#1. Always complete your pre-site preparations
These include checking the subbase is stable and there isn’t any cracking. If there are any imperfections, then this may cause the resin bound system to fail and crack. If you do find any problems, complete any repairs in plenty of time prior to the installation date. Additionally, you should check to see if your subbase is porous and if it’s not you should factor in drainage solutions to your installation.
Once you’re happy that the subbase is sufficient make sure your surface has a permanent edging. Temporary edging, such as fence posts which need replacing every five years, may damage your surface when being replaced.
Prior to installation, clean your surface area to make certain it’s free from leaves, weeds or any other contaminants as these will cause the resin bound surface to fail, which will result in a costly repair bill.
When all these checks are done, double-check your measurements and material. The last thing you need is to realise you haven’t ordered enough resulting in unnecessary joints and cracks and aggregate colour differences.
And finally, the weather! Basically, never ever lay resin bound paving in the rain. This is easier said than done with our British weather climate! Basically, water will get into the surface causing discolouration and a reduction in strength… This is crucial to the success of the resin bound surface and if ignored, it could become a massive costly mistake!
Top tips
- Tape your edging to avoid discolouration from the resin
- Account for a 10% contingency when ordering your material
- Use our resin bound calculator to help you determine how much material you need
- Always make sure the surface is dry prior to install
- Optimal temperatures for laying resin bound are between 5oC and 35oC
- Scatter crushed glass over the top of the resin bound paving while it’s curing for a slip-resistant surface
- If you’re unsure, then request a free site survey from HMS.
#2. Equipment
Make sure you have all the right equipment prior to installation and should contain:
- A forced action mixer
- A drill with a helical whisk attachment
- Wheelbarrow with a polythene liner to help with clean-up
- Floor trowel
- Flat-head squeegee
- White spirits and cloths
- Masking tape
- Tape measure
- Disposable gloves
- Yard brush
Top tips
- Always make sure your equipment is clean and dry prior to use
- Never mix aggregate and resin in a concrete mixer.
#3. Training
If you’re new to resin bound paving, why not consider one of our training courses? Run by experienced industry professionals it’s a hands-on, practical and informative course enabling you to try out some of your newly learned techniques with an expert on-hand to offer advice if required.
Typically run in groups of 5 – 12, you will learn:
- Features and benefits of resin bound paving
- Different subbases suitable for resin bound paving
- How resin bound systems work
- Specification (UV or non-UV) and base build-up
- Rations of resin and aggregate
- Application theory
- Essential equipment
- How to mix the resin and aggregate
- Preparation of the site including H&S and PPE
- Installation process including luting and trowelling, with a practical demonstration on trowelling
- Site clean-down
- What might go wrong? Including troubleshooting, temperature fluctuations and weather interruptions
- Your chance to practice what you’ve learned under our guidance!
#4. Videos and guides
If you’re short on time and can’t attend one of our training courses, then watch our resin bound installation video and download our PDF guide.
