resin bound surfacing

Resin bound paving is a decorative surfacing solution that mixes resin and aggregate together to create a mixture that can be applied to a surface using a trowel. The result is a surface that takes on the aesthetic appearance of gravel that has a completely smooth, flat finish with zero trip hazards and stone migration.

Not only does this seamless finish look great, it’s also durable, strong, low maintenance and functional, which makes it the perfect solution for city centre pedestrianised areas, driveways, car parks and access roads.

It is quickly becoming the surfacing of choice for architects, landscape designers and civil engineers, as no other surfacing solution has all these qualities:

•  Permeable. Water can drain through the surface, reducing surface water run-off and the potential for flooding. And as long as the sub-base is also permeable, this surfacing choice is SUDS compliant.
• Slip resistant. Although it has a smooth finish, by sprinkling fine crushed glass before the surfacing is cured, it adds slip resistance, without compromising on appearance and functionality.
• Seamless finish. By trowelling pre-mixed resin bound to a surface, it guarantees a completely flat, smooth and seamless finish (especially if the surface area can be completed in one day).
• Low maintenance. Due to the application process of resin bound surfacing, very few weeds grow and it therefore requires very little maintenance. A sweep is often all that’s needed!
• Limited colour-fade. As long as good quality UV-stable resins are used, a resin bound surface is resistant to sunlight and will not fade with time … as another benefit to using good quality resins, the surfacing becomes resistant to petrol and oil spills.
• Design Flexibility. The application of resin bound is incredibly flexible due to it being soft when it’s applied. This enables surfacing contractors to experiment with their designs making it a beautiful alternative to more traditional paving such as concrete or tarmac.
• Hard-wearing. Resin bound paving is durable and incredibly hard wearing. You would find it difficult to snap a piece of resin bound paving! This means that this surfacing can be used for pedestrian areas and also cope with vehicle us such as driveways and access roads!

More information can be found in are article on the ‘Common Questions Around Resin Bound Surfacing‘.

Resin bonded surface dressing is the process of scattering loose gravel or aggregate onto resin after it has been applied to a surface. It takes on the appearance of loose gravel but is basically stuck to the ground. This means there is little or no stone migration with a high-friction finish, which makes it the perfect surfacing choice for slopes, ramps and winter conditions.

There are many other plus points to resin bonded surfacing dressing with the main one in are opinion, being the range of colours available when compared to traditional concrete and tarmac finishes. This enables architects, landscape designers and civil engineers to select a surfacing that compliments the surrounding area.

For example, HMS are often appointed to lay resin bonded surfacing dressing in and around the Cotswolds area. We often use a custom aggregate blend to match the natural Cotswold stone so that the surfacing blends with the natural environment.

We personally feel that resin bound is the superior surfacing due to its exclusive features. Having said that, it does completely depend on your project.

Both have a wide range of colours available and take on the appearance of loose stone (although resin bonded more closely matches loose stone as it is not encapsulated within a resin mix; it sits on top of, or is stuck to, a coat of resin which is first applied to a surface). Basically, it depends on your project requirements:

• Do you need to comply with the Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS)?
  If so, then resin bonded surfacing is not for you. The resin completely covers the surface making it impossible for water to drain through to the ground below.Whereas resin bound surfacing is a mix of resin and aggregate before it is applied. The resin completely covers the stone, and once cured, are bound together. Because of this, small wholes are left in the surface which allows water to drain through to the sub-base, and as long as the sub-base is also permeable, you get yourself a SUDS compliant surfacing solution.
• Are you looking for a high friction surfacing that looks good?
  This is where you would choose resin bonded surfacing. Because it isn’t mixed with resin before it’s laid, the stone naturally provides additional friction.

As previously explained, resin bonded surface dressing takes on the appearance more of loose gravel and stone, which is often the preferred surfacing to fit in with more historical surroundings or heritage sites. It also offers increased slip resistance, which is perfect for slopes, ramps and areas prone to a lot of winter frost.

Resin bound paving has a smooth, modern finish and improves the finish of any property, whether it is a domestic driveway or hard landscaping surrounding a commercial building. Because of its permeable properties, it’s the perfect surfacing for new developments (and if specified in the original planning application, planning permission is more easily granted).

By reducing surface water run-off, the risk of flooding is significantly reduced. It also acts as a natural filter, which means most of the pollutants that are filtered out before they reach our waterways … so doing its bit for the environment.

Another significant benefit is its durability. It is incredibly hard-wearing and can support trafficked areas such as car parks, driveways and access roads. When compared with resin bonded surfacing, bold patches may appear over time where the stone has come loose from the resin base, but resin bound will look as good as the day it was laid (with maintenance) 15 – 20 years later.

Check our our gallery and see if you can tell the difference!

Because resin bound paving has a smooth finish, you will be forgiven for thinking that it’s slippery. However, the surface does have enough texture to ensure slip resistance on slopes, driveways and paths.

Resin bound gravel is available from several stockists around the UK. Here at HMS, our sister company RSD, sells resin bound kits (and bonded kits) from its Leicestershire Head Office. They can also be purchased online where we can despatch via our haulage company at reasonable rates.