Resin bound driveways in Bromley

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A resin bound driveway is made by mixing dried natural aggregate with a clear resin and trowelling the mix by hand over a prepared base. The result is a smooth, seamless surface with no loose stones to kick onto the pavement. We lay new resin bound driveways for homes across Bromley, Orpington, Beckenham and the rest of the borough.

What is included

A free survey of your existing drive, levels and drainage
Removal of the old surface where it cannot be overlaid
A suitable base, either new or the existing one where it is sound
Edging to hold the resin at the sides and at the pavement
Your choice of aggregate colour or blend
A tidy site when we leave

The base matters most

Most problems with resin driveways start below the surface. Resin bound gravel is a wearing course, not a structural layer, so it needs a firm, stable base that will not move or crack. On a new drive this is usually a permeable base so water can drain through the whole build-up. Where an existing tarmac or concrete drive is sound, we may be able to lay over it, but cracks, soft spots and poor falls need dealing with first. You can read more about this on our driveway resurfacing page.

Drainage and planning

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. 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. If your home is listed, in a conservation area or is a flat or maisonette, check with Bromley Council before work starts.

Colours and finish

Aggregates come in many natural colours, from light silver and buff tones to darker greys and browns. Blends of two or three colours can help hide everyday marks. We bring samples to the survey so you can see them against your house and paving. Resin for outdoor use should be UV stable, so the colour holds in sunlight; we confirm the product on the written quote.

How a typical job runs

Survey: we measure, check the base and talk through colours and edging.
Quote: you get a written quote setting out the work.
Preparation: excavation or repairs to the base, edging and any drainage.
Laying: the resin and stone are mixed on site in batches and trowelled to a smooth finish.
Curing: the surface needs time to cure before you walk or drive on it. We tell you how long for your job, as it depends on the product and the weather.

Looking after it

Sweep the drive regularly and wash it down now and then to keep it clean. Clear leaves and moss before they build up. Oil and fuel spills should be cleaned off promptly. If an area gets damaged, small repairs are often possible; see resin repairs.

Comparing options? See resin vs block paving and tarmac and resin bound vs resin bonded. For paths and patios to match, see resin paths and patios.

Common questions

How long before I can drive on a new resin driveway?

It depends on the resin product and the temperature when it is laid. Foot traffic usually comes first and vehicles later. We give you clear timings on the day.

Can resin be laid in wet weather?

Resin should not be laid in rain or on a wet base, as moisture affects the finish. If the forecast is poor we will move the date rather than lay in the wet.

Do weeds grow through resin bound driveways?

Weeds do not usually grow up through a well laid surface on a proper base, but seeds can settle on top in dirt and leaves. Regular sweeping keeps this down.

Is a resin bound driveway permeable?

The resin and stone layer is porous, so it is permeable when the base under it is permeable too. Over solid tarmac or concrete, drainage has to be planned separately.

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