First used as a smooth road surface way back in 1902, tarmac has been a firm favourite for creating weather resistant, long-lasting driveways in Britain for as far back as we can remember.
Are resin drives more expensive than tarmac?
That said, when it comes to choosing modern surfacing materials,
resin bound driveways have overtaken tarmac in the popularity stakes for a variety of reasons. When it comes to price, resin is a low-maintenance surface which overtime costs homeowners less than tarmac.
So, which is better tarmac or resin?
Costing considerably less than tarmac in the long run, and much quicker to install, here are five more reasons to choose a resin surface over tarmac.
1. Resin driveways usually require less prep
To prevent water run-off from damaging your home, tarmac surfaces must be excavated to a depth of at least 175mm. Whereas resin can often be installed straight onto the solid base, saving considerable time and energy in the process. Even better, your new resin driveway could be ready to use within just 24 hours of being installed!
Get in touch with us to discuss your requirements
2. Porous surfaces for driveways
Tarmac does not allow water to pass through it, yet
SUDS compliant resin bound surfacing does. Short for ‘Sustainable Urban Drainage System’, surfaces that comply with SuDs standards are absorbent and allow water to drain freely through the surface to direct it away into a suitable filtration system. So, not only will a new resin driveway allow water to drain through at a controlled rate, but it’s also the ideal surfacing option for areas susceptible to flooding too.
3. Nonslip driveway material
New tarmac can be slippery and dangerous and can be a breeding ground for moss and algae too. Over time, tarmac bonds can weaken and create loose stones and dangerous holes too, making it even more of a slip hazard. Suited to Britain's cool, wet climate, smooth resin bound gravel delivers some of the best anti-slip features around – designed to keep both homes and workplaces safe and hazard free for longer.
Our Resin Bound Floor Slip Resistance Test Explained
4. Resin driveways can be personalised as little or as much as you like
When it comes to personalising your new driveway, tarmac is very limited when it comes to colour. Superb
UV resistant driveway materials (like ours!) provide a variety of colour options that are guaranteed to retain their beauty for many years.
Our Lifetime Colour Lock Guarantee Explained
5. Durable & heat resistant driveway materials
Another issue with tarmac is that it begins to soften at around 50°C. Stable resin bound surfaces have a much higher melting point, only beginning to melt at around 200°C. So, as British summers get hotter year on year, you can rely on your new resin driveway to remain strong and stable for many enjoyable decades to come.
Resin driveway vs tarmac
/ |
Resin |
Tarmac |
Lifetime colour lock guarantee |
✓ |
✗ |
Slip resistance |
✓ |
✗ |
SUDS compliant |
✓ |
✗ |
UV resistance |
✓ |
✗ |
Weed resistant |
✓ |
✗ |
Frost resistant |
✓ |
✓ |
Low maintenance |
✓ |
✓ |
Quick installation |
✓ |
✗ |
Resin surface specialists | We've got it covered
Perfect for both residential and commercial environments, our exceptional range of resin surfacing products is ideal for rejuvenating driveways, patios, paths, and more. A long lasting, more attractive alternative to tarmac, designing the driveway of your dreams is easy thanks to our charming range of aggregates, specifically styled to suit your unique project requirements.
Contact us to discuss your next resin bound surfacing project:
01484 400855
sales@theresinmill.co.uk
Related Blogs and Web Pages:
UV resin driveways – 5 reasons why Resin Bound UVR Pro is the superior product
What else can our aggregates & resin products be used for?
Our Resins
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