How to lay resin drives – what you need to know about the base

Preparing the base for your resin bound surface

Before we install your resin bound surface, we need to know that the material beneath it is in good condition. The long term health of your paving depends on this. Also, the overall permeability of your surface will depend in part on what lies beneath.

In most cases, everything is fine, but it’s important to check, so we can avoid any problems later and talk to you about any vital extra preparatory work that’s needed.

What material should my resin bound surfacing base be?

TICK-correct-resin-bound-sub-base-for-resin-surface

For fully permeable surfaces a new porous base is required, replacing any existing concrete or tarmac.

For a new non-permeable surface, existing tarmac or concrete are both absolutely fine as base materials, if they’re in good condition.

Talk to us if you’re unsure about whether you need a permeable or non-permeable surface.

Wrong-resin-bound-sub-base-for-resin-surface

Block paving lacks the stability that’s needed for a good resin bound surface to be laid on top of it. Any movement, even tiny, will damage the surface above.

Soil or grass surfaces need groundworks preparation first. We can talk to you about which option will be best.

What do I need to check on my tarmac or concrete before laying a resin drive?

Cracks or crumbling are signs that your existing concrete or tarmac base is not of high enough quality to support our installation.

A Clearstone resin bound surface will not mend or hide any problems lurking underneath. Even if a cracked or crumbled area appears to be minor, it may spread later, beneath your new surface. This could create serious problems if it’s not replaced first.

Degraded and crumbling tarmac asphalt surfaces will need to be replaced. — Degraded and crumbling tarmac surfaces will need to be replaced with a new base.

Cracked concrete will need to be dug-up and replaced. — Cracked concrete will need to be dug-up and replaced with a new base.

Sunken block paving and slabs will need to be taken up — Block paving and slabs will need to be taken up and replaced with a new base.

Patched concrete sections and loose gravel will need to be replaced with a new base.

Trees nearby?

Nearby trees are often fine, but if they are too close, or too large, they could create problems, as their roots sometimes lift and disturb paving. Talk to us and we can check to ensure your trees won’t cause a problem with your new surface.

Tree roots that extend under the drive can cause heave, which will break the surface — Tree roots that extend under a driveway can cause heave and crack the base.

Tree roots heaving and cracking the tarmac base — Tree roots search for water and in the process can crack your driveway.

If you have any questions or concerns about preparing for your new resin bound surface, talk to us. We’ll use our experience and technical know-how to help you.

New base for a resin bound permeable driveway surface

If you have decided you need to install a new driveway base for a resin bound surface, please download Clearstone’s Specification 1 for a private driveway.

LAYING A RESIN DRIVE