Drainage on resin driveways - Drainage on resin driveways

[Christian Dickson]

I understand that water permeates through resin driveways and therefore they do not need soakaways etc. However, why then are they so good at not allowing weeds to grow in, as this website suggests? That is my main worry with putting in a resin driveway. Many thanks. Christian

[Tony McC]

I think you've misread the website. It states that resin surfaces are *resistant* to weeds: that's not quite the same as "not allowing weeds". A well-laid and properly maintained resin surface will make it awkward for weeds to colonise.

Firstly, sub-surface weeds - if the preparation has been carried out correctly, there will be a sound base or sub-base beneath the resin and most weeds simply cannot get through that (pernicious weeds such as Japanese Knotweed and Mares' Tails are exceptions).

Then, the weeds that settle onto the surface and penetrate. With resin bonded surfaces there is so little depth, just 3-6mm, and then a solid layer of resin, that there's no place for a root to go. This won't stop shallow weeds, especially mosses and lichens, but basic maintenance, especially use of a good weedkiller and regular sweeping will see to that. As for resin bound surfaces, there *is* opportunity for weeds to set up home, but again, basic maintenance will control this with ease.

There is no such thing as a weed-proof surfacing or paving. All pavements are susceptible to weeds, but some are more susceptible than others, some will stay relatively weed-less for longer, while some will be greened in a matter of weeks. Resin bound surfacing keeps itself in trim better than many; resin bonded for longer than that, but left unmaintained, uncared for, neglected and ignored, any surface will eventually find itself home to some form of vegetation - that's the way of the world.

[Christian Dickson]

Many thanks for this response. Therefore, do you see resin or bitmacs as the better surface for reducing weed growth and easy maintenance going forward?

Thanks.

[Tony McC]

Not much to choose between them in terms of weed resistance.

Bitmac breaks down over time and the breakdown products provide a good substrate for vegetation, whereas the good quality resins *shouldn't* break down, or shouldn't within a service life of 25 years or so.

Resin bound is usually prettier and slightly easier to maintain, as it's a tougher surfacing, more resistant to pressure washing and the use of aggressive biocides, cleaning products and whathaveyou.

You have to offset that against the higher cost, of course, and that's summat only the client can decide.