Resin bound gravel is often used as a surface course for driveways and footpaths. Resin bound surfaces are created by first preparing the base, then applying the resin bound gravel which is composed of aggregates mixed with a clear binder.
How To Lay Resin Bound Surfacing
The first step in laying resin bound surfacing is to prepare the base. It is important that the material where the resin bound gravel is to be laid is in good condition, as this will provide the foundation upon which the mixture will be laid.
Preparing the Base
There are some surfaces upon which resin bound gravel can’t be laid. These include block paving, soil, and grass. Block paving will not provide sufficient stability for a resin bound surface. If one of the paving stones beneath shifts, this could cause cracks to form in the resin bound layer. Similarly, soil or grass both will not provide sufficient support, and so preparation must be carried out on the base to make it so.
Suitable bases for resin bound surfacing includes macadam, asphalt, and concrete. However, it is important that these surfaces are not contaminated or wet prior to laying as this can lead to delamination or foaming. For this reason, installation of a resin bound surface should not be attempted while it is raining, or if rain is forecast.
Mixing the Resin
Resin bound surfacing is made up of a blend of aggregates and resin. To achieve this, both elements should be accurately mixed within a container in a specific order for a specific amount of time. When done correctly, the result is ready to be laid on the previously mentioned sub-base.
Laying the Resin Bound Gravel
Once the aggregates are mixed with the resin, it is ready to be trowelled onto the chosen surface. The trowelling process is necessary to create a closely compacted, level surface. The resin then must be left to cure for around 4 hours depending on the temperature. In some cases, an accelerator can be mixed into the resin earlier into the process to making the curing process faster.
While curing, the newly laid surface should not be walked or driven on as this may disturb the aggregates.
NatraTex As an Alternative To Resin Bound Surfaces
Resin bound surfacing has been a popular option for driveways, playgrounds, footpaths, and highways – but it’s not the only option. NatraTex products are fantastic alternatives to traditional bound aggregates that provide a huge number of benefits and the flexibility to be adapted to your needs.
The two flagship NatraTex products from BituChem are NatraTex Cotswold and NatraTex Colour. Both are made by mixing naturally occurring aggregates with a clear binder to create a bound surface. In the case of NatraTex Colour, pigment is added during this process to create vibrant and bright shades that stand out from the crowd entirely.
NatraTex products are:
- High quality
- Durable
- Attractive
- Easy to lay
- Quick drying
- Adaptable
- Sympathetic to the environment
To explore NatraTex products in more depth, check out our Portfolio or contact our team. We can recommend the best option for your requirements, considering factors such as footfall, climate, traffic volumes and more to ensure the correct choice for your project. From regeneration to retail projects, we have a great deal of experience in working with all types of clients to help them choose the right surfacing solution for their needs.
