Difference Between Resin-Bound and Resin-Bonded Surfacing

What is Resin-Bound Surfacing?

Resin-bound surfacing is a paving material prepared by mixing aggregate stones with a clear resin binder. The mixture is then laid on a solid base and troweled smoothly to create a seamless and attractive surface. The resulting surface is porous, allowing rainwater to drain through and preventing the buildup of surface water. Resin-bound surfacing is popular for driveways, paths, patios, and other outdoor areas due to its durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. It is available in various colours and finishes, making it a versatile option for residential and commercial properties. Here are some resin-bound surfacing benefits:

• Durability: Resin-bound surfacing is solid and durable, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and heavy vehicles.
• Low Maintenance: Resin-bound surfacing is easy to maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning and resealing.
• Permeability: Resin-bound surfacing is porous, allowing water to drain through and preventing the buildup of surface water.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Resin-bound surfacing is available in various finishes and colours, making it a versatile and attractive option for outdoor spaces.
• Safety: Resin-bound surfacing is slip-resistant, making it a safe option for areas where people may walk or drive.

What is Resin-Bonded Surfacing?

Resin-bonded surfacing is another type of paving material made by spreading a layer of resin over a surface and then scattering loose aggregate stones onto the resin while it is still wet. The stones adhere to the resin, creating a textured surface with a natural appearance.

Unlike resin-bound surfacing, resin-bonded surfacing is not permeable, as the stones are not mixed with the resin but rather placed on top. This means that resin-bonded surfaces are unsuitable for drainage areas, as water cannot pass through the surface. Resin-bonded surfacing is often used for decorative purposes, such as creating pathways, patios, and driveways with a natural, textured look. It is also a popular choice for commercial applications, such as car parks and footpaths, as it is durable and slip-resistant. Some of the benefits of resin-bonded surfacing include the following:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Resin-bonded surfacing creates a natural, textured look that can be customized with various aggregate stones.
• Durability: Resin-bonded surfacing is solid and durable, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and heavy vehicles.
• Slip-Resistance: Resin bonded surfacing is naturally slip-resistant, making it a safe option for areas where people may walk or drive.
• Low Maintenance: Resin bonded surfacing is easy to maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning and resealing.

What Are the Differences Between Resin-bound and Resin-Bonded Surfacing?

1. Permeability: One of the main differences between resin-bound and the resin-bonded surfacing is their permeability. Resin-bound surfacing is porous, which allows water to drain through the surface and prevents the buildup of surface water. In contrast, the resin-bonded surfacing is not permeable, as the stones are placed on top of the resin rather than mixed with it. This means water cannot pass through the surface, and drainage must be considered during installation.
2. Texture: Another key difference between resin-bound and the resin-bonded surfacing is their texture. The resin-bound surfacing has a smooth, seamless finish, as the aggregate stones are mixed with the resin and troweled to create a uniform surface. In contrast, resin-bonded surfacing has a textured finish, as the stones are scattered onto the resin and left to set in place.
3. Appearance: Resin-bound and resin-bonded surfacing also differ in their appearance. The former is available in various colours and finishes, making it a versatile option for creating a range of looks. In contrast, the resin-bonded surfacing is typically used for creating natural, textured finishes and is often customized with a selection of natural aggregate stones.
4. Durability: Both resin-bound and resin-bonded surfacing are durable and long-lasting, but resin-bound surfacing is generally considered to be the stronger of the two. The aggregate stones are mixed with the resin, creating a more solid and cohesive surface.
5. Maintenance: Resin-bound and resin-bonded surfacing require relatively low maintenance, but resin-bonded surfacing may require more frequent cleaning and resealing due to its textured finish.

What Are the Applications of Resin Bonded?

Both Resin-bonded and resin surfacing can be used for several applications, such as:

1. Patios and outdoor living areas: Resin bonded surfacing can create outdoor living areas, such as patios and courtyards, providing a natural, textured surface that blends with the surrounding landscape.
2. Car parks and commercial areas: Resin-bonded surfacing is also used in commercial applications, such as car parks, footpaths, and other public areas. Its durability and slip-resistance make it a safe and practical choice for high-traffic areas.
3. Pool surrounds: Resin bonded surfacing is a popular choice for pool surrounds, as it provides a non-slip surface that can withstand exposure to water and chemicals.
4. Driveways: Resin-bound surfacing is a popular choice for driveways, as it provides a smooth and seamless surface that is durable, requires low maintenance, and is permeable.
5. Paths and walkways: Resin-bound surfacing can create paths and walkways, providing pedestrians with a safe and attractive surface.
6. Public spaces: Resin-bound surfacing is increasingly used in public spaces, such as parks and plazas, to create safe and accessible surfaces for people to walk and play on.
7. Eco-friendly applications: Resin-bound surfacing is often used in eco-friendly applications, such as permeable driveways and rain gardens, where it helps to manage stormwater runoff and reduce the impact of urbanization on the natural environment.

How is Resin Bound Applied?

Resin-bound surfacing is a mixture of natural aggregate stones and a clear UV-stable resin that is applied to a prepared surface. Here is a step-by-step guide to how resin bound is applied:

1. Preparation: The existing surface must be prepared to ensure the resin-bound adheres properly. This includes removing loose debris, cleaning the surface, and ensuring it is level and stable.
2. Mixing: The natural aggregate stones are mixed with the clear UV-stable resin in a forced action mixer, which ensures that the stones are fully coated in resin.
3. Application: The mixed resin and stones are poured onto the prepared surface and spread evenly using a trowel or screed. The thickness of the resin-bound layer can vary depending on the application, but it is typically between 12mm and 24mm.
4. Finishing: Once the resin bound has been applied, it is left to cure for several hours. After this, the surface is smoothed using a rotary buffing machine to remove sharp edges and create a smooth, even finish.
5. Sealing: Finally, the resin-bound surface is sealed using a clear coat, which helps to protect the surface from UV damage and makes it more resistant to stains and chemicals.

The exact process for applying resin-bound surfacing can vary depending on the product and application, but the above steps provide a general overview.

How is Resin-Bonded Surfacing Performed?

The application process for resin-bonded surfacing differs slightly from resin-bound surfacing. Here are the steps typically involved in the application process for resin-bonded surfacing:

1. Surface Preparation: The existing surface must be cleaned and cleared of debris, and any necessary repairs must be made. Any holes or cracks in the surface are filled to create a smooth and level surface.
2. Application of Primer: A primer is used on the surface to make a strong bond between the existing surface and the resin. The primer is typically rolled or brushed onto the surface and allowed to dry.
3. Application of Resin: The resin is mixed with an aggregate material (such as quartz or bauxite) to create a mixture spread over the prepared surface using a roller or trowel. The thickness of the resin-bonded layer can vary, but it is typically between 3-6mm.
4. Broadcast of Aggregate: Once the resin has been applied, a layer of loose aggregate is broadcast onto the surface while the resin is still wet. The aggregate is evenly distributed to create a textured and slip-resistant surface.
5. Curing and Finishing: The resin-bonded surface is left to cure and harden once the aggregate has been broadcast. After the surface has cured, any excess aggregate is swept away, and the surface is smoothed using a rotary buffing machine to create an even finish.