There is often a major overlap between the types of projects that you theoretically can do by yourself and the ones that most people probably should leave to the experts. One of the best examples of this is resin driveways.
Whilst there is nothing legally stopping someone from trying to install one themselves, in the same way that someone could hire a cement mixer and install a concrete driveway if they so choose, it is inadvisable, as it can lead to significant damage that can be very expensive to put right.
The same principle is true of resin-bound driveways; whilst it is theoretically possible to get the resin and aggregates needed, mix them together and apply them to a driveway surface, the results would be mixed to say the least if you lack the expertise to ensure a professional result.
To understand why, here are some of the reasons why a professional installation is vital when installing a resin-bound paving solution.
Experts Know Which Resin Is Needed
There are a lot of industrial resins available, with epoxy particularly popular for craft projects, but it is essential to choose the right type of resin for use in outdoor paving projects.
This is typically high-quality and resistant to ultraviolet radiation, with the latter quality being essential for any outdoor use.
Resin that is not UV-resistant (or UV-stable) will degrade and turn yellow in the sunlight, greatly hampering not only the looks but also the longevity of the drive.
A professional will know exactly the right resin to use, will have suppliers that can provide it and will confirm the specifications of any resin they use before starting the installation process.
Experts Know How Much Resin Is Needed
Installing a resin-bound driveway is far more like baking than cookery; the ingredients are relatively simple but need to be of a high quality, mixed in perfect ratios and applied properly.
UV-resistant resin designed to be used in driveways can be quite expensive to buy, so it is essential to ensure that exactly the right amount is bought for the amount of aggregate you use, similar to the correct ratio of flour, eggs, butter and water used to make a cake.
The resin ratios can vary, but if you get it wrong, the result is often too little resin, which leads to a “chewy” surface that causes bits of the stone to fall away. This is not normal and would never happen with a professional installation.
Experts Know How To Make It Sustainable
There are a lot of appealing elements to a resin-bound driveway, but one of the biggest is that it can be used as a sustainable drainage system (SuDS).
Sustainable drainage has become increasingly critical in an age where soil erosion, heat islands and flood risk are major points of concern for homeowners and planning authorities alike.
However, whilst resin-bound paving is a sustainable drainage system, it must be installed properly and onto the right sub-base in order for it to provide adequate permeability.
The existing surface may need to be prepared if not removed entirely in order to make the driveway sustainable, and consulting professionals may be the best course of action to avoid major issues later on and the expensive remedial work that can ensue.