When is the best time to install a new driveway?

Choosing the right time to install a new driveway can make all the difference when it comes to durability, appearance, and long-term performance. Although experienced Daltex installers can lay a new resin bound driveway during almost all times of the year, t The UK’s unpredictable weather does need to be considered.

While your chosen installer will be able to properly advise you when it comes to good and bad conditions for installation, by understanding how different weather conditions affect the installation process yourself, you can make the best choice for your new driveway.

In this guide we take a look at the pros and cons of booking in a resin bound driveway installation in each of the four seasons of the year. We also outline what ideal installation conditions look like and explore how experienced Daltex installers are able to adapt to different weather and temperatures. 

Can you lay a driveway in summer?

Yes, summer installations are common. Indeed, summer might actually seem like the perfect time for driveway installation, with typically longer daylight hours and drier, warmer conditions than other seasons. While this is true and these factors are potentially beneficial, installers need to be aware that higher temperatures can speed up the curing process of resin bound surfaces.

If it cures too quickly - as we explain here - the quality of the surface may not be as high as expected.

One way to manage this is by scheduling installation during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Some installers use specific equipment - such as using a gazebo - to protect areas they are working on from the heat. However, for larger jobs this is not always possible. Similarly, another thing installers need to watch out for is sudden summer showers - rainfall during installation can affect the resin’s setting process, so checking the weather forecast is key - even in summer.

Is autumn a good time to install a driveway?

Yes, autumn can be a good time to install a driveway, especially early autumn. The mild temperatures usually experienced in the UK during this time can create ideal conditions for laying a driveway, as the resin has time to cure properly without the extreme heats sometimes experienced during summer. However, naturally during these months, an increased risk of rainfall and damp conditions can pose potential risks. Remember - water and resin do not mix - getting resin or mixture wet at any stage of the installation process can cause it to fail, leading to clouding or an uneven surface. So, just as with summer installations, checking the weather forecast is really important.

Autumn also means an increased risk of leaves and other organic debris. This can also be an issue, especially if they settle on the surface before it’s fully set. If you’re installing a driveway in autumn, any fallen leaves should be cleared from the area prior to installation - you can do this yourself before your installer arrives. During the installation itself, your installer may make use of a gazebo to protect the curing surface from falling leaves.

Can you install a driveway in winter?

Unsurprisingly, winter is the trickiest season for installing a resin bound driveway. Cold temperatures and high moisture levels can slow down or even prevent proper curing, which can weaken the finished surface. Indeed, most resin bound systems require temperatures above 5°C to set correctly, so if it’s too cold, you might not get the best results. Here at Daltex, we recommend only installing in totally dry conditions where both the surface temperature and the air temperature is between 10°C to 25°C. Similarly, relative humidity should be between 30%-85%. These conditions are far from guaranteed during the winter months.

It goes without saying that there’s also a higher chance of rain, snow, and frost during winter - any of which can negatively impact the installation process. That said, if winter is your only option, installers may take precautions like creating a controlled environment with tenting and ground heaters. However, these extra steps can increase costs and complexity, so most installers - along with us here at Derbyshire Aggregates - would recommend waiting for better conditions if possible.

Why spring is a great time to install a new driveway

Spring is often considered the best season for installing a resin bound driveway, and for good reason. The typically moderate temperatures and relatively dry conditions, especially in late spring, create the perfect environment for a smooth installation process.

After the cold and wet winter months, the ground begins to settle in spring, making it a better foundation for driveway installation. In contrast, winter’s freeze-thaw cycles can cause ground movement, which may lead to instability. Installing a resin bound when the ground is firm and dry helps ensure a long-lasting surface that won’t shift or crack over time.

Spring’s milder weather also allows the resin to cure at the correct rate. As discussed above, if a driveway is installed in cold conditions, the curing process can take longer and, if under 5°C, it could be vulnerable to surface imperfections. Similarly, in overly hot weather, the resin can set too quickly, making it harder to achieve a smooth, even finish. Spring’s balanced temperatures can prevent these issues, giving installers the ideal working conditions.

Ideal installation conditions for resin bound

As we stress in our guide on resin bound driveway installation, understanding what the ideal installation conditions are and how to properly prepare for installation is essential - both for installers and their customers. With this in mind, to get the best results from a resin bound driveway, installers need to keep these key factors in mind:

Temperature

Temperature is critical to a successful resin bound installation:

• Best air and surface temperatures: 10°C to 25°C
• Minimum temperature for proper curing: 5°C
• Aim to avoid extreme temperature conditions

Discussed above, when temperatures are too low, the resin takes longer to cure and therefore may become more susceptible to moisture penetration. Too high, and you risk an uneven finish that could compromise the driveway's long-term performance.

Moisture levels

Managing moisture correctly is important when it comes to a successful resin bound installation. With this in mind, the following factors need to be considered: 

• Ideal relative humidity: 30% to 85%
• Working conditions must be completely dry
• Steer clear of installations during:
  - Rainy weather
  - Periods of high humidity
  - Damp conditions

Even a small amount of unexpected moisture can cause surface defects that are difficult and expensive to rectify.

Surface preparation

A solid foundation is crucial for a lasting driveway. With this in mind, your installer will thoroughly clean and prepare the base surface before installation begins and remove all debris like fallen leaves, loose twigs, dust and any other dirt. They should also ensure the ground is stable and, with the colder months in mind once again, will typically want to avoid installing a resin bound driveway immediately after a freeze-thaw cycle.

Material quality

Although not directly linked to conditions or preparation, high-quality materials are essential for , long-lasting resin bound driveway. With this in mind, ideally installers should use:

• UV-stable resin to prevent discoloration.
• Dried, dust-free aggregates for a strong bond.
• The correct resin-to-aggregate ratio for optimal strength and flexibility.

For the best results with your resin bound installation, we recommend using an experienced Daltex installer who has been professionally trained. If you need help finding a trusted local installer, please don’t hesitate to contact us.