The Pros & Cons of Resin Driveways

When you consider that driveways have a major impact on curb appeal, you will want to carefully weigh your options before choosing one.

With the various kinds of driveway materials available, it is critical to consider the advantages and the disadvantages of each one. That way, you can whittle down the list of prospective candidates and find the right fit.

One of the more popular types is the resin driveway. Longevity is one of the reasons why homeowners are increasingly choosing resin whether they are building their homes from scratch or upgrading their existing driveways. 

So that you can determine for yourself whether or not to get a resin driveway, what follows is a look at the pros and the cons.

Pros of Resin Driveways

Here’s a look at some of the reasons why you should consider getting a resin driveway on your property.

Affordable

When you are exploring resin driveway ideas, you will obviously want to look at how much the project will cost you. The resin driveway cost is reasonable compared to the cost to install other quality products on your driveway.

It will be even more affordable if the resin driveway is installed on a preliminary sub-base such as one made of concrete. 

Durable

Another benefit of choosing resin driveway materials is that they are durable and long-lasting. With only a minimal level of maintenance, they will last for a long time. 

Resin Bound also offers permeability benefits and can, therefore, resist the sort of water damage that can wreak untold havoc on your investment.

As a result, your driveway will last longer — as long as a decade or more depending on the quality of the resin product you use. Getting a resin driveway means getting something durable.

Quick to Install

Resin Bound driveways can often be laid over your existing surface which means it can be completed in 1 day. If your driveway needs to be fully excavated and a new permeable sub-base system created, your driveway can be completed in 1 week. 

Aesthetically Appealing

Resin Bound driveway materials are also aesthetically pleasing. Unlike materials like gravel or block paving, resin is the sort of material that can differentiate your property from the other homes on your street.

And when you increase the aesthetic appeal, you will increase your pride in homeownership. Curb appeal is real. It refers to the appeal of your home from the exterior. So you will want to ensure your curb appeal is high.

That means being mindful of the driveway, the roof, the windows, the siding, the front door, the garage door, the landscaping, and more. It makes sense to take care not only of the interior, but also of the exterior of your home. 

Low Maintenance

You will also benefit because of the lower maintenance requirements. With some driveway materials, you will need to reposition bricks or stones from time to time. And there are times you will need to even tear out weeds.

But with a Resin Bound driveway, you will not have any of those hassles to deal with. Resin is a strong and durable material. This will keep your driveway looking great and in tip-top shape for years to come.

Drainage

Resin Bound comes with natural drainage properties. Since it is fully permeable, water is able to drain through the surface. That means you will not see water pooling on top of your resin driveway.

SUDs compliant

Resin Bound is fully SUDs compliant because of its porous nature. This means surface water drains through the surface rather than running off onto pavements and roadways. This is a legal requirement for all new build developments. 

Eco-Friendly

If you want to buy products that are more environmentally friendly, then a resin driveway is something you will want to consider. Types of Resin Bound are made using recycled materials, such as incorporating shredded tires or plastic straws. 

In fact, they are manufactured out of naturally occurring marble and aggregate. So if your decisions as a consumer are partly driven by the environmental impact of the products you buy, consider resin.

Boost Home Valuation

Another benefit of getting a driveway made of resin is that it will boost your home valuation. Homebuyers will likely be drawn by the quality of the product and by how it stands out and catches peoples eye.  in a good way. 

Your home is, if you are like most people, your biggest investment. It pays to invest in maintaining and improving such an investment. A resin driveway can help in this regard. It will add aesthetic charm as well as real value in some cases increasing your property price by as much as 20%.

Relatively Easy to Install…for Professionals

Installing a resin driveway is relatively straightforward for experts in the industry. Non-pros will have a more difficult time, however. If you want maximum longevity, then professional installation is necessary. Ace Resin’s installers have over 50 years’ experience laying Resin Bound. Our industry knowledge is second to none and we consider ourselves industry experts. We understand choosing a contractor to lay your driveway is an important choice but please be assured that you are in safe hands. Our installers are professional, friendly and approachable. Our office team is always here to help with any queries you may have. Please contact us for a no obligation quote. 

Cons of Resin Driveways

Here’s a look at some potential problems you could run into if you get a resin driveway. It’s possible to steer clear of these cons, however.

Fading

One potential drawback with resin driveway materials is that the colour you get could experience premature fading. This is due to direct exposure to the sun’s rays. To avoid this potential problem, you must ensure you choose a reputable contractor who uses UV resistant resin. This means the colour and elasticity are not affected by sunlight. So you need to choose the right colour to possibly avoid this.

If in doubt as to what colour to choose, you can ask the product provider you work with. The company will be able to recommend suitable options. 

Moss & Staining

Moss can occur on the surface of Resin Bound but can be easily removed using a stiff broom.

Another possible problem to be aware of is the possibility of staining. If you choose a colour of a lighter hew, you could encounter staining issues. You will not want your driveway to become an eyesore due to staining.

You can combat this issue by choosing a darker colour so that small stains are barely noticeable. You should also clean up stains as soon as you find them so that your resin driveway continues to look great for years to come.

Not the Best Choice for Heavy Traffic Areas

A resin driveway brings many benefits. But it is not necessarily the best option if your driveway will be a heavily trafficked space on your property. If there is too much activity — like vehicles turning — the resin could lift. An example of this would be a heavy trafficked carpark with HGVs. 

So assess how your driveway will be used and whether or not resin is one of the types of driveways that will be a good fit for your property. If in doubt, consult with a professional who can advise you of your best options.

Must Vet Installers

The world of resin driveway installers is one where there is no regulation. What this means is that you will have to do your research and perform due diligence before you choose the contractor to install your driveway.

Even if you spend the money to get a premium resin product, it will have to be installed properly if you are going to get the full benefits. You will want to do your research, ask for recommendations, and ask questions.

The last thing you will want is to do is hire a contractor who either has no experience installing resin driveways or who is nowhere close to being an expert in the space. Otherwise, you may end up with buyer’s remorse.

Improper Maintenance Could Lead to Mold

While it is true that resin driveways do not require the same level of maintenance as other types of driveways, that does not mean that they are maintenance-free.

For instance, you will want to clean it routinely to prevent moss or algae from growing on your resin driveway. Using a good pressure washer every now and then will go a long way toward keeping your resin driveway clean. Read our resin driveway maintenance and care guide for more information.

Need to Get the Right Resin

It is not enough to get just any resin driveway — you need to get the right one for your specific needs. Asking a professional for an expert opinion is crucial. That way, you will be able to make an informed decision. 

Correct Depth Needed to Prevent Cracking 

If your resin driveway is installed without adequate regard for achieving the correct depth, the end result could be cracking. That not only will look awful, but also will jeopardize the durability of your driveway altogether.

So if your resin driveway is being installed on top of a concrete sub-base, it is important that any cracks are filled in prior to adding the resin. An expert contractor will know this, of course. This is why you should only hire a pro.

Are You Ready to Get a Resin Driveway?

When you compare the pros and the cons of getting a resin driveway, you will see that the positives far outweigh the negatives. In fact, many of the potential negatives can be avoided by simply taking appropriate steps.

Are you interested in learning more about how to get a resin driveway on your property? If so, you have come to the right place. From our head office in Essex, we serve customers in London, East Anglia, Kent, and beyond via our approved contractor network.

We can help you get the resin driveway or pathway you want for your property. For more information or to book an appointment, use the form below.

Did you know we also sell DIY Resin Kits? Perfect for small areas around your home.