Resin bound systems are surface courses usually applied to areas such as decorative driveways. Used in both domestic and commercial projects, resin bound systems are created by mixing clear resin with natural aggregates. This mixture is then laid onto a suitable surface to create a flat driveway or path.
Resin bound systems can vary in the types of aggregates that are mixed within the resin. This allows for different types of finishes and customisation based on the requirements of the project.
Are resin bound systems permeable?
Resin bound systems, if laid correctly, are a permeable surfacing option. This is because, although the appearance of the surface is smooth, small gaps between the aggregates that are mixed within the resin allow for rainwater to permeate the surface below.
Permeability is an important feature for surfacing of driveways and footpaths. When a surface is not permeable, rainwater will pool into puddles and only disappear when the water eventually evaporates. For flat surfaces, this means the formation of puddles, which are not only unpleasant to walk through but could pose a slip hazard. Further to this, if rainwater doesn’t permeate a surface like a sloped driveway, the water can run off and overwhelm drainage systems, which could result in flooding.
Resin bound surfaces are often referred to as being SUDS compliant. SUDS stands for Sustainable Urban Drainage System. SUDS compliance is essential in built-up areas to allow water to drain through the surface and reduce the risk of flooding, particularly in urban areas.
What is the difference between resin bound systems and resin bonded systems?
Resin bound systems are created by mixing natural aggregate (or other material such as marble) with a clear resin. Once the aggregate is completely mixed with the resin, the combination is then laid onto a base to create a smooth, permeable finish.
Resin bonded systems differ in that, instead of the aggregate being mixed with the resin, it is scattered on top of it after it has been laid onto the base. The finished result is a textured surface that consists of a single stone layer on the surface.
NatraTex As An Alternative To Resin Bound Systems
While resin bound systems have many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to using this surfacing type. In the case of coloured resin bound systems, the colours can begin to fade as a result of exposure to direct sunlight or the growth of moss and algae can cause the surface to become slippy and hazardous.
NatraTex is an alternative to resin bound systems that brings with it a whole host of advantages. As a cost-effective landscaping material, it is suitable for applications on residential driveways, roads and paths as well as on car parks, in retail parks, school playgrounds and on commercial sites.
NatraTex is an asphalt surface course available in two main types: NatraTex Colour & NatraTex Cotswold. Both are very low maintenance and attractive options for pedestrian walkways, as a part of housing developments or applied as decorative landscaping. While NatraTex Cotswold features an aesthetically pleasing beige colour that is sympathetic to natural surroundings, NatraTex Colour is available in a wide range of vibrant colours, including red, green and blue.
NatraTex products have been utilised in a variety of products for recreational, regeneration, residential and retail use. Examples of this include the use of NatraTex Colour as part of the historic Rolls of Monmouth golf course and the application of NatraTex Cotswold at a number of supermarket sites, including Aldi, Waitrose and Sainsburys.
To find out more about NatraTex products, please contact us today. We supply to contractors across the UK and our surfacing solutions can be easily arranged and transported to the specification of your project.
