Your Guide To Resin Driveway Installation In Glasgow
Installing a resin-bound driveway can drastically improve your home’s kerb appeal, alongside offering other benefits. Resin driveways are extremely popular across Glasgow and West Scotland due to their permeability and effective water drainage.
With the unpredictable weather of the region, permeable outdoor surfaces are extremely beneficial, and resin continues to be an outstanding solution for homes and businesses. As well as offering excellent drainage, the seamless appearance and customisation of resin driveways make them suitable for all kinds of properties.
The Glasgow Paving Company is a leading provider of resin driveway installation across the area. We specialise in the design and installation of resin driveways and offer a customised service to all clients. In this post, we are sharing everything you need to know about resin driveway installation and what you can expect from our experts when hiring us for your next project.
Step 1: Resin Driveway Installation And Planning Permission
Before you can move forward with your resin driveway installation, you first need to check that no planning permission is required. For most resin driveway installation projects in Glasgow, the work is part of permitted development, meaning no additional permission is needed.
As resin driveways are SUDs compliant, due to their permeability, they are also usually approved by local authorities. However, it is best to check with your local council – you can reach out to Glasgow City Council to verify ahead of getting any work done.
Working with professionals, like The Glasgow Paving Company, makes this process easier as we have connections with local authorities. We can offer guidance on and support you through any required application, ensuring your resin driveway installation gets off to a smooth start.
Step 2: Choose The Right Time For Installation
Glasgow’s climate can be unpredictable, which means planning your resin driveway installation is incredibly important – if a little difficult. Resin is both temperature and moisture-sensitive, which means you need to find an appropriate day, weather-wise, before installation can begin.
The ideal temperature for resin driveway installation is between 5 to 25 degrees Celsius, which opens up plenty of opportunities throughout the year. However, resin driveway installation is best done when there has been no rain for at least 12 to 25 hours beforehand. Extreme temperatures should be avoided at all costs, with installation being postponed if there is high humidity or frost.
Preparation is vital for the longevity and seamless installation of your new resin driveway, which is why finding the best time is so important.
Step 3: Prepare The Base For Resin Driveways
Preparation is one of the most important steps of resin driveway installation and directly impacts how durable your finished surface will be. While a lot of people may consider DIY resin driveway installation, the emphasis needs to be on professional installation to ensure longevity, compliance and effectiveness.
At The Glasgow Paving Company, we offer a comprehensive resin driveway installation, which includes site preparation and sub-base installation. Before the sub-base can be laid, the site needs to be cleared and primed. In some cases, this requires the excavation of the existing driveway, especially if it is worn or damaged.
Once the site has been cleared and the dimensions of your resin driveway have been defined, it is time for the foundation to be laid. To create a solid foundation for your resin driveway, we typically rely on two main areas and would recommend this process for all resin driveway installations:
- Around 150mm hardcore (Type 3), which will be compacted in layers for even coverage and best drainage
- Around 50–60mm of porous asphalt or concrete as the foundation. These need to be laid well to ensure no cracks or movement for the best results
The amount of foundation required will vary based on your driveway dimensions and the condition of your landscape. Due to the vital importance of this stage, working with professionals is recommended to get your resin driveway installation off on the right foot and create a long-lasting surface.
Step 4: Edging And Levels
Once the foundation is laid and set, it is time to define the parameters for your resin driveway. This not only keeps the installation neat but also plays a vital role in drainage and is required to ensure your resin driveway is compliant with building regulations and SUDS guidelines.
For drainage, you need to ensure that the foundation is set at the right level, which for most resin driveways is at a minimum of 1:80 slope gradient. While resin itself is permeable, you still need to give your driveway some additional support to ensure the right water runoff and SUDs compliance.
This slope gradient means that for every 80 units horizontally, the surface needs to be laid at 1 unit vertically. This is an angle that is almost imperceptible to the naked eye, but helps water run off to the correct drainage systems. To ensure this correct level and angle, a spirit level is needed or professional support. Without this level, your resin driveway is at risk of water damage, flooding, and cracking during freezing.
To keep your resin driveway installation secure and in place, edging is required around the perimeter, and should be set at the same angle. This keeps the driveway in the set dimensions and ensures an even, clean shape to the space while also supporting drainage.
Edging can be installed using aluminium, block paving, or timber panels to keep your resin driveway in shape and ensure it complements your front garden and overall property style.
Step 5: Mix The Resin And Aggregates
With the foundation set and level, it is time for your resin driveway installation to begin taking shape. Before the driveway can be laid, you need to mix and create the surface material.
Choosing professional resin installation, such as from our team, makes this process easier and gives you access to a range of customisations. We offer resin aggregates in various shapes and colours to complement all property types, and have perfected the installation process to ensure a seamless, long-lasting surface for your home.
To create the resin driveway mixture, a forced action mixer is needed – not a traditional concrete mixer, as this will not blend the aggregates properly and prevent the seamless installation you desire. First, the resin and the hardener are mixed before the dry aggregate is added to create the final surface. This surface will need to be mixed for around 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even coverage of the aggregates, before being laid immediately.
As resin is fast-curing, there is a short window for installation once the mixture is complete. With our professional skills and industry experience, we provide a cohesive and prompt installation of resin driveways to align with your needs. In many cases, your resin driveway can be installed and ready to use within a couple of days with our professional support.
Step 6: Ensure Seamless Resin Driveway Installation
The mixture can be poured directly onto your prepared base, as long as it is set at the right level. This is why preparation is so important, alongside having the right tools on hand to ensure a quick, hassle-free installation.
The resin and aggregates can be spread and should be smoothed using a steel trowel. To keep a consistent level and guarantee the seamless appearance that resin driveways are known for, this smoothing process needs to be done in consistent strokes as the resin sets.
The trowel finish needs to be tight and consistent to ensure the smooth appearance of your resin driveway. This is an ongoing process which needs to be maintained as the resin is being poured to prevent it from setting in the wrong location or shape.
Teamwork is the key to ensuring a successful resin driveway installation, and another reason why working with professionals like The Glasgow Paving Company is so beneficial. We have a large team that will work on your resin driveway installation to ensure a prompt and seamless installation that will last for many years.
Step 7: Post-Installation Care And Maintenance
Resin is fast-curing, but it should not be used between 24 to 48 hours after installation to ensure the correct setting. Once your resin driveway has completely set, it is hard-wearing and long-lasting. This is a durable driveway that is very low maintenance, as occasional cleaning is all that is required.
Keep your resin driveway free from debris with regular sweeping and occasional cleaning with soap and water as the seasons change. Pressure washing can be used to life dirt and stains, but it is best to use a low-pressure setting to avoid lifting any aggregates.
With the proper care, your resin driveway can last upwards of 15 to 20 years.
Conclusion
Resin driveway installation is best left to the experts, despite the fact that it may seem like a simple process at first. The preparation required to make your resin driveway seamless and long-lasting requires expert eyes, and The Glasgow Paving Company is here to help.
With a resin driveway, your Glasgow home will experience increased kerb appeal, long-lasting stability and better drainage. The benefits of resin driveways are far-reaching, which is why they are such a popular option for homeowners across Scotland.
Contact Us Today
Are you looking for resin driveway installation in Glasgow? Contact the team today to learn more about our services or to request a consultation.
