Approximately 2.4 million people live in immediate flood risk areas in England. That translates as one in six homes in the UK are at risk of flooding. So, statistically you are more likely to get flooded than burgled. The increased risk of flooding is due to climate change and urban expansion. Paved/tarmacked driveways also have their part to play in contributing to climate change.
TV legend and gardener extraordinaire Monty Don took a stance on the negative impact of tarmacked driveways on our environment. He said that paved surfaces around our homes prevent water absorbing into the ground and increase the risk of flooding. We need water absorbent surfaces around our houses and in our gardens. This allows the water to slowly work down to underground aquifers and make its way to our rivers and seas. This is where resin-bound surfaces can step in.
Resin bound driveways and pavements do not only look smart but they also help the environment. Using this material for driveways has become increasingly popular over recent years. These permeable surfaces prevent surface run-off as it allows water to filter through naturally. Rainwater seeps through the sub-base and back into the ground. Resin bound or ”trowelled” paving is made from a blend of aggregate/gravel coated in a clear UV-stable polyurethane resin. A forced action mixer, like CES’s Baron F120 completely coats the aggregate to form an even cold-pour mix. The mixture is then poured and hand-trowelled to create a smooth, flat finish.
There are many benefits of resin-bound surfaces on top of the positives for the environment. Firstly this material creates a smooth, flat finish with no loose gravel. The surface is particularly even as loose gravel does not get redistributed. Secondly it is weed and frost resistant which makes it very low maintenance. Not forgetting that resin-bound surfaces are a very attractive and versatile surface. Finally and importantly, it is SUDS compliant.
SUDS stands for Sustainable Urban Drainage System. They manage water flow by reducing the amount of water entering our overworked drainage system. SUDS encourages more water to naturally absorb into the ground via permeable surfaces. Resin bound surfaces are one of the materials that ticks the SUDS box. All new driveways must now comply with SUDS.
Resin bonded is a non-permeable rough surface also known as scattercoat paving. It is laid on a non-porous fine wearing course asphalt or concrete base. Essentially, you sprinkle loose aggregate onto resin. This type of surface is not as durable as resin bound since particles can loosen over time. Also, this material is not compliant with SUDS. You must install soak-aways or channel drains to prevent flooding and increased run-off.