Can I use rock salt or grit on a resin bound driveway in winter?

Avoid rock salt on resin bound — it can cause surface deterioration over time. For ice, use a plastic shovel to remove snow, then apply a proprietary de-icer or fine grit. Sand can be swept off afterwards without damaging the surface.

My resin bound driveway has developed a crack — what should I do?

Small surface cracks in resin bound can be repaired with fresh resin and matching aggregate. The repair will be visible up close but will blend from a distance. Larger cracks, or those that follow the shape of the underlying base, indicate a structural issue and should be professionally assessed.

How do I remove moss from resin bound?

Apply a biocidal path and patio cleaner, leave for 15–30 minutes, then pressure wash off. Repeat if heavy moss is present. Annual cleaning prevents moss from establishing in the first place.

Resin Bound Driveway Maintenance Guide | Expert Advice

Resin bound driveways are marketed as virtually maintenance-free — and they're close to it, but not quite. Our expert guide covers exactly what you need to do to keep your resin bound looking immaculate for decades.

Why Resin Bound is Low Maintenance (But Not Zero Maintenance)

Resin bound driveways have a well-deserved reputation for being very low maintenance. The hard, seamless surface provides no gaps or joints for weeds to establish, no individual units to become loose, and a smooth surface that's quick to clean.

However, "low maintenance" doesn't mean "no maintenance." Like any outdoor surface, resin bound accumulates organic matter, can be stained by oil and fuel, and can be damaged by certain types of contact if not treated carefully. The good news is that the maintenance required is straightforward, infrequent, and achievable by most homeowners without professional help.

Annual Cleaning

The primary maintenance task for a resin bound driveway is an annual jet wash. This removes accumulated algae, moss, dust, and any light staining, and keeps the surface looking as good as the day it was installed.

How to jet wash a resin bound driveway correctly: - Use a fan jet or wide-angle lance — never a pencil jet, which can dislodge aggregate stones from the resin matrix - Hold the lance 25–35cm from the surface - Work methodically in overlapping passes - A pressure of 1,500–2,000 psi is ideal. Domestic pressure washers (typically 1,300–1,800 psi) are fine - Add a patio/path cleaner diluted to the manufacturer's recommendation for best results on green organic growth

In areas with heavy tree cover or in sheltered, damp spots, green algae can establish quickly. An application of biocidal patio cleaner before jet washing is very effective — leave it for 15–30 minutes to kill the growth before washing off.

Oil and Fuel Stain Removal

Oil and fuel are the most common cause of staining on resin bound driveways. The key is prompt action:

Fresh oil spills: 1. Absorb as much as possible with cat litter, sawdust or an oil absorbent granule product 2. Apply a dedicated driveway degreaser or solvent-based cleaner 3. Work in with a stiff brush, allow 10–15 minutes contact time 4. Rinse off with a pressure washer

Set-in oil stains: These are harder to remove. A poultice cleaner (applied, allowed to dry and then removed) can draw out deep-set contamination. Multiple applications may be needed. Very old, large oil contamination may permanently stain the resin binder — in serious cases, the affected area may need to be replaced.

Prevention: Park vehicles on the driveway normally — the issue arises from stationary leaking vehicles. If you know a vehicle has an oil leak, address it promptly or park it elsewhere.

Protecting Against Physical Damage

Resin bound is durable under normal vehicle traffic, but it can be damaged by concentrated point loads:

Car jacks: Never jack up a vehicle directly on resin bound — the point load will punch through the surface. Always use a spreader plate (a piece of thick plywood or a dedicated jack pad) to distribute the load.

Kickstands: Motorbike and motorcycle kickstands can dent resin bound, particularly in warm weather. Use a kickstand puck or pad.

Heavy wheeled equipment: Skips placed directly on resin bound, heavy garden machinery, and similar point loads can damage the surface. Always use protective boards.

Sharp implements: Dragging metal edges (snow shovels, metal garden tools) can scratch the surface. Use plastic snow shovels on resin bound driveways.

Long-Term Care and Longevity

With proper maintenance, a quality resin bound driveway installed on a sound base should last 15–25 years. The key long-term factors are:

UV stability: Over many years, UV exposure degrades the resin binder, causing slight fading and surface roughening. Premium UV-stable polyurethane resin systems (which Dalys Driveways always specifies) resist this significantly better than budget alternatives. If you're getting quotes, always ask whether the resin is UV-stable and who the manufacturer is.

Base integrity: Resin bound is only as good as the base beneath it. Cracks in the underlying base (tarmac or concrete) will eventually reflect through to the surface. Any cracking that develops should be professionally assessed.

Edge protection: The perimeter edges of a resin bound driveway are the most vulnerable area. Ensure edging details (block paving borders, metal edge trims) remain firmly secured. A loose edge allows the resin to flex and crack at the perimeter.