When it comes to improving your property, your driveway often tops the list. It’s the first thing people see when they visit, and its appearance can significantly impact your home’s kerb appeal. In the United Kingdom, homeowners have a variety of choices, but the debate often narrows down to two: resin bound or resin bonded.
Even though they sound similar, the two are quite different. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these two popular driveways options and explain why you should opt for a resin bound driveway over a resin bonded one. Spoiler alert, it’s not just because Stoneset Lincoln don’t install resin bonded driveways!
Before we jump into the pros and cons, it’s crucial to understand the differences between these two types of driveways.
Resin Bonded Ltd have come up with the easiest explanation we’ve found so far: “In a nutshell, the Resin Bonded system is where resin is spread across the surface and loose stone is scattered on top. The other option is the Resin Bound system where resin and stone are mixed together first, and then trowelled down into place.
1. Durability
One of the significant benefits of resin bound driveways is their durability. They are resistant to weather conditions, UV rays, and frequent use.
According to Tim Joyce, Managing Director at the Resin Mill, said “Resin bound surfaces last longer because the full depth of the stone is set within clear resin. This differs from resin bonded surfaces where only the top surface of the stone is adhered to the base”.
The resin and aggregate mix in resin bound driveways makes them more durable and resilient to cracks especially when compared to their bonded counterparts.
We talk about the durability more in our blog Resin Bound vs Block Paving – not just for driveways.
2. Permeability
Another significant advantage of resin bound driveways is their permeability. The mixture allows water to drain naturally, reducing puddles and preventing waterlogging. In contrast, resin bonded driveways are non-permeable, leading to water build-up and potential drainage issues.
As stated by our friends over at Sureset UK Ltd: “Resin bound paving is a fully permeable paving solution which allows water to freely drain through the surface”.
3. Aesthetics
Resin bound driveways from Stone Set offer a more aesthetically pleasing finish. They come in a variety of colours and styles, offering more flexibility in design. In our experience, resin bonded driveways can appear loose and uneven over time and that’s just one of the reasons we prefer not to install them.
Darren Baker, a leading supplier at Resin Drives Trade, emphasises this point by saying, “With resin bound, you have a smooth, yet hard-wearing surface that presents a beautifully seamless finish”.
4. Maintenance
Resin bound driveways are easy to maintain. If you haven’t already read it, check out StoneSet’s Guide To the Pros and Cons of resin bound driveways in Lincolnshire; there’s a great link to some helpful hints and tips from VUBA about how to maintain your dream driveway.
Since resin bound driveways have a smooth and flexible surface, they’re resistant to weed growth.
Resin bonded driveways however are more prone to weed growth and require regular maintenance.
5. Eco-friendly
Resin bound driveways are also eco-friendly and sustainable. That’s one of the things our customers have told us is important to them.
They provide a natural source of drainage, returning rainwater to the local ecosystem. There are so many benefits to choosing Resin bound over resin bonded you can read about our top 5 benefits of choosing a resin bound driveway in an earlier blog.
Whilst it’s certainly true that resin bonded driveways may be initially cheaper to install, they have several downsides that you should consider.
Resin bonded driveways can become loose over time, leading to an uneven surface. This not only affects the driveway’s aesthetic appeal but also poses a potential tripping hazard.
Due to the non-permeable nature of resin bonded driveways, they may also fall foul of the Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) regulations, which promote better drainage in urban areas to prevent flooding. And since Lincolnshire was named as the most vulnerable to climate change risk in an article published in Lincolnshire World in February this year, it’s definitely something to bear in mind if you’re living in that part of the world.
While both resin bound and resin bonded driveways have their merits, resin bound driveways clearly stand out as the superior choice for homeowners in Lincolnshire and the UK. They provide a durable, aesthetically pleasing, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly solution for anyone considering a new driveway or replacing an old one.
If you’re looking for a driveway in Lincoln or the surrounding area, that’s tough, great value, low maintenance and pleasing on the eye, look no further, we’re waiting for your call.
