6 Common Resin Drive Problems
6 Common Resin Drive Problems
Resin drive problems usually stem from unprofessional and/or inexperienced installers.
But there are many great installers out there and there are other reasons for issues.
Here is a list of 6 common problems, and how to avoid them.
If you want a quick way to save some ££££££s then watch the video below.
Real easy!
1. Resin Drives Problems – Getting the Right Depth
Generally the following depths are sufficient for a resin drive:
- 3mm aggregate – 12mm depth
- 6mm aggregate – 16mm depth
- 10mm aggregate – 22mm depth
Any less than this and problems may occur with patches of resin coming up and/or cracks appearing on the resin surface. As a resin drive is hand laid there may be slight variations but there should be no variance of more than 1mm. For a patio or pathway the depth can be 12mm (minimum) as these areas will not have any vehicular traffic.
2. Movement of Sub Base
If the resin drive has been laid on top of tarmac or concrete, attention should be paid to where control joints have been cut (for concrete only). This is because concrete moves due to temperature changes. If resin is laid on top and the concrete moves, so will the resin surface and a crack will appear. If a resin driveway is laid on top of neither…(and this happens) expect to get finished work that looks like this…..
No Base Installation? Think Icing on a Cake!
Resin is popular as an overlay driveway/patio surface. As long as an existing area is structurally sound this shouldn’t be a problem. Again, the experience of your chosen installer is important here. Most of the decent ones we know will always recommend a complete installation from start to finish, as they then know that everything has been done to achieve the perfect finish.
3. Cracks on a Resin Drive
If the incorrect mixture is used when making resin this may cause cracking in the surface. The problem can also occur if the incorrect amount of aggregate (stone) is used during the mixing process. Suppliers of resin and aggregate usually specify the proportions to mix resin and the amount of aggregate to use.
Any guarantees will be in accordance with manufacturers specifications. Therefore it’s important to establish which manufacturer is being used and to make sure you read (and understand) the specification sheets.
4. Resin Drive Problems – Colour
Resins are either Ultra Violet (UV) stable or non-UV stable. These are also known as ‘Aromatic’ or ‘Aliphatic’ resins. Always opt for UV stable unless there is no sunlight reaching the paving surface.
The colour of stone (aggregates) does not change but depending on which colour of aggregate is used will affect the final finished look. When resin is mixed it has a slight beige colour.
5. Resin drive problems – Streaking
It is important to maintain consistency with the mixture of resin used to prevent ‘streaking.
Firstly, all stone (aggregate) should be dust free when delivered.
Secondly, as a precaution it should be mixed for a minute or so, to remove any dust particles.
Finally, when resin is mixed with aggregate is should always be mixed for 3 mins. If mixed any longer than this, it may cause the stones to absorb resin. And this may result with a streaking appearance or stripes.
So timing is everything with mixing resin and stone!
White Patches on Resin Driveway
6. The Dreaded White Patch
It’s always best to lay a resin driveway on a dry day. The difference in resin setting times can vary depending whether in the summer or winter (but only by around 7-8 minutes).
During the preparation stage it’s important that the surface to be laid on (concrete, tarmac or grid) is completely dry.
If there’s any chance of rain it’s best to postpone installation.
It has been known for risk taking installers to go ahead anyway and install on the basis of doing small area at a time and having a sheet to cover if rain comes.
This is highly unprofessional. The sheet may stick to the resin and it is impossible to know beforehand how heavy and for how long rain will fall.
Another cause of ‘patching’ is the use of damp stone. As long as a decent supplier is used this will not be a problem. If a bulk delivery is taking place it is important that the stone is covered properly.
As you can see there are numerous resin drive problems that can be encountered. Whilst the product is incredibly easy to install, experience really goes a long way. As long as measures are taken to avoid the problems above – a good installation can be achieved.
The Biggest Problem with Resin Drives
In our experience the biggest problem in terms of resin drive problems are those consumers that want ‘cheap’. If you’re one of these type of consumer you should consider turfing a driveway area or simply leaving it as it is.
By opting cheap you’ll pay twice. So just don’t do it!
A professional and inspiring resin driveway surface doesn’t come cheap. Prices are in the region of £120 – £150 per square metre. An overlay will cost less, a lot less. But an existing surface must be structurally sound. If in doubt ensure you opt for a complete excavation and sub base installation.
If you use sub standard resin and/or don’t use a driveway specialist you really have no cause to complain if things turn out badly.
Our Most Popular Driveway Blog Posts
Top 21 Best Sunken Seating Areas – Outdoor Living Ideas
Top 21 Best Sunken Seating Areas Top 21 Best Sunken Seating Areas If you are...
Is the Hypedome worth the Hype? Hypedome Review
Introducing the Hypedome Hypedome Review What's the Hype About the Hypedome? The need for being...
Pattern Imprinted Concrete Mistake. Can you Spot it?
Pattern Imprinted Concrete Mistake Pattern Imprinted Concrete Mistake There is a...
Best Driveway Gates 2022 – Materials, Style and Automation
Best Driveway Gates Best Driveway Gates: A Complete Guide into Every Aspect of Your...
Best 20 Garden Ornaments for Small Gardens 2022
15 Garden Ornaments for Small Gardens for 2022We'll take a look at our favourite garden ornaments...
Best Landscaping Projects May 2022 – Gardens & Driveways
Best Landscaping Projects May 2022Best Landscaping Projects May 2022 - Driveways and GardensHere...
Driveway Cleaning
Driveway CleaningDriveway Cleaning A driveway cleaning routine is the best way to make your...
Top 20 Best Block Paving Driveways
Best Block Paving DrivewaysTop 12 Best Block Paving Driveways for 2022In this post we show you a...
Best Paving Designs Block Paving
Best Paving Designs Block PavingBest Paving Designs Block paving Best Paving Design Ideas Paving...
Outdoor Living Ideas 2022
Outdoor Living Ideas 2022 We hope that this outdoor living ideas post will give you...
Top 20 Best Novelty Drink Coolers 2022
20 Awesome Novelty Drink Coolers for 2022Top 20 Best Novelty Drink Coolers for 2022 These Novelty...
A Guide to Driveway Paving Options
Driveway Paving OptionsA guide to Driveway Paving Options If you have travelled around the world,...
Patio Ideas for 2022
Patio Ideas for 2022 In this post we’ll be taking a look at patio ideas for 2022 that will help...
Driveway Sealing
Driveway SealingDrivewaywise.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we...
Top 12 Best Victorian Mosaic Pathway Ideas
12 Geometrically Pleasing Victorian Mosaic Pathway IdeasTop 12 Best Victorian Mosaic Pathway...
Top 20 Best Garden Wall Ideas for Your Home 2022
20 Top Best Garden Wall Ideas 202120 Top Best Garden Wall Ideas for Your Home 2021These garden...
10 Best Reasons to have a Carport 2022
10 Best Reasons to have a Carport 2022 With the option of leasing and car finance our cars have...
Best Permeable Paving Options. (And why you should opt for a permeable driveway)
What is permeable paving? And what are the Best Permeable Paving Options for your driveway or...
20 Best Vertical Garden Ideas for Your Home
The Best 20 Vertical Garden Ideas 202220 Best Vertical Garden Ideas for Your HomeIf you are...
Privacy on your Driveway and Data Protection
Ring Ring – Is it time for financial claims against your nosey neighbours? Today we have a good...
Home Security Guide
Home Security Guide - Why have Home Security? We have created this home security guide as...
Top 21 Front Yard Ideas – Landscaping Design Ideas
Top 21 Front Yard Ideas 21 Front yard ideas in one article, because front yards (or...
Top 20 Courtyard Ideas – Garden Design Ideas
Top 20 Courtyard Ideas - Garden Design20 Courtyard Ideas for your inspiration. It’s important to...
Top 4 Best Weather Stations for your Home for 2022
Top 4 Best Weather StationsTop 4 Best Weather Stations for your HomeHaving your own weather...
Top 14 best Ideas for Hedges instead of Fences
Top 14 Best Ideas for Hedges instead of FencesTop 14 best Ideas for Hedges instead of...
Top 21 Best Garden Pond Ideas
Top 21 Garden Pond Ideas We have put these garden pond ideas together to inspire you in your...
Top 20 Best Wooden Fence Ideas 2022
Top 20 Best Wooden Fence Ideas 202220 Wooden fence ideas for all garden lovers. We all know how...
7 Car Security Systems to keep your car safe from thieves
Top 7 Best Car Security Systems7 Car Security Systems to keep your car safe from...
Ultimate Block Paving Guide
Ultimate Guide to Block Paving Driveways Block paving is still the UK’s most popular driveway...
Top 20 Best Modern Driveways for 2022
Top 20 Ideas for Modern Driveways 2022Coming home is a beautiful thing. Driveways are often the...