Resin-bound solutions are becoming an increasingly popular option for housebuilders looking to enhance the outside appearance of the front of a property. These resin-bound solutions are not just visually appealing, but also functional and require low maintenance, making them a go-to choice for a longlasting, durable result.
Resin-bound solutions can be used for many different outdoor spaces, including driveways, patios, and pathways, to create a cohesive and seamless look across the property’s exterior.
Below, John Pearce, Co-Director at Oltco, an award-winning supplier and installer of sustainable resinbound driveways, patios, pathways, and more, explains why resin-bound driveways should be the top choice for housebuilders in 2024 and beyond.
What is a Resin-Bound Driveway?
A resin-bound driveway is a surface made from a blend of gravel and stone aggregates coated with clear UV-stable polyurethane resin, resulting in a seamless and smooth finish that prevents puddles, loose stones, and chippings. At Oltco, we are big believers that driveways play a crucial role in setting the tone of a property, showcasing homeowners’ individual styles and preferences. Choosing a resin-bound driveway not only offers a permeable surface but also enhances the overall look of a property’s exterior, often increasing the value of the home.
What are the Benefits?
Resin-bound driveways are a popular choice for their permeability, durability, and low maintenance requirements, resulting in a sleek finish. There are many advantages to opting for a resin-bound driveway, making it an excellent and costeffective option for housebuilders.
Firstly, resin-bound driveways do not require planning permission, which allows housebuilders to easily create a driveway that complements the property. The flexibility of the solution enables it to be moulded into various shapes and designs, resulting in an attractive look. Resin-bound surfaces are safe, seamless, and non-slip, making them ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and bicycles, without any uneven slabs that are prone for causing trips, slips and falls. They can withstand up to 400 tonnes per square metre, making them suitable for even heavy vehicles like buses and lorries.
Additionally, resin-bound surfaces are SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage System) compliant. The porous nature of the materials used in the solution encourages easy and quick drainage of water, reducing weed growth and maintaining a neat appearance. This also reduces slip hazards during extreme weather conditions by minimising excess water.
Another significant benefit is that resinbound driveways are low maintenance. The resin bound is easy to clean, and dirt and grime can be quickly removed with a jet wash, helping to maintain a fresh and aesthetic appearance. Due to the resin technology, resin solutions are also suggested to last for up to twenty-five years, whilst also helping to enhance the kerb appeal of a property, which is really important in increasing the value of the home and making it more attractive to potential buyers.
What Differentiates Resin-Bound Driveways from Usual Gravel and Concrete Driveways?
There are many driveway surface options to choose from, ranging from gravel and concrete to tarmac. Resin-bound solutions stand out when compared to traditional driveway surfaces as they are more permeable and offer an appealing and long-lasting finish.
The resin-bound solution mixture is highly resistant to cracks and UV rays, unlike gravel and concrete driveways, which are prone to cracking and loose stones, demanding extensive maintenance. This makes resin-bound solutions a convenient and durable choice not only for driveways but also for various outdoor areas like footpaths and patios. Moreover, these solutions can be personalised with diverse colour blends to enhance the property’s aesthetics, whether aiming for a traditional or contemporary look.
Recycle Bound
Recycle Bound is Oltco’s award-winning innovation, designed for housebuilders and property developers seeking a highly sustainable and durable driveway solution. It is made from a blend of stone and recycled plastic, which includes plastic straws, drink bottles, and food packaging. The waste plastic is sourced from recycling centres, and each square metre of Recycle Bound uses the equivalent of 3,000 plastic straws, making it an exceptionally eco-friendly option. Recycle Bound has been developed to be even stronger than other available resin-bound solutions, having a higher tensile strength, able to withstand even the heaviest of vehicles. It has all of the same permeable properties as traditional resin-bound; however, the solution has a melting point of 250 degrees, meaning that the plastic will not melt in the same way as alternatives like tarmac, even if the UK were to have a heatwave.
Oltco is available across the UK and is the country’s leading sustainable resinbound flooring company offering solutions for driveways, pool surrounds, balconies, patios, stairs, car parks, and footpaths. CLICK HERE for more information.
