Resin-bound pathways can be an impressive addition to your home and property. However, make sure you know the ins and outs of the installation process and read our latest article to find out the pros and cons as well as what to look out for!
Resin-bound pathways are not only unique aesthetically—since you can add as many colours and creative options as you want—they’re also entirely permeable, making them a great choice for areas that tend to get overly saturated in inclement weather.
Bound resin is the complete mixing of UV-resistant binders and aggregate (rocks, flat stones, sand) before application to the desired surface. It is applied, leveled, and smoothed similar to the way concrete is shaped, formed, and leveled.
Since it is a very flexible material, even after it is completely cured, it is also highly resistant to cracking as itself and the earth beneath it expand and contract over time. It also happens to be a very inexpensive alternative to concrete, brick, Indian stone, and cobblestone alternatives.
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What Are The Pros Of Bound Resin Pathways?
The aforementioned positive aspects aside, there are several good reasons for going with a resin-bound pathway, especially if you’re looking to be a little creative throughout the effort.
Pros
- Any Color and Styling to match your desired aesthetic
- Completely permeable
- Long-lasting, durable material
- Cost-effective
- Breathability
- Anti-slip surface
- Low maintenance
When it comes to the overall look of a resin-bound pathway, your choice of colour is only limited by the amount of coloured aggregate that’s available. The great thing about that is, it means that your choice of colour is nearly limitless.
- Onyx
- Seashore
- Rose Garden
- Sorrento
- Glacier
- Cornfield
- Gold
- Cappucino
That’s just a tiny sampling of the type of aggregate colors that you can choose from. Of course, the names may be a little farfetched but they really are reminiscent of their namesakes, which lends a breath of gravitas to whatever you choose
If you decide to go with a resin-bound pathway, it’s completely permeable material so you’ll never have to worry about water pooling on the surface. The resin is designed to absorb the moisture and allow it to flow down beneath and into the earth.
It’s also a very durable material. While you probably can’t get away with rolling a dump truck—fully loaded—over it, standard vehicles, foot traffic, ATVs, bicycles, and most other traffic won’t harm it in the least.
It’s very cost-effective as well. You’ll find that not only is the upfront cost less expensive than most other types of driveways, but the long-term upkeep is relatively inexpensive as well.
Its breathability goes along with that.
Breathability means that as the material and the soil beneath it expand and contract throughout the hot and cold seasons, inclement weather, dry, and wet periods, the bound resin “breathes” by expanding and contracting with it. This avoids cracking over time.
Since the materials if self-sufficient when it comes to moisture, you won’t have to worry about pooling or a slick surface that you might fall on. All these factors combine for a very low-maintenance finish that will last for years.
What Are The Cons Of Resin Bound Pathways?
Though they’re not as numerous as the positives that come with resin-bound pathways, there are some negative aspects that you need to consider before getting fully on board with the idea.
- Shady installation practices
- Aliphatic resins don’t do well in the sun
- The mixing process has to be perfect
- No regulations on resin-bound installation
Underhanded installation practices can happen with anything, however, it’s especially prevalent with resin-bound pathways and driveways because the cost is relatively cheap and there are no regulations on it.
If you’re thinking about doing a resin-bound driveway or pathway, it’s important to really do your homework and choose a crew with a proven and reliable reputation. Don’t make a decision on what you “want” to hear but rather on what needs to be done to complete a quality project.
Also, you need to know the difference between aromatic and aliphatic resins. The aliphatic resins aren’t as durable in the sun and any color in them will fade out. If the pathway is going to be located in the shade all day, that’s not a problem.
If it is, make sure you go with an aromatic resin. Lastly, the mixing process has to be perfect. That’s another reason a qualified and respectable crew is needed. If the mixing process isn’t done right, your resin-bound pathway can suffer from cracking, streaking, and white patches.
All three are the direct result of an improper mix and application, with white patches being the worst. There’s nothing more irritating than spending good money on a pathway that looks great except for a single, giant white patch.
Final Word
All things considered, laying a resin-bound pathway in your yard is a great idea and—if done properly, by a professional crew—will have that stunning look that you’re going for. You want something to be proud of and to improve your home’s aesthetics, not a cheap overlay.
Properly done and with the right colours, a resin-bound pathway can really highlight your property, home, or garden and it will last for the lifetime of your home.