Preparing Your Surface

Before installing your Resin Bound system, here’s a comprehensive checklist to ensure your installation meets all requirements for safety and maintenance.

Edging Detail

It is recommended that you install block or concrete kerbs set to protrude 18mm above the existing base edge.
It is not advisable to edge up against an existing fence or gravel board, as the resin will stick to it and could cause disruption to the surface if the fence is moved or replaced.

Repairs

Remove all damaged areas up to 200mm in depth and reinstate with 100mm Type 1 MOT hardcore (mechanically compacted) and 100mm of concrete.
Crack repairs can be completed using a geotextile mat, bitumen strips, or elastic crack repair.

Cleaning

Power wash to remove all detritus and organic material.
The driveway must be completely clean prior to laying the Resin Bound surface. Any dust, dirt or moss will contaminate the resin.
This should be done the day before installation so the driveway has chance to dry completely. Heat guns can be used to speed up drying.

Levelling

This can be achieved in 2 ways:

Small undulations can be addressed with surface installation using leftover bags from previous jobs. Be wary of impact of usage.
Levelling compounds, such as exterior floor levelling (Cempolay Ultra, Flow Top, etc.) or site mix granolithic concrete.

Manhole Covers

Replace these with recessed alternatives known as screed trays or block paving drains.

Drainage

Install eco-drainage channels or soakaways as required (please see SUDS summary).

Priming

Primer and seal all bases prior to installation of the finished surface, and always make sure the correct primer is used for the correct surface.

Bitmac base

Use a waterproof based primer and always check manufacturer’s guidelines. With a new Bitmac base, always leave to cure for at least 14 days, allowing for longer in the summer.
The oils in the Bitmac do not mix well and the resin bound surface will not adhere to the tarmac. The oils will also cause the resin to go milky and spongy.

Concrete base

Solvent based primers can be used but always check manufacturer’s guidelines.
With new concrete bases, ensure the concrete has fully cured, ideally for 28 days but as a minimum 14.
An alternative is to use a breathable concrete sealer. This will allow the concrete to continue curing. As the Resin Bound surface is permeable, it will allow the concrete to breathe.
If in doubt about the moisture on the surface, use a Hydrometer.

Marking out the site

Some contractors mark the area out in square metres (mixes). This can then serve as a guide and an early indicator if you are using too much aggregate (the laying is too deep) or too little (not deep enough).
The surface must be completely dry before laying the surface. Water and resin do not mix!