What Can Resin Bound Surfacing Be Laid On?

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If you’re wanting to upgrade your driveway, carpark or school playground then you may be wondering if resin bound surfacing is able to be laid on top of what you currently have. In this guide we’re discussing the best types of surfaces that will work with resin bound and others that may not.

As a rule of thumb, the most suitable and common bases to lay resin bound surfacing on are tarmac and concrete.

The benefits of tarmac and concrete

Tarmac and concrete are the most popular with contractors due to their permeability (meaning they allow liquids and gases to flow through them). This is an important factor as it allows the natural filtering of water back into the ground, preventing any chances of flooding.

Concrete is great to use underneath your resin bound surfacing due to its durability – it won’t crack, shrink or expand in hot or cold weather and therefore will not affect the resin above.

Bases to avoid when using resin bound surfacing

Block Paving – although this surface remains popular, it is not as durable; the brickwork can start to become loose and therefore start to open up gaps. This in turn leads to costly ongoing maintenance.

Paving Flags and Slabs – it is best to avoid laying any form of resin bound surfacing on these. This is because any base movement will cause the resin to crack and will therefore be difficult to repair.

Looking for a dependable surfacing contractor?

At A&MT Contractors, we pride ourselves on delivering high quality results time after time. If you are unsure what type of surface you already have, you can arrange a free site survey with one of our expert groundworkers in Peterborough. Contact us today to find out more.

Car Park Maintenance: Why Is It So Important?

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We all know how important it is to maintain your premises correctly. Whether you operate out of an office, run retail stores or own a warehouse, you’ll be welcoming visitors to your site regularly – so it has to look the part. But it’s not just about what’s inside your building: what’s outside counts for a great deal too.

Although most business owners take pride in their building and keep it looking clean and tidy, there is one area that often tends to fall by the wayside: the car park. Sure, it might not be the most glamorous or exciting part of your facility, but it’s every bit as important as your shop front or your office entrance. Here’s why.

It’s the first thing people see

What do people first notice about your premises? No, not your swanky furniture or your art deco light fittings… your car park! Even when people arrive on foot, they have to walk through your car park to get to your building, so keeping it looking spick and span is vital.

A pothole-strewn car park that’s untidy and poorly kept will leave a bad first impression – and first impressions matter.

It can put people at ease

For many of us, our car is our pride and joy, an expression of our personality. And even those who aren’t as in love with their car still won’t want the hassle of it getting damaged. In maintaining your car park, you’ll be creating a safe haven for visitors’ vehicles, allowing them to relax and enjoy their time inside your premises.

It has an important job to do

Car parks have to be safe, first and foremost. If you leave yours to fall into disrepair, pedestrians could injure themselves on potholes or loose paving – either of which could also damage vehicles. You have a responsibility to keep people safe. If you fail to do so, you could be left facing costly legal proceedings.

Speak to the car park surfacing experts

Does your car park need a refresh? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Our car park surfacing contractors can take care of everything from drainage systems through to repairs, kerbing installations and, of course, resurfacing. Get your free, no obligation quote today.

How to Maintain Car Park Surfacing

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It’s easy to overlook car parks, but in reality they play a very important role in establishing first impressions – not to mention helping to keep pedestrians and motorists safe. Even if a car park has been carefully thought out and intelligently designed, if it’s not maintained adequately enough, it can cause health and safety issues and drag down the overall appearance of your business.

To help you keep on top of things and maintain the appearance of your car park, here are a few top tips from our contractors.

Know your surface

First of all, it’s important to know the surface of your car park and what it demands in terms of maintenance. Some surfaces – like loose gravel – require more regular attention than the likes of resin bound surfaces or tarmac, and some can be easier to clean and maintain than others.

Make sure you research the best course of action for your surface type – or, if you’re unsure, speak to our experts. How you approach car park maintenance will also depend on the size of your car park. If it’s relatively small, you might want to pressure wash it and sweep it by hand, but larger areas may require more advanced equipment to get the job done effectively.

Keep an eye on drainage

If your car park’s surface isn’t porous, drainage issues can frequently occur if your drainage system is either inadequate or poorly maintained. If standing water is left for extended periods, it can eventually cause damage to the surface. Make sure you address drainage issues before they do lasting damage by checking for blockages or consulting with specialists.

Don’t delay repairs

Noticed cracks forming or a pothole beginning to develop? It’s not worth the risk of delaying a repair, as someone could injure themselves on the surface or damage could be caused to a visitor’s vehicle. We offer rapid response pothole repair at A&MT Contractors – and for a reasonable price, too.

Car park surfacing contractors

Considering getting your car park resurfaced altogether? Speak to our car park surfacing contractors today. We’re able to deliver a comprehensive construction service nationwide, providing line markings, kerbing, drainage and more!

Is Resin Bound Surfacing DIY-Friendly?

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If you’re an avid DIY enthusiast and prefer tackling jobs on your home yourself, you might be tempted to give resin bound surfacing a go. But should you – or are you better off calling in the assistance of a professional? Let’s take a look.

Consider your skill level

You might think, as a specialist resin bound contractor, we’d give a biased answer to this question. But with the rising cost of living, we completely understand why you’d want to have a crack at resurfacing your drive or patio yourself – who doesn’t like to save a bit of money, after all?

But before you even consider having a go, think about your own skill level and previous experience. Have you completed any resurfacing projects before? The process of laying a resin bound surface is unique and has to be followed correctly. If you’re not totally confident in your abilities, it’s best to consult a professional resin bound surfacing company In Peterborough.

Tricky process

Although resin bound has plenty of benefits, it’s not the easiest surface to install – and leaves little room for error. First, you have to prepare the base and ensure it’s totally clean and ready to go. Resin bound mixtures begin to set very quickly, so you have to act fast during the installation process.

You’ll need powerful enough equipment to mix the materials together, which might mean hiring or purchasing new tools – adding to the cost of the project.

The risks

If you don’t work quickly enough, don’t mix the aggregates correctly or don’t prepare the base layer well enough, you could undo all your hard work in minutes. Mistakes during the process can prevent the mixture from curing properly, or could cause cracks to form prematurely.

Even the weather can play havoc with your project; if it rains during the process, you may have to start from scratch!

Professional contractors are prepared for every eventuality and have the know-how to deliver stunning results, no matter how challenging your project may be. Unless you’re totally confident and have the right tools at your disposal, we’d advise leaving it to our resin bound experts.

To get a free, no obligation quote for your project, contact us today. With depots in Peterborough and Romford, A&MT Contractors able to complete both commercial and domestic projects nationwide.

Which is Better: Resin Bound Surfacing or Block Paving?

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Whether you’re looking to resurface your driveway, patio or a garden pathway, you’ll have a multitude of options to choose from – two of the most popular being block paving and resin bound surfacing.

Both look very different, but both can look equally modern and contemporary or classic and timeless: the choice is yours. The creative freedom each of these surfaces offers is certainly one of the main draws, but the similarities between the two pretty much end there.

To help you decide which is best for you, here’s a straightforward guide to the pros and cons of each option.

Block paving

To get started, let’s take a look at block paving. What exactly has made it so popular? Principally, the design flexibility it offers; by using contrasting bricks in different colours and finishes, it’s possible to create a striking driveway that’s truly one of a kind.

While it may look the part (provided it’s installed correctly), block paving isn’t the easiest surface to live with. Regular maintenance is required to keep it looking good, from laborious de-weeding to pressure washing and brushing. And, even if it’s well maintained, block paving doesn’t last as long as some other surfaces; bricks can work loose and chip, but at least they’re easy to replace as and when required.

Resin bound surfacing

Despite looking very different from block paving, we’d argue resin bound is just as attractive (although that’s a matter of personal preference). An array of different styles are available too, allowing you to match the colour to your property and create a coherent look.

Aesthetics aside, how is resin bound to live with? Well, this is one of the main reasons why it’s become so popular of late: it requires very little maintenance. Aside from occasional brushing and pressure washing to keep it looking good, you won’t have to give your drive a second thought – and it could last in excess of 20 years.

It’s permeable too, making it kinder to the environment and eliminating the risk of puddles forming. You won’t have to worry about weeds with resin bound, either.

Which should you go for?

Unless you prefer the aesthetics of block paving, the advantages of resin bound make it the obvious first choice. It’s no wonder it’s fast becoming the go-to option for homeowners across Britain. Wherever you’re based in the UK, our expert resin bound surfacing team at A&MT Contractors is here to help. Contact us today to get your free quote.

How To Stop Your Car Park From Flooding

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Flooding is bad news wherever it happens, but when it occurs in a car park full of customers’, clients’ or employees’ vehicles, it can leave a particularly bad impression. We’re not blessed with year-round sunshine here in Britain, so taking a few precautions before, during and after the construction of your car park will pay off in the long run.

In this quick guide, we’re outlining some of those all-important measures.

Install adequate drainage

If you’ve opted for a non-permeable surface like tarmac or asphalt, you’ll need to provide adequate provision for drainage to prevent your car park from becoming waterlogged. It’s a good idea to seek out experienced drainage contractors who can supply and install every component you need – not to mention offer advice to help you monitor and maintain it.

From interceptors and ducting to French drains, drainage channels and gully pots, designing an effective drainage system isn’t as straightforward as you might think – but it can make all the difference when the heavens open.

Choose permeable car park surfacing

If you want a lower-maintenance, super-straightforward option, we’d recommend choosing a permeable surface from the get go. A Resin bound solution is a great choice. Not only does it allow rainwater to pass through, helping keep puddles to a minimum, it’s durable, long-lasting and attractive to look at.

With all that in mind, it’s no wonder that we’re seeing more and more businesses choose this material. As an added bonus, resin bound surfaces are available in a wide range of colours, from natural, rustic shades to ultra-contemporary ones. This makes it easy to find a match for your building’s colour scheme, creating a great first impression for visitors.

Keep up with maintenance

Even when you’ve had a drainage system installed, you can’t leave it to its own devices forever. Drains can get blocked or components can fail, leading to water overflowing and causing you a major headache. Regularly checking up on your drainage system can save you a great deal of hassle. If you spot any issues, get in touch with us and we can sort them.

Speak to the experts

If you’re not sure exactly what your car park needs or how to deal with your current drainage issue, speak to our car park surfacing experts today. Having completed work for the likes of Sainsbury’s and McDonald’s, we have the expertise to construct, maintain and repair your car park’s surface and drainage system – and there’s no job too big or small for our team. Contact us today for a quote or to arrange a site visit.

Is Resin Bound Surfacing Porous?

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Considering a resin bound driveway, pathway or patio for your home but concerned about drainage? There’s no need to be, because resin bound surfacing is indeed porous, meaning water can pass through it and into the base layers beneath.

It’s important not to get resin bound and resin bond surfaces mixed up, however, as the latter isn’t permeable: water will sit on top of it when it rains, requiring additional drainage measures to be implemented.

Why is it important for a surface to be porous?

First of all, choosing a permeable surface will make your life easier as a homeowner. You won’t have to contend with standing water when the heavens open, so there’s no need to worry about stepping out of your front door straight into a deep puddle!

There’s a wider benefit to porous surfaces, too. They benefit the environment, as they aid in the flow of water from built-up areas into nearby rivers and the water table. This means we’re able to harness as much rainfall as possible, aiding the natural water cycle and improving the sustainability of our towns and cities. Porous surfaces really are a win-win.

Installed with drainage in mind

We’re experts in drainage here at A&MT Contractors, and take care with every resin bound installation to ensure we maximise porosity. After we’ve excavated and compacted the ground beneath your new surface, establishing a solid base layer, we then apply a membrane to prevent contamination between the sub-base layer and the soil.

We use a reduced amount of fines to aid drainage, allowing water to pass through it with ease – just like the final surface we place on top. We ensure that rainwater is easily able to drain from every surface we put down, from driveways to pathways and patios.

Get your resin bound surfacing quote today

Ready to go ahead with your resin bound installation? The team at A&MT Contractors serves areas across the UK and takes on all kinds of jobs big and small, so whatever you have in mind, we can help. To get your free, no obligation quote, contact us today.

How to Clean Resin Bound Surfaces

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So, you know all about the benefits of resin bound driveways and you’re keen to add one to your own property. But how can you keep it looking its best for years to come? Let’s take a look at some top resin bound cleaning tips to help you protect your investment.

Our top cleaning tips

Before we get started, it’s worth mentioning that resin bound surfaces are extremely easy to maintain. They don’t require constant cleaning or weeding in order to look good, which is partly why so many people choose them over the likes of gravel and block paving.

Even though you won’t need to clean your driveway often for it to last for many years, if you want it to look its best, here are some tips:

  • If your drive is covered in leaves and loose dirt, simply sweep it with a stiff bristle broom. This will not only keep it tidy, but reduce the need for you to carry out a deeper clean as the months roll by; prevention is always better than cure!
  • Time for a more thorough clean to return your driveway to its former glory? Feel free to wheel out the pressure washer and go to town – just make sure you use a flat spraying nozzle for the best results. We’d always recommend sweeping it first, as you’ll make much less mess when you’re pressure washing.
  • Don’t have a pressure washer? A good sweep in combination with the garden hose can work almost as well, provided you’re thorough and take your time.
  • If you spill any oil, fuel or other chemicals on the driveway, clean the fluid up as soon as possible with soap and water. Chewing gum can be removed easily enough too with the use of a freeze spray.

Generally speaking, all you’ll need to do to maintain your resin bound driveway is sweep it and occasionally clean it with a hose or pressure washer – it really is that simple. Just make sure you keep corrosive substances like brake fluid off the surface, and remove them as swiftly as possible if they do come into contact with it.

Resin bound surfacing experts

Ready to invest in a new driveway? Speak to the resin bound surfacing experts at A&MT Contractors. We offer nationwide coverage and take on jobs of all sizes – there really is no project too big or small for our team. Get in touch with us today for a free, no obligation quote.

Can a Resin Bound Driveway Add Value to My Home?

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There are plenty of reasons to add a resin bound driveway to your property, but one of the main ones is that they have the potential to boost its value. Before you invest a significant amount of money into getting your driveway resurfaced, it might be of comfort to know just how much of that investment you’re likely to see back when you sell up.

In this article, we’re going to answer that very question. First, to understand how a resin bound drive could add value to your home, let’s examine what the surface is and what makes it desirable.

What is resin bound surfacing?

Formed by mixing resin with aggregate stones, resin bound surfaces are available in a wide variety of colours to complement your property beautifully. In the last decade or so, they’ve risen to prominence and are now considered one of the go-to materials for driveways, garden paths, walkways and much more.

Why is it popular?

There are a whole host of benefits to resin bound surfacing, one of which is how customisable it is. As we touched on above, you can get the material in a vast array of colours, allowing you to choose one that suits your property perfectly.

It’s also immensely durable, being resistant to the freezing cold and sweltering heat. It won’t crack or break like many other surfaces do, and it can last for upwards of 20 years.

How much value could it add?

Provided it’s installed correctly, a nice new resin bound driveway could boost your property’s value by 5-10%. And that’s not all: because your home will look the part in photographs, it’s likely to attract more clicks from prospective buyers, making it easier to sell.

Speak to the resin bound surfacing experts

There are plenty of reasons to select a resin bound solution for your next driveway, then, but make sure you choose the right company to carry out the work. Speak to the resin bound surfacing experts at A&MT Contractors today for a free, no obligation quote.

Playground Surfacing: Which Surfaces Are Safest?

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There’s a lot to consider when resurfacing a playground, from cost to practicality and durability – but safety will always be a primary concern. If you’re looking to refresh your school or nursery playground in the near future, we’re investigating which surfaces are the safest to help you decide which option to go for with school playground surfacing.

Prevention is better than cure

For open play areas – particularly where sports and games take place – it’s vital to choose a coarser surface that limits the likelihood of children slipping over. In this instance, we would recommend either a fine or medium-textured asphalt or a resin surface.

  • Fine asphalt will help to minimise grazing when children do fall, whereas medium textured asphalt will mean they’re less likely to fall in the first place.
  • Resin is a good compromise, as it has anti-slip properties yet isn’t quite as harsh on knees and shins as medium textured asphalt! It’s also a low maintenance option, but does cost a little extra to have installed.

Anti-slip properties are vital on access ramps, too: in the winter they can become very slippery, even if they’re constructed using asphalt or resin. We would recommend using a specialised anti-slip safety surface for these areas.

Impact absorbent surfaces

Sometimes, accidents happen – they’re not always avoidable. Plus, not every playground injury occurs when a child slips over. Sometimes they’ll trip and fall of their own accord, or fall off a climbing frame or similar. It’s in situations like these that wet pour ‘soft fall’ rubber surfaces come into their own.

Ideally suited to nurseries with smaller playgrounds, for trim trails or to surround other playground equipment, wet pour rubber acts as an impact-absorbent barrier, helping to minimise injuries.

Speak to the playground surfacing experts

Choosing the right playground surface can be tricky, but here at A&MT Contractors, we’re able to install all of the surfaces mentioned above – and advise you on which one would best suit your school or nursery’s needs. Learn more about our playground surfacing options today or contact us for a quote.

Five Features Every Modern Car Park Needs

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Designing a car park isn’t quite as straightforward as first meets the eye – there are plenty of things to consider and a range of must-have features to implement. So, before you start planning yours or speaking to a car park surfacing contractor, here are five important things to add to keep everyone safe.

Accessible spaces

Accessibility is a top priority in all forms of construction nowadays, car parks included. If you’re planning to build a larger car park adjacent to a shop or restaurant, for example, it’s important to allow space for blue badge holders and parents with young children to park closer. To make life easier for those with disabilities, it’s also a good idea to install gradual ramps onto each walkway.

Areas for pedestrians

This might sound obvious, but all too often pedestrians are neglected during the construction of car parks. Make sure there’s enough space for them to walk to and from their vehicle safely, away from passing traffic.

EV charging points

From 2030, there won’t be any more new petrol and diesel cars joining the roads of Britain. This means that before too long, an overwhelming number of electric vehicles will begin flooding into your car park – so why not cater for them? Installing electric vehicle charging points will future-proof your car park, helping to make your initial investment go further.

Clear directions

No matter how large or small your car park is going to be, people need to know how to get in and out easily. Applying clear road markings and using signage effectively will not only make life easier for everyone but mitigate the risk of accidents occurring due to cars going the wrong way.

Security

Keeping both individuals and their vehicles safe is an important part of operating a car park. Installing CCTV will act as a deterrent to would-be car thieves and pickpockets, allowing visitors to use your car park with confidence.

Car park surfacing contractors

At A&MT Contractors, we’ve worked on car park surfacing projects for a variety of prominent clients, including supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. From designing a drainage system to installing kerbing, speed bumps, line and bay markings and more, we can take care of the entire car park surfacing process for you. Learn more about what we do and get a quote today.

Resin Bound Surfacing: Just How Durable Is It?

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So, you’re thinking about resurfacing your tired old driveway, pathway or walkway using a resin bound material. But how durable are these surfaces exactly? They might look good when they’re first installed, but will they stay that way?

Fortunately, the answer is yes – provided the surface is installed by experienced contractors who know what they’re doing.

How long can resin bound surfaces last?

Though resin bound surfaces are relatively new in comparison to most other options, they’ve still been around for long enough to prove their durability. In some instances, resin bound surfaces have been known to last for 25 years or more before they begin to show obvious signs of wear.

Though this type of surface isn’t ideally suited to high-traffic areas or heavy usage (think construction and warehouse yards), when used in residential settings it can resist wear and tear better than virtually any other surface.

Why is it so durable and long-lasting?

There are a number of key reasons why resin bound solutions perform better than most others.

  • They’re weather resistant. Unlike many other materials, resin bound surfaces don’t go soft in the summer and brittle in the winter. They’re able to withstand the harshest of frosts and the hottest of sunlight, allowing them to last for many years without cracking.
  • Because they’re permeable, you won’t be left with standing water. Plus, heat from the sun won’t be absorbed into the surface, instead transferring into the soil beneath.
  • They don’t need regular maintenance. All you’ll ever have to do to keep your resin bound drive looking fresh is to give it a sweep and a power wash every now and then.

In combination, these attributes make resin bound surfaces some of the toughest and longest-lasting around. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to choose this material for your home, don’t think twice – it will last and last! Just make sure you choose a reputable company to install it for you.

Speak to the resin bound surfacing experts

The team at A&MT Contractors has worked across the UK on resin bound surfacing projects, delivering stunning results time after time. With many years of experience and the know-how to complete your project on schedule, we’re one of the nation’s go-to resurfacing firms. There’s no job too big or small for us, either. Learn more about what we can do with resin bound surfacing today or contact us today on 01733 807999 or email us at mike@amtcontractors.co.uk.

Resin Bound Surfacing Vs Resin Bond: What’s the Difference?

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If you’re looking to change up your home driveway, it’s good to know about your options before committing to a particular type of surface. Aesthetics alone is important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of your choice. Hardiness, longevity and practicality will also play a part. In this guide, we’re looking at the difference between resin bound surfacing and resin bond driveways to help you choose the right one for your home.

As the words are so similar they are easily confused and used interchangeably. However, we’re settling their distinct differences once and for all so you’re not left second-guessing. A new driveway is a big investment after all, and as it’s the facade of your property, you’ll want it looking the part.

Resin Bond Surfacing Explained

Resin Bonded surfacing is where a layer of resin is spread across the sub-surface. Loose stone is then scattered on top and pressed into the layer of resin until it’s completely covered. As the stone is laid on top of the resin, it can come loose.

The layer is non-permeable and is only a single stone layer thick.

Although resin bonded surfaces are cheaper, the resin bound driveway is far more popular in the UK.

Resin Bound Surfacing Explained

The other option is the Resin Bound system where resin and stone are mixed together first. This mixture is then trowelled into place. The solid mixture mainly consists of aggregate, crushed marble and recycled plastic. This is then coated in polyurethane resin. The mixture is laid on an existing firm base (often concrete, tarmac or a grid system).

Resin bound is a popular choice for driveways. Why? Let’s take a look.

  • It provides a smooth, hard-wearing top surface.
  • The resin bound mixture provides a rainwater permeable layer so puddles don’t form and drainage isn’t a problem.
  • Being porous also means you don’t need to apply for planning permission – a time-saving solution.
  • The resin covers all the solids, so there’s no chance of anything working loose.
  • This surfacing offers plenty of colour varieties to help you find the ideal complement for your house and garden. The colours are often created through the specific mix of gravel and solids.

If you’re looking to have a resin bound driveway installed, contact A&MT Contractors to organise a site survey.

Key differences between resin bound and resin bond

  • Different types of resin – 
    Bear in mind that the resins used for both systems are not the same. Resin bound uses polyurethane resin. This is impact-resistant and can bear heavy loads.
  • Appearance is suited to different properties – 
    Resin bond has a loose gravel appearance which is well suited to historical and traditional properties. On the other hand, the completely smooth texture of the resin bound surface is ideal for more contemporary residential properties.
  • Resin bound is more expensive – 
    Resin bound is more expensive than resin bond. However, there are plenty of benefits to choosing resin bound which shouldn’t be overlooked for the sake of saving a few pounds. Remember to ask about longevity of the two surfaces and the maintenance required before finalising your choice.
  • Planning permission – 
    As resin bound is porous, you don’t need to apply for planning permission. However, with resin bond, you do need to get permission to install your new driveway. This is a key difference between the two. It’s also a big reason why resin bound is often chosen over the resin bond.

In summary – differences between resin bond and resin bound

Resin Bound  Resin Bond 
Planning permission needed? ✘ ✓
Rainwater permeable? ✓ This means water won’t pool on the surface as it’s a naturally-draining material.  ✘ During heavy rain, puddles may collect on the surface. You may need to consider drainage solutions to avoid issues with flooding. 
Smooth finish? ✓ Complete resin coverage means no loose gravel and a smooth, attractive finish ✘ Stone is laid on top of the resin meaning it can come loose. 
Frost and adverse weather resistant? ✓ ✘
Traditional or modern? Modern Traditional

Caring For a Resin Bound Surface – Aftercare Guide

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If you’ve just had a gorgeous new resin bound driveway installed, you probably want to know how to look after it to keep it looking on top form for years to come. As resin bound surfacing experts, we have simple hacks and tips that require just a little bit of effort on your part in this guide.

Aftercare tips

Regular brushing and washing is often the only maintenance required for resin bound surfacing. However, there are some extra seasonal maintenance jobs that can help you maintain the perfect driveway.

Seasonal maintenance

Autumn

Sweep away leaves. It’s much easier to remove leaves when they are crisp and dry, rather than waiting for them to decay and become sludgy. A traditional sweep brush or more convenient leaf blower is ideal for this autumn maintenance task.

Winter

An important part of maintaining your resin bound paving is to scatter a layer of rock salt on it when icy temperatures are predicted. The salt will prevent ice from forming on the surface. Be sure to hose your paving down well with clean water after the cold spell.

Remove snow with a plastic shovel rather than a metal one. Using metal garden tools could scrape and damage the resin bound surface.

Summer

It’s best to have any weeds completely removed before the resin bound surface is laid. However, if you do see any weed growth come spring and summer, you can treat it with a suitable weed killer. If any weeds sprout up near your surface, you should try not to let them flower, as they could spread to your driveway.

Also remove any moss to keep your driveway looking pleasant and prevent slip hazards. You can spray the area with an algaecide periodically or remove using a broom or pressure washer.

Substances to avoid on resin bound surfaces

As mentioned above, it’s best to avoid using a metal shovel when removing snow. This is because it could damage the surface. You should also refrain from dragging or pushing heavy items over the surface, such as a skip. To protect the surface further, you may want to place heavier metal objects on wooden planks.

There are also spillages that you want to avoid whenever possible: oil, grease, cement, plaster, petrol, solvents.

If you do drop or spill any of these liquids or materials on your resin bound driveway, make sure to wash them off as soon as possible to prevent any hard-to-repair damage. Harsh chemicals could soften your base material, weakening the structure of your driveway.

You should also wipe away any tyre marks or mud.

At A&MT, we’re professional surfacing contractors who are dedicated to helping people get the ideal driveway (in Peterborough and London area), and keep it looking presentable for years to come. We hope this guide will help you keep your resin bound surface on top form. Contact us today for more information about our resin bound surfacing.

Laying a Resin Bound Surface – Which Base is Best?

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If you’re considering having a resin bound surface installed on your driveway or pathway, we’re covering exactly what’s involved in this quick guide. This surface is created as a mix of resin and aggregates bound together in a forced action mixer. Its smooth, flat surface even earned it another name: ‘stone carpet’. To have the best surface solution for your site, it’s important to pick the right base. While a professional surfacing contractor should be able to advise on this, our resin bound surfacing experts are giving you some insight into the different bases available and the pros and cons for each.

What’s a suitable base material?

  • Concrete
  • Tarmac
  • Grid systems

What are the pros and cons of each?

Concrete:

New or old concrete is a suitable base for resin bound surfacing. Permeable concrete is best. Non-permeable concrete can absorb moisture and could affect the lifespan of your driveway. With non-permeable concrete, you’ll also need to have falls and drainage installed – an extra expense that means the project will take longer to complete. If you want a new permeable concrete base laid, you will need to wait 14 days before having your resin driveway installed. It will also need to be primed with a polymer primer.

Tarmac:

If your tarmac or asphalt surface is in good condition, it makes an ideal base for your resin bound surface. Similarly to concrete, if your tarmac base is not permeable, you will need to have drainage installed.

If you’re looking to install a new tarmac base, permeable is the most efficient choice. A new non-permeable driveway will need planning permission. It will also need drainage.

A top advantage of having a tarmac base is that the resin paving can be directly installed on the tarmac, as it creates chemical and physical bonds. Contact our tarmac surfacing contractors for more information.

Grid systems:

Grid systems are environmentally friendly and free draining. While this base isn’t quite as strong as concrete or tarmac, you will still have a sturdy base for your resin bound paving.

Which one is best for which situation?

Your surface should be suitable for the load that it will carry. You should discuss the type and number of vehicles that will use your driveway with your chosen contractor. For heavier vehicles and more frequent use, permeable concrete or tarmac is highly recommended.

If you already have a strong base in place, then you’re all good to go. However, if you’re not sure what base you have, or which one is best for your site, you should get a free site survey from our expert groundworkers in Peterborough or London. If you’re looking for resin bound surfacing, contact the team at A&MT today. We make sure you’re completely confident that your driveway will be practical and long-lasting. We are City & Guilds qualified and we offer flexible scheduling to get your new driveway completed at a time to suit you.