How To Install Resin Pathways?

By Author: Your Resin Driveway
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One wrong turn during installation can quickly turn into a nightmare when it comes to installing resin pathways. From initial groundwork to final finishing touches, it is crucial to understand the right way to approach installation.

Without proper knowledge, several issues can arise, such as improper surface preparation leading to poor adhesion, inconsistent mixing ratios resulting in an uneven surface, or inadequate curing time causing premature wear and tear.

In this guide, we will delve into the techniques and best practices for installing resin pathways that will not only elevate any outdoor space but also stand the test of time.

But before that let’s take a brief look at why resin is a superior choice compared to other alternatives.

Benefits of Installing Resin Pathways
There are many benefits you gain by installing a resin pathway in your home. Firstly, when it comes to durability, few options can rival the impressive lifespan of resin for pathways. Withstanding the test of time, weather, and heavy foot traffic, they offer a reliable and long-lasting solution for your pathway needs. ...
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Apart from their impressive durability, resin pathways installed as resin bound solutions are also permeable allowing water to pass through thus eliminating flash flooding and pools of water on the surface. Additionally, they are able to maintain their beauty and colour over time as long as they are installed with UV-stable resins.
Resin garden paths are very easy to maintain and come in a variety of colours and designs which offers clients the opportunity to customise their pathways however they choose with the addition of motifs, logos and other inscriptions.

Steps to take In Installation of Resin Pathways
Resin for pathways can be installed following these simple steps. However, be careful to follow the procedures as your pathway will fail if your installation is faulty.

Prepare the base: It is perhaps the most vital step of the entire project. When you install unto a base which is unprepared, granular or damp, you may most likely experience surface cracking over time. Your pathway may sink and you may notice dark patches or spots.
Ensure you remove any existing surface such as block-paving which is not a suitable base. You may later on use the blocks to provide edging around the installation. If there is a need for excavation, we recommend an excavation depth of 220mm. Ensure that the ground is even before installation.

Install Perimeter Edging: This should be done according to the manufacturers’ instructions. It is important to install an appropriate load bearing edging around the edges of the installation.

Lay The Base: The next step is to lay a base layer of MOT Type 3 at the required depth. We recommend the Type 3 over the Type 1 because it is more permeable and therefore environmentally friendly. The depth of hardcore should be 150mm at a minimum. To ensure the base is well consolidated, use a roller or vibro-plate (whacker) to compact the layer.

Spread an appropriate permeable geotextile membrane across the top of the base. The weight of this membrane should not be less than 110 grams per m2. Care should be taken at this stage to prevent sand wash out and suppress growth of weeds. To do this, there should be a 100mm overlap at every joint. Use either plastic fixing pegs or galvanised steel U-Pins to fix them in place.

Lay A Solid Base of either tarmac, concrete or X-Grid ground reinforcement above a layer of lightly compact sand spread on the membrane. X-Grid is most recommended as it doesn’t require curing and so there is no time lag between laying the reinforcement layer and floating the resin. Tarmac should be laid at a minimum of 50mm depth and concrete at 80mm depth minimum.

Add Stone If X-Grid is Used: The stones should be at a maximum diameter of 20mm. The stones must be dust free. The gravel requirement can be calculated by M² area x 72 kg = stone required in kg.

Mix The Gravel And Resin Separately: Check your materials and mix your resin for pathway components according to this formula; 75% 2-5mm Gravel + 25% 1-3mm Gravel OR 50% 2-5mm Gravel + 50% 1-3mm Gravel. You can also add an additional 5% coarse sand or crushed glass to improve strength.
Mix both parts of your resin by pouring part A component into the part B bucket and mixing for around 30 seconds using a motorised paddle mixer. This ensures that the mix is consistent.

Mix Resin And Aggregates In A Forced Action Mixer: Having mixed the resin, pour your aggregate stones into the forced action mixer and dry-mix for a minute. This is to remove excess dust. Thereafter add your bucket of mixed resin slowly into the mixer pan. After 30 seconds, pour your bag of sand gradually into the mix. You should be careful not to pour too much at the same time so that your mix doesn’t form clumps.
The essence of adding sand is to have a non-slip finish and increase durability. Mix the entire component for about two minutes in total and then turn off the mixer.

Laying The Mix On The Pathway: Empty the mix into buckets and then take it to the pathway area. You can distribute the mix and rake them roughly before using a clean trowel to trowel down the mixture. Ensure that you clean the trowel beforehand to prevent the mixture from sticking. Trowel the mixture at an even depth of 18mm. Curing starts almost immediately but you should have about half an hour to screed each mix to the desired level.

For more information, expert advice or to request a free quote for your next resin bound driveway project, you can reach out to our team via our 0808 273 7505.