How to Maintain Your Resin Bound Surface All Year Round.

Resin bound surfaces are a popular choice when it comes to driveways and patios, not only for their aesthetic appeal but for their durability, hard-wearing, and low maintenance. A resin bound driveway or patio will serve you well into the future with minimal upkeep, although it’s important to understand that for your surface to remain at its best, a small amount of maintenance is required.

As a specialist surface company serving areas in and around Staffordshire and Shropshire, we get countless questions on whether resin bound is the best option for the harsh UK weather. Keep reading to find out why we think our high-quality resin bound surfaces make reliable and durable driveways and patios.

Why Choose Resin Bound?

A resin bound driveway can offer great aesthetic appeal alongside durability with fluctuating temperatures and can be customised with different types of decorative aggregates, glued together using a clear resin. This is the fastest-growing surfacing solution in the UK and is easy to clean, resistant to weeds, and retains its vibrant appearance over time. Resin driveways can last up to 25 years if taken care of but are a little more expensive than other surfacing on the market.

Is Resin Bound Paving Easy to Maintain?

Yes, resin bound driveways and patios are very easy to maintain, this is one of the many appeals of a resin bound surface. During the summer months, often a simple sweep and jet wash are all you need to keep it in good condition. During winter months, it may be that you need to sweep more often to remove leaves, sand, soil, and general dirt to ensure you don’t get a build-up of mould or experience staining.

Top Tips for Your Resin Bound Driveway or Patio in All Seasons

There are 2 types of maintenance that are most suitable for resin bound driveways and patios. These are:

Sweeping – regularly sweep to remove dirt and debris and reduce the build of mould which can eventually rot and stain the surface. A stiff bristled brush should be sufficient whether it’s just a light spring and summer sweep over or a more physical autumn and winter clean. Combine sweeping with your garden hose to wash away dirt and bring back its original shine. Resin bound surfaces are porous so water will be able to pass through, stopping puddles from forming.
Jet Washing – this is the option to take in the colder months as the power of the water stream can really lift dirt and debris. Sweeping before jet washing is advised to loosen tougher spots and putting the jet wash on moderate pressure, using a back-and-forth motion should suffice.

Depending on what your resin bound surface is used for can determine how stained and damaged it gets.

Resin Bound Driveways

Oil or Fuel Spillage – a common occurrence on driveways and can be treated simply with soapy water as soon as possible, followed by a jet washing. Washing up liquid that is de-greasing and non-hazard is the best option.
Tyre Marks – wipe down tyre marks with white spirits followed by a jet wash and the stain should be lifted out of the surface of your driveway easily

Resin Bound Patios

Build-Up of Algae or Moss – this most commonly happens throughout the colder months and in areas that receive less sunlight. Jet washing will lift most mould alongside treatment to decrease mould build-up that also won’t damage the surface.
Heavy Load Damage – scaring and point-loading are the most common heavy-load damage that can occur from ladder feet, scaffolding, and skips, especially if dragged across the surface. To avoid stone loss and damage we recommend placing boards underneath any point-loading object to distribute the weight. Resin bound carries a weight limit of around 7.5 tonnes.

Signs That Your Resin Bound Surface is Damaged

Although durable, resin bound surfaces are not completely unsusceptible to damage. Severe heat and cold from fluctuating UK temperatures, heavy traffic, and improper installation can all have an impact on the surface.

Common signs that your resin bound driveway or patio is damaged include cracks, insufficient drainage, potholes, loose stones, an uneven surface, and discolouration. Taking action as soon as possible is important to ensure the damage does not worsen.

Is it Possible to Re-Seal Resin Bound Surfaces?

To ensure the longevity of your resin bound driveway or patio, resin should be reapplied every few years to protect the surface from cracks forming or widening. Reapplying resin can increase its lifespan and protect it from severe weather conditions such as strong UV rays, heatwaves, rain, hail, and ice.

Applying a fresh coat of resin over your surface can reinforce its strength and fill in small gaps and cracks that have formed over the years, ensuring its protective benefits are maintained for a few more years.

Speak to a Specialist Surface Company for Long-Lasting Resin Bound Paving

We are a surfacing company with over 20 years of experience in resin bound driveway and patio installation, servicing Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Market Drayton. Our high-quality resin bound surfaces can transform your outdoor spaces, ensuring they are innovative, durable, and visually stunning.