Can You Repair a Resin-Bound Driveway?

A resin-bound driveway can be a great way to improve your kerb appeal and provide your home with a long-lasting driveway solution. What happens, though, if it starts to crack or deteriorate and lose some of its appeal? Luckily, you can repair resin-bound driveways without needing a full replacement. Many issues can be repaired quickly and cost-effectively, and in this blog, we’ll explain how.

What could cause my resin driveway to need repairs?

There are many reasons your resin driveway may need repair. These include:

• Poor installation
• Low-quality materials
• Excessive traffic
• Sudden temperature changes
• Ground movement under the driveway
• Insufficient curing time

Poor installation

If the team installing your driveway has not prepared the base properly, it could lead to movement, resulting in the driveway cracking. From compaction to preparation, how the base sits could have a huge effect on how long your driveway lasts.

Low-quality materials

High-quality materials are required to get the most from your resin-bound driveway. Inferior materials may not be strong enough or flexible enough to handle temperature changes and frequent traffic. This could lead to cracks and other signs of wear that require urgent repair.

Excessive traffic

If your driveway encounters high levels of traffic, it can soon exhibit signs of damage. Where well-constructed drives can handle heavy loads, those prepared incorrectly can give way under the pressure of excessive weight and develop cracks and other signs of damage.

Sudden temperature changes

If the weather changes quickly, the surface can expand and contract. Whilst the weather isn’t under your control, you may notice cracks forming after significant expansion or contraction of the surface.

Ground movement and tree roots

The ground under your driveway may move naturally, and much like the weather, you don’t have any control over it. If the ground beneath your driveway shifts, it could lead to cracks forming. The same applies to tree roots. If you have trees growing close to your drive, their roots may grow beneath its surface, leading to splits forming as they push their way through.

Insufficient curing time

Resin-bound driveways need time to set and harden before being suitable for use. If a resin drive is used before it’s cured, it may not be strong enough to withstand even the lowest levels of traffic. This could lead to splits and cracks that render the drive unsafe and in need of repair.

How do you repair a resin bound driveway?

Repairing a cracked resin driveway is best left to professional surfacing contractors, but certain repairs can be completed by yourself if you feel confident enough. In most cases, repairs relate to cracking, so in the steps below, we’ll run through what you can do to restore your driveway.

1.     Clean the surface

Clean your resin driveway thoroughly, removing loose stones and any other debris. Use a stiff broom or brush initially, but for stubborn stains, stones or debris, use a pressure washer, ideally from 20cm above the driveway surface.

2.     Examine the scale of the damage

Check the depths and severity of any cracks. Minor cracks can be treated quite easily. Significant damage may require professional assistance.

3.     Prepare the cracks

With a chisel or other tool that can get between the cracks, you can widen them, remove any debris and clean them thoroughly. This will allow you to create a better area for the bonding material to be applied. Remember to remove loose or damaged resin before proceeding.

4.     Fill the cracks

Using a filler specifically suited to resin driveways, carefully apply it to the cracks. Manufacturers' instructions may vary, so consult them before you fill any damaged areas of the drive. With a trowel or putty knife, you can then smooth the material into place to fill the crack properly.

5.     Leave the driveway time to set

The material used needs time to set. This can vary significantly between products, so follow the guidelines to get the best possible results. This can take several hours.

When should you replace instead of repair?

Small cracks are often simple enough to fix, but other problems can make it easier and more beneficial to replace the driveway rather than repair it. These include:

• Widespread base failure
• Under surface drainage issues
• Large structural cracks across wide areas
• You are constantly having to conduct repairs

How much will it cost to repair a resin driveway?

Prices can vary significantly based on the levels of damage. Minor crack repair that you could perhaps fix yourself could cost anything from £50 to £150, whereas hiring a professional could cost significantly more.

Jobs that can only be completed by professionals due to their complexity are obviously the most expensive and can cost anything from a few hundred pounds to potentially more than £1,000. This will all depend on the size of the driveway and the extent of the damage.

How can I prevent my resin driveway from needing repairs?

Well-maintained driveways will last much longer than neglected ones. You can avoid the need for repairs by following a few simple tips:

• Clean the driveway often to avoid debris build-up
• Ensure proper drainage
• Address weeds and moss early
• Reseal and maintain when needed
• Limit the use of heavy vehicles

If you are considering a new resin-bound driveway or need urgent repairs for your existing driveway, contact Tidey & Webb. Our team has more than 40 years of surfacing experience across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire. Get your free quote today and restore your driveway to its best.