Bonded or bound for driveway

[B99]

I am looking at getting my concrete driveway overlaid with a resin gravel surface. I have done quite a lot of reading on the differences between resin bonded and resin bound but am still unsure as to which is best for me.

The existing surface is solid concrete, bar one crack. I am also hoping to extend the surface by approx 10m sq. (That surface is grass currently so will need to be resurfaced in advance).

I have had 2 different contractors tell me different things. One that resin bound is really the only option due to its permeability and lifespan, whereas the other tells me that resin bonded would be better. He has also told me that as I have already got a concrete surface and that it is only a small area that is being added, then I wouldn't require any planning permission under SUDS.

Cost is not really an issue (within reason!) as I have already put aside more than I have been quoted.

Could anyone advise me if there is a preferred option? I do wonder a little whether I am being quoted the contractors preferred method rather than the best for me.

[Pablo]

get a couple more quotes and be more clear about what you want. The crack needs attending to because it'll transfer into the finished surface and anyone who tries to tell you that resin over concrete is a permeable surface is truely an idiot. No surface is is more suitable for you it's just down to your personal taste. Be aware though that whilst it looks great when completed I personally have yet to see a resin job that has stood the test of time and I've seen plenty of them. They're not as long term an investment as block or asphalt but are more expensive.

[Carberry]

One that resin bound is really the only option due to its permeability and lifespan

:laugh:

Did he offer to seal it with milk?

[lutonlagerlout]

the crack is the issue here
sounds to me like the lot will have to come out and be bitmacced
which as i understand it is the preferred surface for RBG
I think pablo is being a little unfair ,I have seen some quality resin bonded gravel stuff that still looks smart a few years on
however whatever you do,nothing has that *new* look forever
if you extend the drive you will need to install SUDS unless it runs off into your garden
LLL

[Tony McC]

The eejit claiming that, as you're only adding a few square metres to an existing drive and therefore you don't need PP is completely and utrterly wrong and so, on that count alone, anything else he says should be treated as suspect.

The legislation is bad, but in summary, *any* addition, alteration, improvement or re-surfacing of an existing driveway larger than 5m² and in front of the building line of the house must either drain to an on-site SUDS option (soakaway/rain garden/swale/etc) or acquire PP to discharge into an existing or new drainage system or to discharge onto a public highway.

I haven't seen the site, so I can't give a definitive answer but *very generally* resion BOUND is superior to resin BONDED, which is reflected in the price. However, when there is a suitable base, there's nowt wrong with resin bonded for driveway use.

Pablo is right about getting more quotes. I'd say at least three more to give you a better overview of the project.

[B99]

Very impressed with the number and speed of the replies!
Tony - that was certainly my concern re the PP, but can I clarify further just in case?
The extended area would replace half of an existing area of grass, leaving the rest converted to a soil bed. He has advised that no edging is applied here, allowing it to run off to the bed therefore getting around the SUDS. Of course, if this is true, I also wonder whether we should leave it unedged or if this would run the risk of increased wear and tear.

[simeonronacrete]

We make and sell both systems referred to here, RonaDeck Resin Bound and RonaDeck Resin Bonded.

As Tony has said, both require a strong stable surface onto which either is laid.

Only the bound system offers SuDS compliance.

As to durability, we can guarantee for 15 years.

[Tony McC]

If *all* of the driveway is to drain onto what was previously sopil, then there is no need for PP but....

1 - is it possible to get all of the driveway to drain towards this one location?

2 - is the ground at this location capable of taking the quantity of water that will be dumped on it during a storm?

...unless the ground is exceptionally free-draining or the client actually wants a bog-garden, then a soakaway is always thge better option when draining towards open ground.