Resin Driveways Dorset And Surrounding Areas

The driveway is the first thing you encounter when you arrive at a house, and the last thing you see when you leave. Therefore, it is only logical that you want a driveway that looks beautiful, but it is also practical. There are different materials you can use for laying the path.

Some of the most common driveways Portsmouth options include concrete, gravel, pavers, and asphalt. But there are even better alternatives that are slowly but steady taking over the paving business in the UK because of their superior properties.

When you select a material, you always need to look for one that is both durable and attractive. No point in getting an attractive driveway that will last only for a couple of years. Your driveway is under constant pressure. You drive on top of it nearly every day. Those tire marks, oil grips, and stains can look ugly.

A general rule of thumb is to avoid porous materials. Those include sandstone, for example. All of these porous materials will soak up leaking fluids, and result in a stain.

Last, but not least, think about the size of your driveway. Long driveways need more material, which means higher price. That being said, let’s look at some of the options for resin driveways in Dorset…

Concrete

Widely regarded as the most popular option, concrete is versatile and long lasting. Because of stamping and coloring, concrete can help you recreate the look of many other natural materials like pavers, bricks, and stone. And it will cost you less.

Custom designs are available, and the cost depends on the size and decorative options you choose. Some people even opt only for stamping and colouring the borders, as it is a more budget-friendly option.

Advantages of concrete

– Can be stamped and transformed into different patterns. A versatile material allowing for different looks

– Durable and can keep its form even through natural disasters like an earthquake. The strength of the material is one of the biggest benefits

– Concrete is available in different colours, not just the standard grey

– Easy to maintain through the entire year

Disadvantages

– Concrete will crack over time, despite its durability. Cracking is usually a result of lack of control joints, improper strength poured, and excess water. There are things you can do to prevent cracking, but they will cost you

– Cars leave oil stains and tire marks. With time, your beautiful driveway will look less appealing. Again, you can prevent stains and marks, and even return the driveway into its original state, but it will cost you

– You need a skilled installer for pouring a concrete

Gravel

With its lifetime durability, and low price, gravel has become one of the more popular driveways options in the last few years. When you opt for gravel, always look for local stone. That will produce a colour that looks natural.

For example, in some areas, the colours are more dark brown and beige, while in others, the colours are lighter. By opting for local stones, your driveway will look natural in its wider context.

And speaking of style, make sure to check how the gravel will look and fit with the style of your home. For example, if you live in a modern home, gravel might not be the best option. When you want crisp, and clean contemporary landscape, gravel is not an option.

Last, but not least, always let the climate dictate whether you should use gravel or not. If you have lots of rain and snow, and high speed winds, it might be tricky to use gravel.

Advantages

– You can easily maintain gravel, as all you need is to periodically add gravel. It is much quicker than sealing an asphalt driveway. Maintenance does not require special tools

– Gravel is easy on the budget. If you have a large driveway, gravel will make sure you get everything done for a cheap price

– You can fit to many different styles. Gravel brings out the natural beauty of your home

– Gravel is permeable, which means that when installed properly, rainwater will penetrate directly into the earth

Disadvantages

– Weeds creep up through the rocks, meaning you need to pull frequently. You could also get a weed killer to keep your home and driveway looking nice

– Driving over gravel produces dirt, and dust. Compared with other materials, gravel produces much more dirt

– Gravel shifts over time, forming grooves where water can puddle. They are also a problem for driving on

– You will need to relay portions of the driveway

– You will need to add stabilisers to keep the gravel in place

Asphalt

Think of asphalt as monochrome concrete. Asphalt is the simplest driveway material you can use. This type of paving requires regular maintenance, at least twice per year. You can clean asphalt with a stiff broom and strong hose spray to remove the dirt and debris.

If you get good quality asphalt, and you install it properly, asphalt can last between 15 and 35 years with proper maintenance. However, climate is a factor as well. Asphalt does not fare well in extreme weather conditions.

Advantages

– Very affordable option. Asphalt gives you a sleek appearance, for the lowest cost

– Asphalt has a long lifespan

Disadvantages

– There are limits to the style and colour you can use

– Extreme weather conditions can damage your asphalt

– You need to frequently repair, resurface, and reseal asphalt

Seven Great Reasons to Use Resin For Your Dorset Driveway

Now that we’ve looked over some of the common options for resin driveways in Dorset, let’s look at some of the relatively new alternatives. Resin driveways are a relatively new product on the UK market, but they have been used in Australia for many years.

When you look at driveway options, it is not all doom and gloom. A resin bound surface solves all of the problems asphalt, gravel, and concrete have. Unlike any of them, resin bound driveways can withstand all weathers, and the driveway comes in different choices of aggregates, colours, and textures. Here are seven reasons why resin driveways Portsmouth are the best.

Perfectly Permeable

The process of applying resin bound driveway makes sure that every particle of stone is completely covered in resin. That creates a structurally stable 3D matrix. Water can drain through, and that helps regulate the heave and shrinkage effects.

During heavy rainfall, which is common in Portsmouth, impermeable surfaces can generate large amounts of surface water run-off. This will overwhelm your drains and rivers and cause flash flooding. Thanks to resin driveways that are permeable, that does not happen.

SuDS compliant

Another advantage of resin driveways linked with water and rains is the SuDs compliant. This is the Sustainable urban Drainage Systems, a water management system introduced by the Environment agency. The compliant helps manage flood risk and water quality.

Improved visual appeal

Resin driveways are aesthetically pleasing. They are decorative, but also practical and versatile. Available in wide palette of colors, textures, you can use for modern and contemporary buildings, but also for traditional properties.

Resistant to weather conditions

Unlike other driveway options, resin does not soften in the summer nor freeze in the winter. Resin will also protect your home from sunlight. For example, other driveways experience colour deterioration, due to UV exposure. That does not happen with resin.

Environmentally friendly

Because resin allows water to drain through, it acts as a natural filter. Resin reduces or removes impurities and pollutants caused by oils and metals. Rain picks up these pollutants as it flows into drains.

It is long lasting

Resin surfaces are very durable. Most companies offer guarantee between 10 and 15 years. But with proper maintenance, resin can survive up to 25 years.

Minimal maintenance

Speaking of maintenance, resin requires just the minimal amount of maintenance. Because there is no weeds grow, you do not need to weed. You also do not lose stones to sweep. Regular cleaning of your resin driveway will prevent moss and algal growth.