How to care for your resin driveway

As far as driveways go, a resin resin-bound system is one of the driveways that require low maintenance and offers benefits such as hard wearing, design flexibility and strength. However, even with its low maintenance, a resin-bound driveway still requires some level of upkeep in order to keep performing well, last longer and still look its best. In this article, we’ve come up with some helpful measures you can take to care for and maintain your resin-bound driveway.

Immediate after-care post installation

It is important to not expose the surface of your resin-bound driveway to any chemicals in the early days post-installation. Also, ensure that you do not allow anything that can cause an imprint to touch the surface of the resin before it has had time to cure properly.

Routine cleaning of resin-bound driveways

Regular sweeping with a stiff broom to remove leaves and sand soil from the surface of the resin-bound driveway can prevent the growth of moss or stains from the tanning of leaves. You can also hose down its surface with clean water. As for stubborn stains and grime, a pressure washer with a 150 max bar rating can be used.

A fan-type lance is recommended, and the spraying should be done at a minimum of 200mm above the surface of the resin driveway. Remember to never use boiling water on your resin-bound surface, as this can destroy the chemical makeup of the resin. Using cold/warm water is advised.

Chewing gum removal

If chewing gum were to get stuck to your resin-bound driveway, you could easily remove it with a freeze spray. Just spray each piece of chewing gum to harden it then proceed to scrape it off.

Weed removal

Although the resin surface is treated with weed killer before it is installed, there isn’t a 100% guarantee it will remain seedling-free, especially with the dispersal of seeds by the weather and animals. So if you discover the growth of weeds, you can simply pull them out by hand while ensuring you remove the root, and with stubborn weeds that have taken root, you can use a mild weed killer to kill them off. If you are using a strong chemical to kill off the weeds, ensure that you water it down so it won’t discolour your grey resin driveway.

Oil spillage

In case of any oil spills, you can use a degreaser on the affected area. Ensure to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for required strength before you use any product.

Ice

During the winter months, you can use rock salt to defrost and remove ice. Just ensure to remove the salt traces once the weather condition has subsided.

Brake fluid

Brake fluid should be removed immediately with warm water as it is highly corrosive to a resin-bound surface.

Tyre marks

Tyre marks on a resin-bound surface can be removed by wiping with white spirit coupled with washing using an emulsifier and fan-assisted pressure washer. Also, you can prevent tyre marks by making sure that the steering wheel isn’t turned when your vehicle is stationary.

Other precautions for resin driveways

• Careful handling of any hard objects (motorbike stand, gardening machinery, car parts and hard pots) near the resin surface.
• Heavy goods vehicles should not be parked or manoeuvred on a resin-bound driveway unless it has been accounted for in the thickness of the resin-bound installation.
• Skips and heavy objects should not be dragged across the surface. A wooden plank can be used to spread the load and protect the surface from heavy objects.

Conclusion

A resin driveway is generally designed to be long lasting and requires low maintenance, but to prolong its performance and appearance even longer, certain measures have to be taken for its upkeep. By taking the measures listed above, your resin driveway will continue to look and perform at its best.