The Lifespan of a Resin Bound Driveway

Resin bound is a wearing course, not a structural layer. A permeable macadam or properly designed concrete base carrying the vehicle loads is what determines how long the drive stays flat and uncracked.

Overlaying a base that is already moving is the most common cause of early failure we are called to look at. The resin does exactly what it should; the ground beneath keeps moving and the surface follows it.

Resin systems intended for external use are UV stable, which prevents the yellowing that older or cheaper resins suffer. Colour comes from the natural aggregate rather than a pigment, so what you see is stone, and stone does not fade.

Expect some gentle weathering and dulling of the surface sheen in the first year, after which the appearance is very stable.

Laying too thin for the aggregate size. Laying in unsuitable weather. Omitting or under building the edge restraint, so the perimeter breaks away. Poor drainage that lets water sit beneath the surface. Heavy vehicles on a base designed for cars, including skips placed directly on the drive.

Sweep it, deal with oil spills quickly, keep skips and heavy plant off it or use boards, avoid turning wheels on the spot in hot weather, and keep the edges and any drainage channel clear so water leaves as designed.

A worn resin surface can often be overlaid with a fresh course provided the base and levels are still sound, which is a much smaller job than the original installation and a real advantage over some alternatives.