Struggling with my gravel driveway's minor issues leaves me pondering a change in driveway layout
In the heart of a quaint British neighbourhood, a homeowner has been living with a partially tarmac and partially gravel driveway for over a decade. This homeowner, who has been a journalist since 2007, working for various titles including Homebuilding & Renovating, Real Homes, GoodtoKnow, The Money Edit, and more, is now considering a change.
The gravel driveway, while providing extra off-road parking space and a security advantage due to the sound of approaching footsteps, has its drawbacks. The gravel tends to spread easily, requiring regular maintenance to keep it neat. Weeds are starting to grow through the failing weed membrane underneath the driveway, and the slope can cause the gravel to roll or freeze, potentially causing the homeowner to lose balance.
As the homeowner contemplates resurfacing the driveway, they are drawn to the appeal of resin bound gravel. This modern alternative offers several advantages over traditional loose gravel.
Resin bound gravel driveways are renowned for their durability and longevity, typically lasting 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance, often outlasting standard gravel surfaces which can shift and degrade more easily. They are also low maintenance, preventing weed growth and eliminating issues with loose gravel dispersing, reducing the need for frequent topping up or weed clearing.
Aesthetic flexibility is another significant advantage. Resin bound driveways come in a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing for contemporary and attractive designs that are difficult to achieve with loose gravel. The porous nature of resin bound surfaces enables water to pass through, reducing pooling and drainage problems common with less permeable surfaces.
Moreover, resin bound materials are usually permeable, meaning driveway planning permission is often not required, unlike some sealed or impermeable driveway surfaces.
However, resin bound gravel driveways are not without their disadvantages. The higher initial cost is a significant factor, as installation tends to be more expensive than simply laying loose gravel, mainly due to the materials and professional installation required. Over time, resin driveways (especially lighter colors) may experience some fading and are susceptible to stains if spills are not promptly cleaned.
Installation quality dependency is another concern, as resin driveways require skilled and reputable installers to ensure lasting performance since improper installation can lead to issues. Lastly, unlike gravel, which can be easily replenished or reshaped, resin bound driveways are less user-serviceable and more difficult to modify after installation.
In conclusion, resin bound gravel driveways provide a long-lasting, stylish, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional gravel, but they are best suited for those willing to invest upfront and seek a more permanent and polished driveway solution. For the homeowner, the niggles about the gravel driveway are pushing them towards a more attractive and maintenance-friendly option, and resin bound gravel seems to fit the bill.
[1] Resin Bound Surfacing Association (RBSA). (n.d.). Resin Bound Gravel Driveways. Retrieved from https://www.resin-bound.org/resin-bound-gravel-driveways/
[2] Resin Driveways UK. (2021, June 28). Resin Driveways vs Gravel Driveways: Which is Better? Retrieved from https://www.resindrivewaysuk.co.uk/resin-driveways-vs-gravel-driveways-which-is-better/
[3] Driveway Expert. (n.d.). Resin Bound Gravel Driveways. Retrieved from https://drivewayexpert.co.uk/resin-bound-gravel-driveways/
[4] Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine. (2021, February 1). Resin Bound Gravel Driveways: Pros and Cons. Retrieved from https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/driveways/resin-bound-gravel-driveways-pros-and-cons/
- The homeowner, who has a long-standing career in home-and-garden and home-improvement journalism, finds appeal in the modern alternative of resin bound gravel for their driveway, considering its durability, low maintenance, aesthetic flexibility, and permeability.
- Seeking to improve their lifestyle, the homeowner weighs the advantages of resin bound gravel driveways, such as longevity, low maintenance, and versatile design options, against their initial cost and potential difficulty in modifying after installation, ultimately pursuing a more permanent and polished driveway solution.
