, but it also brings many practical qualities also. The resin bound surface requires very little maintenance and the physical properties with the natural aggregate and resin form to create an extremely hard-wearing surface.

Compared to other surfacing materials, resin bound surfacing has clear benefits. Block paving, although can look clean and quite pleasing to the eye when first laid, is prone to degredation over time. Even after a year or two the colour fades and as the blocks are fixed onto a simple substrate with no movement considered, they are prone to cracks and displacement. Another headache for homeowners with block paving is weed growth within the surface joints.

As resin bound surfacing is constructed of many particles of stone aggregate mixed with resin, it is virtually impossible for cracks or displacement. The durability of the surface means it can also withstand heavy loadings e.g. cars, plus the aesthetics is guaranteed for many years from colour discolouration and UV degredation.

Another advantage of resin bound surfacing compared with block paving is the time saving benefit during installation. This particular factor refers to refurbishment projects, where it is possible to lay the resin bound material directly over existing concrete driveways (after the concrete has been cleaned and primed). This saves time and ultimately labour costs, as the original concrete substrate needs little work to prepare.

Another popular surfacing material is concrete. Concrete is generally of a robust and hard-wearing structure, and should give homeowners many years of functional paving. It is however quite an impervious material and can only soak in a limited amount of water. Once the concrete has taken in all the water that it can take, this decreases the permeability of the structure which then results in surface overflow. This water runoff then contributes to potential flooding.

Resin bound surfaces are fully permeable and as a result water is able to drain through the surface effectively, preventing any surface water build up. A good quality resin bound surface will be fully compliant with the requirements of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS), which was introduced in 2011 to better manage water run off in urban areas.

Resin bound surfaces also offer the possibility of creating a truly unique look, as they are available in a wide range of textures and colours. It is now best practice in the design and installation of resin bound surfacing to use edge profiling, to contain, shape and complement the resin surfacing.

Edge profiles for resin bound surfacing

To really create an eye-catching resin bound floor, whether it be for driveways, paths or garden areas, it is highly recommended that distinctive edges are used to contain the resin material. Installers and designers commonly design the resin bound surfacing right up to brickwork, timber, paving, or other existing features of a property. However home owners and designers now favour a more clinical finish to their installations, and prefer the use of stainless steel edge profiles to provide edging to their beautiful resin flooring.

Dural UK supply a range of edge profiles, including Durosol Straight Edging Profiles, Durosol Flexible Profiles and Movement Joint Profiles. All three ranges provide high quality edge protection to resin bound surfaces, and are available in a variety of sizes, depths and materials to suit all kinds of installations and requirements.

Contact:
Chris Ashton, Creative Director
Company: Dural UK
Address: Unit 6a, Wakefield Business Centre, Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 7AZ, UK
Telephone: 01924 360110
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.resinprofiles.co.uk