Resin Bound Surfacing: Everything You Want to Know About it

Resin Bound is a surfacing technique that involves mixing a combination of natural aggregates, such as gravel or stone, with a clear resin binder. The resulting mixture is poured and trowelled onto a prepared surface to create a durable, attractive, and seamless surface.

The resin used is a two-part epoxy or polyurethane resin, creating a permeable surface that allows water to pass through, reducing flood risks. Moreover, resin-bound surfaces are eco-friendly and suitable for driveways, patios, walkways, and pool surrounds while being low maintenance and slip resistance.

These come in various colours and textures, allowing customised designs to match the surrounding landscape or architecture. Therefore, reading this guide first is essential before hiring resin-bound surfacing specialists to better understand this technique.

Materials Used in Resin Bound Surfacing

The following are the materials that are used in resin-bound surfacing.

1. Natural aggregates: These are the primary materials used in Resin Bound surfacing. They include stones, pebbles, gravel, and other natural materials that are cleaned, dried, and graded before mixed with the resin.
2. Clear resin binder: This is a two-part epoxy or polyurethane resin that acts as the binding agent for the natural aggregates. The resin binds the aggregates together to create a strong, durable surface.
3. Resin-bound Catalyst: This chemical additive is added to the resin mixture to speed up the curing process.
4. Pigments: These are added to the resin mixture to create different colours and finishes. Pigments can be added in different quantities to create a range of colours and shades.
5. UV stabilisers: These additives are added to the resin mixture to protect the surface from UV damage and discolouration.
6. Sealers: These are coatings applied to the cured Resin Bound surface to protect it from stains, oil, and other contaminants.
7. Sub-base materials: These materials are used to prepare the surface before the Resin Bound mixture is applied. They include materials like asphalt, concrete, or compacted aggregate, depending on the application and location of the Resin Bound surface.

How Resin Bound is Applied? Step-by-step Process

The following steps are followed when building a resin-bound structure.

Step 1: Surface preparation

• The surface to be covered with Resin Bound is first prepared by cleaning it thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, or vegetation.
• The surface is then levelled and smoothed to create a uniform and even surface.

Step 2: Mixing

• The two-part resin is mixed with the natural aggregates in a forced-action mixer.
• The mixer ensures that the resin and aggregates are mixed thoroughly and consistently to create a smooth and homogenous mixture.

Step 3: Pouring and Trowelling

• The mixture is poured onto the prepared surface and spread evenly to create a smooth, level layer.
• A trowel is then used to compress and smooth out the mixture, ensuring that it is evenly distributed and there are no air pockets.

  

Step 4: Curing

• The Resin Bound mixture is allowed to cure and harden over time. The curing time can vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity.
• The resin chemically bonds with the aggregates during curing, creating a strong and durable surface.

Step 5: Finishing

• Once the Resin Bound surface is cured, it can be finished to create a variety of textures and patterns.
• The surface can be textured or polished to create a smooth or rough finish, depending on the desired look.

Applications of Resin Bound

Resin Bound surfacing is a versatile and durable solution that can be used for various applications. Here are some common applications of Resin driveways in Devon:

1. Driveways: Resin-bound surfacing is a durable, low-maintenance, slip-resistant, and decorative option for driveways, making it a popular choice for both vehicles and pedestrians.
2. Commercial Applications: These surfacing solutions are cost-effective for high-traffic commercial areas such as parking lots, shopping centres, and hotels. The surface is durable, slip-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance, making it a popular choice.
3. Pool Surrounds: Resin-bound surfacing is a durable and slip-resistant option for pool surrounds that is comfortable to walk barefoot, making it a popular choice for residential and commercial pool areas.
4. Patios and Walkways: These surfaces are long-lasting and attractive options for patios and walkways, with the added benefit of better drainage due to their permeable surface, reducing the risk of flooding.

Advantages of Resin Bound Surfacing

The followings are the benefits or reasons why people prefer it instead of going for other surfacing solutions.

1. Durability and longevity
2. Versatility in design and application
3. Low maintenance requirements
4. Safety and slip resistance
5. Permeability and eco-friendliness

Conclusion:

Resin-bound surfacing is a popular and versatile technique for creating durable and attractive surfaces for various applications. The use of natural aggregates and clear resin binder, along with various additives such as pigments and UV stabilizers, allows for customization and design flexibility. With its low maintenance requirements, slip resistance, and permeability, resin-bound surfacing is an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for driveways, pool surrounds, patios, and walkways. Proper surface preparation and application techniques by experienced contractors ensure a long-lasting and beautiful surface for years to come.