Not only important in creating a good early impression, the paved areas around a new property must also deliver a lasting and hard-wearing surface. Professional Builder chats to Duncan Andrews, Marketing Communications Manager at SureSet, about using resin bound paving.
What is resin bound paving and what are its benefits?
Resin bound paving is a hard wearing, permeable surface made using natural aggregates, marbles, recycled coloured glass and other recycled products which are mixed with a clear resin and hand floated to create a smooth, durable and permeable surface.
The benefits of our own system is that it offers a UV stable two part resin that is guaranteed against colour change, it provides the largest range of aggregates and the ability to create any colour you require, meaning the design possibilities are endless. We also offer a peace of mind guarantee that protects against loose stone, cracking, oil damage, UV degradation, frost damage and workmanship issues.
In which areas around a property home can resin bound paving be used?
Resin bound paving is the perfect solution for all paving requirements around a newbuild or existing property. From a SuDS compliant driveway/service road build up, to the pathways to the front door and around the side of the house, all the way through to the patio, garden paths – and, if you are lucky enough, the swimming pool surround. It can also seamlessly blend the indoor and outdoor areas, giving a feeling of more space and light by installing matching aggregates internally and sealing with a clear Pore Filler to produce a non-permeable surface.
What type of base is required?
The solution can be installed on many different bases, most common and highly recommended is an open grade AC10 asphalt.
For a driveway application, this build up requires a 175mm minimum depth of a well compacted type 3 granular sub base, a 70mm minimum depth AC10 open graded asphalt followed by a resin bound paving depth of between 16 and 24mm depending on the aggregate size.
Resin bound paving can also be installed onto a no fines concrete as well as existing impermeable asphalt, concrete and our own SureCell product. This is a recycled plastic interlocking grid structure that, once filled with compacted loose aggregate, creates an extremely durable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional bases.
The SureCell build up requires 150mm of a well compacted Type 3 granular sub base, a 52mm layer of SureCell infilled with a well compacted 4/10mm crushed stone and finished with a 20-28mm layer of SureSet, depending on the aggregate size used.
Is resin bound paving compatible with SuDS?
Resin bound paving is permeable by design, so when combined with a suitable base build up creates a fully SuDS-compliant surface. Aco drains can also be installed to transport rainwater to suitable soak away points if required.
What colours and textures are available?
We are able to offer one of the largest range of aggregates on the market. Including rounded and crushed natural aggregates, available in three different sizes that can be tailored to an exact specification. Also available are rounded and crushed marbles available in a variety of sizes, and a full range of Spectrum recycled glass aggregates, which can be custom coloured to any RAL colour meaning there are no limits to the design capabilities.
Also offered are a range of recycled products such as crushed bottle glass and recycled truck tires mixed with natural aggregates tyres, which are perfect for rural pathways, equestrian centre, cycle tracks, tree pits and pathways at sports grounds and golf courses. One major benefit of these products is they can be laid directly onto an existing hardcore/crushed aggregate base, meaning less preparation work is required.
What are the long-term maintenance requirements?
Once installed, maintenance requirements are minimal. For optimal performance it is advised that the paving is pressure washed twice a year (typically spring and autumn) to clear out the pores and remove surface dirt. It is recommended any spillages are washed away with plenty of water as soon as possible and if necessary scrubbed with a hard bristled brush and warm soapy water.
