A Detailed Guide on Resin Driveway Installation

November 15, 2023
Blog

Resin bound driveways are common due to their aesthetic appeal, greater functionality and design flexibility. But laying these designs is an art that requires skills, best-quality materials, equipment and a professional approach to get your desired results. In this blog, we will discuss all these aspects:

What Is a Resin Bound Driveway?

A resin bound driveway is a hardened mixture of resin and aggregates, trowelled professionally to give a smooth surface. It is also known as a stone carpet.

It gives a seamless appearance.
It is permeable, allowing water to seep through.
It is durable, weather-resistant and lasts for years.
It is a cost-effective and modern paving solution.

Applications

Similar to their appearance, resin bound driveways have versatility in their uses as well. They can be preferably used for:

Commercial pavements
Patios
Parkings
Towpaths
Bridges
Jogging tracks
Terraces
Educational institutions
Health facilities

Materials & Equipment for Driveway Installation

Below is the detail of the material and equipment needed for the resin bound driveway:

Resin: Opt for a UV-resistant and the best quality resin that will not discolour and last longer.

Dried Aggregates: Along with the resin, aggregates are the other important component for the driveway. They affect the look as well as the strength of the driveway. So, choose the one that matches your needs.

Forced Action Mixer: Arrange a suitable mixer which can accommodate a reasonable quantity and wind up your work on time.

Other equipment you may need includes a forced action pan mixer, power supply, whisk paddle, resin trowel, gaffer tape, buckets, cleaning rags, clean shovel, stiff brush, latex gloves, wooden lute, etc. Check before moving further that you have all the essential equipment, whether it’s technical safety or non-technical equipment.

Process of Installation

Before moving on the installation of resin bound driveway, there are some initial checks and preparations that you must ensure so that you end up with the best results:

Pre-installation Preparation

Surface Checks: Make sure that the substrate surface is clean and dry.

Rain: Do not move on with your process if there are chances of rain.

Surface Moisture: Checking surface moisture is very important before laying the driveway. Use a hygrometer to know to know the moisture level. If it is above 80%, delay your project.

Temperature: The surface that needs to be paved must have a temperature above 3 Degrees Celsius.

Material and Equipment: Make sure you have all the required materials and equipment for the driveway.

Edging Tape: Ensure that the boundaries of the work area are secured with the tape to eliminate the chances of resin staining.

Find A Suitable Base

You must have a stable base so that it is appropriate to bear the load. Suitable resin bound bases include:

Asphalt
Tarmac
Macadam
Concrete

Mixing the Resin

Extreme care is needed to prepare various batches of resin for paving so that you get your desired strength and colour.

Try to take precise measurements and prepare a single batch. If you need more, use the same batch to avoid significant variations.
Mix the part A component slowly for 10-20 seconds for resin mixing. Also, add the measured amount of accelerator.
Now add the part B component and mix it slowly for almost 60 seconds for a uniform composition.

Mixing Resin, Aggregates and Sand

Mixing all the materials is a step-wise procedure:

Put 25 kilograms of 2-5 mm aggregates in the forced action mixture, followed by 25 kilograms of 1-3 mm aggregates and add pre-mixed resin.
Now mix these for almost 30 seconds and add the remaining amount of aggregates, 1 bag each with 25 kg weight.
Now, keep mixing. Once the resin is mixed thoroughly, add sand to it.
Mix the sand for almost 5 minutes to ensure an even mixture of all the components.’
When the mixture is ready, place it in a wheelbarrow.

Key Tips for Better Mixing

Avoid inefficient mixing as it will fail the material.
Make sure to use dry aggregates.
Give proper mixing time to avoid uncoated material
Avoid keeping the aggregates in the sunlight as it will increase their curing time.

Installing the Driveway

First of all, mark the area boundary with chalk.
Prior to trowelling, use a screed bar to spread the mixture evenly.
Now start trowelling the mixture; make sure that the trowel is clean. It is recommended to clean it every 6 strokes; otherwise, aggregates will start sticking to it and spoil your work.
When trowelling, apply even pressures so that all the aggregates join compactly. Keep trowelling until the mixture becomes still and levelled.
Once the driveway surface has been levelled, it should be polished for a smooth appearance.
Lastly, pour glass pieces to ensure some friction on the driveway.

FAQ's

How can I calculate the required number of aggregates?

It varies based on your need and the quality of strength you need. For an accurate estimate, consult with the professionals. You can also calculate the required amount online via an authentic calculator.

What is the difference between the resin bound driveway and the resin bonded driveway?

A resin bound driveway is a mixture of resin and aggregates that are spread evenly to give a smooth finish. This driveway is permeable and gives a modern look.

For a resin bonded driveway, the resin is spread on the substrate, followed by spreading the aggregates that stick to the resin. The resin bonded driveway is not permeable. It is not very smooth and gives a historical look.

How can you alter the curing speed of the aggregate mixture?

Generally, it takes 8 hours to cure; however, for speedy curing, you can use the accelerator if the temperature is below 15 degrees Celsius, or curing is required overnight.