Freshly installed resin bound driveways are a thing of beauty, enhancing your surroundings in a functional manner. Like most things though, there are concerns over how long a resin bound surface maintains its appearance.
The Resin Crew knows all about resin bound driveways, resin surfacing, and maintaining a stunning driveway. If you're worried about the impact of the sun on driveway materials, we have information regarding fading, discolouration, UV protection, and a whole lot more that ensures your permeable surface looks great all year round, and for some time.
For the best driveway surface in your street, rely on us.
Resin driveways are known for numerous benefits, including their durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. However, over time, resin driveways can experience some degree of discolouration. Several factors can contribute to this phenomenon:
Resin driveways are exposed to direct sunlight daily. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause the resin to undergo photooxidation, leading to gradual discolouration. This is more likely to occur with certain resin types and colours more sensitive to UV rays.
Lighter colours tend to be more susceptible to UV rays and may experience more noticeable fading over time than darker colours. This is because darker colours absorb more light and UV radiation, which can help to minimise the visible effects of UV exposure.
Lighter resin colours that are more prone to UV-induced fading include:
However, it's important to note that advancements in resin technology have led to the development of UV-resistant additives and formulations that can help mitigate the impact of UV rays on all colours, including lighter shades.
Various environmental elements, such as pollution, airborne debris, and organic matter, can settle on the surface of a resin driveway. These factors can gradually cause the resin to discolour or appear dull. Regular cleaning and maintenance can mitigate the impact of these elements.
Spills of certain chemicals, such as oil, petrol, or harsh cleaning agents, can cause staining or discolouration of resin driveways. Promptly cleaning up any spills and avoiding aggressive chemicals is crucial to prevent long-term discolouration.
Heavy usage, vehicular traffic, and general wear and tear can affect the appearance of a resin driveway over time. The constant friction and movement of vehicles can cause the resin to lose its shine and appear discoloured.
To minimise the risk of discolouration and maintain the appearance of your resin driveway, here are some preventive measures and maintenance tips:
Opt for high-quality resin materials that resist UV rays and discolouration.
Regularly clean your resin driveway using a gentle detergent or a resin-specific cleaner. This helps remove any surface contaminants and prevents them from causing long-term discolouration.
If any spills occur, use a suitable cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid leaving chemicals or substances on the surface for an extended period.
Avoid using aggressive cleaning agents or solvents that can damage the resin or cause discolouration. Stick to mild cleaners and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
Consider using mats or protective covers in areas where vehicles are parked for extended periods. This helps minimise the direct contact between the tires and the resin surface, reducing the risk of wear and discolouration.
Depending on the type and condition of your resin driveway, periodic maintenance may be necessary. This can involve applying a topcoat or sealer to enhance the appearance and protect the surface from discolouration.
Remember, even with proper care and maintenance; some discolouration may occur naturally over time due to environmental factors. However, by following these guidelines, you can significantly prolong the lifespan and maintain the appearance of your resin driveway.
To restore a faded resin driveway, you can follow these steps:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the driveway to remove any dirt, debris, or stains contributing to the faded appearance. Use a mild detergent, resin-specific cleaner, and a stiff brush or pressure washer to clean the surface. Rinse off the cleaning solution and allow the driveway to dry completely. You can also check out our post "Can You Jet Wash Resin Driveways" for more additional insights.
Evaluate the extent of the fading and any other issues present on the driveway. Look for signs of wear, damage, or discolouration that may require additional attention or repairs. For more learnings, you can check out our post "Can You Repair Resin Driveways".
Depending on the level of fading, you can consider using a resin cleaner or restorer product. These are specially formulated solutions designed to rejuvenate the colour and shine of resin surfaces. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and apply the cleaner or restorer as directed.
Typically, this involves spreading the product evenly across the driveway using a brush or roller and allowing it to penetrate the surface for the recommended time.
After the specified time, thoroughly rinse the driveway with clean water to remove the cleaner or restorer product. Take a moment to assess the results and determine if further steps are needed.
If the fading persists or if you want to enhance the appearance and protect the surface, consider applying a resin topcoat or sealer. These products can help restore colour and provide extra protection against UV rays and environmental factors.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to apply the topcoat or sealer correctly. This usually involves spreading the product evenly using a roller or brush and allowing it to dry completely before using the driveway.
If you want to maintain the restored appearance of your resin driveway, it's crucial to establish a regular resin driveway maintenance routine.
This includes routine cleaning using mild detergents or resin-specific cleaners, prompt clean-up of spills or stains, and periodic inspections to address any issues before they worsen.
With a new driveway, this is a low maintenance task, but as the years roll on, carry out more work to maintain a durable surface. Still, this is a low-maintenance driveway option that shouldn't inconvenience you too much.
A UV resin bound driveway is a type of resin driveway that incorporates UV-resistant properties. It is designed to withstand the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV resistance is achieved by using specialist additives or formulations in the resin material.
The primary purpose of UV resistance in a resin driveway is to minimise or slow down the fading of colour caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. UV rays can gradually break down the chemical bonds in the resin, leading to colour degradation and loss of vibrancy over time.
While UV resin driveways are specifically engineered to resist fading, it's important to note that no material is entirely immune to the effects of UV radiation. However, UV-resistant resin driveways are more resilient and better equipped to withstand UV exposure than standard ones.
By incorporating UV resistance into the resin bound surfaces, the colour pigments used in UV resin driveways are better protected from the deteriorating effects of UV rays. This means that UV resin driveways are less prone to colour fading and can retain their original appearance for longer.
It's worth mentioning that the degree of UV resistance can vary depending on the specific product and manufacturer. Therefore, when considering a UV resin driveway, choosing a reputable supplier that offers high-quality UV-resistant resin products is essential.
While UV resin driveways provide enhanced protection against colour fading, it's still advisable to follow proper maintenance practices to prolong the lifespan and appearance of the driveway.
Fading is just one of the slight drawbacks associated with driveways, with other factors including:
Resin driveways can have a higher upfront cost compared to other driveway materials such as concrete or asphalt.
Proper installation of resin driveways requires specialist equipment and expertise. You should hire a professional installer to ensure quality and long-lasting results. Our post "How Long Do Resin Driveways Last" maybe interest you. You can check it out.
Resin driveways typically require a curing period before you can use them, ranging from a few hours to several days, depending on the specific product and weather conditions.
Resin driveways can become hot during sunny weather, as the dark colour absorbs heat. This can be uncomfortable for barefoot walking or pet paws, although it is generally not a significant issue.
Certain substances, such as oil, grease, or harsh chemicals, can cause staining on resin driveways if not promptly cleaned. Regular maintenance and prompt spill cleanup are essential to minimize staining risks.
While resin driveways are durable, they can be susceptible to damage from sharp objects like heavy tools or sharp-edged furniture.
In the event of damage, resin driveways can be more complex than materials like concrete or asphalt. It often requires professional assistance to ensure proper restoration.
None of these factors alone or cumulatively are enough to make a compelling argument against installing a resin driveway. Still, it is helpful to be aware of each potential drawback with a resin bonded or resin bound driveway.
There are also many benefits of adding a new resin driveway to your property, and it is easy to maintain, and it's possible for most homeowners to remove most stains without too much work.
Even the best resin bound surfaces will fade over time, but there are many steps you can take to ensure your resin bound driveway remains in great condition. These include proactive and reactive measures, and your choice of resin bound surface and who installs it will impact how your bound driveway looks.
At The Resin Crew, we have a lot of experience installing resin driveways, and we know how to get the best from resin bound driveways. Whether you are thinking of replacing an existing driveway and want opinions on resin bound driveways or you want assistance in maintaining your resin bound surfacing, we are always here to help.
While you're here, take a look at our post "Are Resin Driveways Eco-Friendly?" for more additional information.
