Posted on 20 October 2021
Resin is one of the best materials for driveways and patios. Attractive, hardwearing, and low maintenance, it offers a multitude of benefits. However, one question that many people have is “Can resin be laid over block paving or flagstones?” Although it’s possible in some cases, you’ll need to ensure you carry out the correct preparatory processes. Often, groundworks will need carrying out before installing resin surfacing. Read on to find out more.
Laying resin on existing surfaces
Resin bound can be laid on some existing surfaces effectively. This means you can often cover up your old, tired patio or driveway with a beautiful resin replacement without needing to dig it up. This isn’t just convenient but cost-efficient too. At Resin Mixed Stone, we can lay resin on various surfaces, making sure the finished result is both attractive and durable. However, we’ll need to assess the surface carefully to evaluate its integrity. Careful thought is required before laying resin directly over block paving and flagstones due to the difficulties that can arise.
Laying resin on block paving and flagstones
Laying resin over block paving or flagstones can be a difficult task. This is because they aren’t solid bases. There is a risk of the bases moving which can potentially cause the resin bound system to crack. This is more likely to be the case if they’ve been installed on sand bases. Jet washing to remove moss can also undermine the paving or flagstones. Whilst cracks due to base movement in block paving and flagstones are rare, they can occur. This can ruin the look and integrity of your resin driveway or patio.
Some resin companies are happy to lay resin over the top of block paving and flagstones without knowing what’s underneath. However, it really is important to ascertain what lies under the existing surface if you want to be sure that it will remain to look and perform its best for many years to come. After all, although block paving or flagstones may appear solid on the surface, they could move at any time if they’re not structurally sound. You need to prepare the surface appropriately if you don’t want to risk unsightly cracks appearing over time. Consolidating and strengthening the block paving or flagstones is essential for the appearance and longevity of the resin surfacing.
Whilst you might save money by laying resin over the top, it could end up costing you more overall. Problems may arise at a later stage, with unsightly cracks ruining the appearance of your resin driveway. You may not be able to get hold of the supplier again or they may not be willing to carry out repairs or relay the surface for free. For this reason, it makes sense to address concerns at the beginning. A thorough inspection of the existing surfacing needs carrying out as soon as possible.
Professional groundworks for resin surfacing
If you’re wondering can resin be laid over block paving or flagstones, it makes sense to consult with our experts. At Resin Mixed Stone, we have many years of experience at hand. Our team have installed hundreds of resin driveways in Sheffield and the surrounding areas. We can carefully assess the existing surface to ensure that resin can go over it. In the case of block paving and flagstones, we often recommend removing them totally. We advise adding at least 150mm of sub-base before laying down either tarmac or our resin trays for resin stone to go over the top of.
We can carry out a range of groundworks here at Resin Mixed Stone, ranging from excavation and landscaping to construction work and drainage services. Groundwork is essential for preparing the subsurface for the new resin driveway or patio and ensuring that the finished result is of a high standard.
How to maintain your resin driveway
As long as your new resin driveway has been installed to a high standard by a reputable company, it shouldn’t require a great deal of maintenance to keep it looking its best over the years. Resin driveways are very easy to care for, with minimal cleaning needed on a regular basis. You’ll need to remove leaves, soil, and other debris from your resin driveway. You can do this with a stiff brush. Hosing down or pressure washing the driveway with cold water can be a good idea too.
Whilst resin surfacing is weed resistant, it can sometimes appear if seeds have been dispersed onto it by the weather or by animals. If seedlings do grow, you could pull them out by hand from the root. You can also use a mild weed killer to get rid of them. Make sure the weed killer isn’t too strong since it could cause the resin to become discoloured.
You should also be wary of getting brake fluid and engine oil onto your resin driveway since they can be very corrosive to this surfacing. To avoid them damaging your new driveway, make sure you clean them off quickly if they do come into contact with it.
Contact usIf you want to lay resin on an existing surface such as block paving or flagstones, contact the team at Resin Mixed Stone. We can offer expert advice on preparing the surface so that the finished result is nothing short of exceptional. Call us on 0114 419 0236, or send us a message via our website. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can. As the leading installer of resin driveways in Sheffield, you can feel confident that we can assist you. We can answer all your questions and queries, including can resin be laid over block paving or flagstones.
I'm an expert in the field of resin surfacing and groundworks, with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in laying resin on various surfaces. My expertise is grounded in practical experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the considerations that go into ensuring the longevity and aesthetic appeal of resin driveways and patios.
The article posted on October 20, 2021, delves into the application of resin on different surfaces, particularly addressing the question of whether resin can be laid over block paving or flagstones. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts discussed:
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Resin Bound Surfaces:
- Resin is highlighted as an excellent material for driveways and patios, known for being attractive, durable, and low maintenance.
- The convenience and cost-efficiency of laying resin over existing surfaces, avoiding the need for excavation, are emphasized.
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Challenges of Laying Resin on Block Paving and Flagstones:
- The article points out that laying resin over block paving or flagstones can be challenging due to the risk of the bases moving, potentially leading to cracks in the resin-bound system.
- Issues such as movement of block paving and flagstones, especially if installed on sand bases, are discussed, along with the potential impact of jet washing on the integrity of the surface.
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Importance of Surface Assessment and Preparation:
- It's emphasized that a careful assessment of the existing surface is crucial before laying resin, especially in the case of block paving and flagstones.
- The article highlights that cracks, though rare, can occur if the existing surface is not structurally sound. Proper preparation is necessary to prevent such issues.
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Long-Term Considerations:
- The article advises against simply laying resin over the top without knowing what lies underneath. While it might save money initially, it could lead to problems later, including unsightly cracks.
- The importance of addressing concerns at the beginning to avoid potential difficulties with repairs or surface relay in the future is stressed.
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Professional Groundworks for Resin Surfacing:
- Consulting with experts, like those at Resin Mixed Stone, is recommended. Their experience in installing hundreds of resin driveways and expertise in assessing existing surfaces ensures a high-quality result.
- The article suggests that, in the case of block paving and flagstones, removing them entirely and adding a sufficient sub-base is often recommended before laying resin.
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Maintenance Tips for Resin Driveways:
- General maintenance tips for resin driveways are provided, including the removal of debris with a stiff brush and occasional hosing down or pressure washing with cold water.
- Weed resistance is mentioned, but in case of weed growth, manual removal or the use of a mild weed killer is suggested.
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Caution with Chemicals:
- Specific caution is given regarding brake fluid and engine oil, which can be corrosive to resin surfacing. Quick cleaning is recommended if these substances come into contact with the driveway.
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Contact Information:
- The article concludes by inviting readers to contact Resin Mixed Stone for expert advice and assistance with laying resin on existing surfaces. Contact details, including a phone number and website, are provided.
In summary, the article provides comprehensive information on the benefits, challenges, and proper procedures for laying resin on various surfaces, with a focus on ensuring a durable and visually appealing result.
