Driveway resurfacing in Bromley

If your tarmac or concrete drive looks tired but the base is still solid, resurfacing with resin bound gravel can give it a new finish without digging the whole thing out. We resurface driveways across Bromley, Orpington, Beckenham and nearby, and we tell you honestly at the survey whether your drive is suitable.

When an overlay is possible

An existing surface can usually be overlaid when it is:

• Firm, with no soft or sinking areas
• Free of large cracks, or with cracks that can be repaired first
• Laid to sensible falls so water runs away from the house
• At a level where the extra thickness will not cause problems at doors, drains or the damp-proof course

When a new base is needed

Tarmac that is breaking up, concrete slabs that rock or have heaved, and drives that hold water usually need replacing rather than covering. Laying resin over a failing base tends to bring the same cracks straight through to the new surface. In that case we quote for taking out the old drive and laying a new base, as described on our resin bound driveways page.

Drainage when you overlay

Resin bound surfacing only lets water through if the layer underneath does too. Laid over sound tarmac or concrete, the water still has to go somewhere, so we plan the falls and drainage at survey. Where a front drive is resurfaced, the planning rules for front gardens still apply. Government guidance on front gardens says you do not need planning permission for a new or replacement driveway of any size if it uses permeable (porous) surfacing, or if rainwater is directed to a lawn or border to drain naturally. Covering more than 5 square metres of front garden with an impermeable surface that drains onto the road does need planning permission. If your overlay will sit on an impermeable surface, we look at directing water to a border, a soakaway or a drainage channel.

What resurfacing involves

1. Survey and written quote
2. Cleaning the existing surface and repairing cracks or holes
3. Fitting edging where the resin meets lawns, borders or the pavement
4. Priming where the product calls for it
5. Mixing and trowelling the resin bound layer
6. Leaving it to cure before use

Thinking about a dropped kerb at the same time?

If you want to park on a front garden that has no dropped kerb, you need a vehicle crossover from Bromley Council before you drive over the pavement. The council builds crossovers itself. Our dropped kerbs guide sets out the council's steps.

For more on how resin compares with relaying tarmac or block paving, read resin vs block paving and tarmac. For what drives the price of a job, see our cost guide.

Common questions

Can resin go over block paving?

Not usually. Block paving can move slightly under load and the joints can show through. We normally recommend lifting it and preparing a suitable base.

Will resurfacing raise the level of my drive?

Yes, a little. We check door thresholds, drain covers, the damp-proof course and the pavement edge at survey to make sure the new level works.

Is resurfacing cheaper than a new driveway?

Overlaying avoids digging out and a new base, so it usually involves less work. Whether it is right depends on the condition of your existing drive, which we check at survey.

Get a free quote

Areas we cover

Bromley | Orpington | Beckenham | Chislehurst | West Wickham | Hayes, Bromley | Petts Wood | Biggin Hill