Resin bound driveways are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners and property developers in the UK due to their durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. They’re composed of a mixture of natural aggregates and a resin binder, which are laid on a suitable base, such as concrete or asphalt.
One of the most frequently asked questions we get asked at StoneSet is whether a resin bound driveway can be laid on tarmac, especially as lots of our customers already have a tarmac driveway.
In this blog, we’ll explore this question and provide some useful information for those homeowners and property developers who are considering having a Resin Bound driveway installed on a pre-existing tarmac driveway.
The short answer is yes. It is possible to lay a resin bound driveway on top of tarmac, but it comes with a caveat, there are some things you need to consider before beginning the installation, if you want to end up with a smooth surface, that is.
The most important thing to consider is the condition of your existing tarmac. The tarmac must be in good condition, with no cracks, potholes, or other damage. If there are any signs of damage, you’ll need to repair or replace before the resin bound surface can be laid. Fail to prepare…you know the rest!
Another important thing to consider is the age of the tarmac. If the tarmac is in a good state of repair, with no damage, it really doesn’t matter how old it is. If, however, it’s relatively new, it might still be releasing oils that can cause the resin to fail. At StoneSet, we always recommend waiting for at least six months before laying the resin bound surface on top.
The tarmac must also be thoroughly cleaned and prepared before the resin bound surface can be laid. This typically involves pressure washing and applying a primer to the surface to ensure good adhesion. If you’re not sure whether your tarmac would work, get in touch with us and we’ll come and take a look.
If you’re not sure what the difference is between ‘Stone Resin’ and ‘Resin Bound’, or you need a reminder, we talked about this in one of our recent blogs.
One of the main benefits of laying a resin bound driveway on tarmac is that it can be a cost-effective way to upgrade an existing driveway, rather than completely removing the old tarmac and laying a new base.
The resin bound surface can be laid directly on top of the existing tarmac (see previous comments). This can save time and money, as well as reduce waste. According to The Resin Mill, Tarmac and Concrete are the most suitable bases for resin driveways.
Another benefit of laying a resin bound driveway on tarmac is that it can provide a durable and low maintenance surface. Resin bound surfaces are known for their strength and resilience, as well as their resistance to weeds, algae, and other forms of growth.
This makes them a great choice for driveways that are subject to heavy use or harsh weather conditions. As always, as well as the pros, there will always be cons; you can read more about these in our Guide to the Pros and Cons of Resin Bound Driveways in Lincolnshire.
If you’re thinking about installing a resin bound driveway, it’s important to choose the right system for your needs. According to resinbondedaggregates.com, they fall into two main categories; UV stable resin and non-UV stable resin, each has its own unique properties and benefits. Whilst both are suitable for laying on top of tarmac, it’s important to do your research and consult with a professional installer like StoneSet, to make sure you chose the right option for you.
We find that the most popular resin bound system that’s suitable for laying on top of tarmac is UV-stable. This type of system is designed to withstand exposure to sunlight, which can cause some types of resin to yellow or fade over time. UV-stable resin bound systems are also known for their strength and durability, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas such as driveways. This is one of our favourite installations.
Something else worth considering is the type of aggregate that you prefer. There are so many different types of natural aggregate available (location dependent) each with their own unique appearance and properties. Some popular options include crushed granite, quartz, and marble, as well as recycled materials such as glass and rubber. The choice of aggregate can have a significant impact on the final appearance of your driveway, so it’s important to choose a system that offers a wide range of options. If you’d like to see some of our recently completed projects, have a look at our gallery.
We can’t stress how important this is. Installing a new driveway can significantly add value to your home, but if you get it wrong, you’ll be left with empty pockets and potentially a big bill to put it right. Why leave it to chance?
At StoneSet we use high-quality materials and follow best practice guidelines for laying resin driveways. If you haven’t already read it, we talk about why this is so important in our recent blog “Why Chose An approved VUBA Installer”. And even if you have read it, it’s still worth a reminder.
If you’re serious about having a new driveway in 2023, Get in touch with us today for a quote!
