Regular sweeping, twice-yearly washing and prompt stain treatment keep a resin bound surface looking new and protect its 15–25 years lifespan. Neglect them and you shorten that lifespan — and may void your warranty, as several installer guarantees make annual cleaning a condition.
Routine cleaning
Sweep weekly with a stiff broom or leaf blower — decomposing leaves leave tannins that stain the aggregate, and grit acts as an abrasive. Pressure wash twice a year (spring to clear winter salt and algae, autumn to clear leaf tannins). Jet-washing is the task most often done wrong: keep pressure to a maximum of about 150 bar, use a flat fan nozzle (never a turbo/rotary nozzle), hold it at least 20 cm from the surface, use cool water only (hot water or steam softens the resin), sweep back and forth rather than hovering, and never jet-wash during frost.
Weeds, moss and algae
A correctly laid surface resists weeds because there are no gaps for seeds — weeds appear only at edges and hairline cracks, so pull them quickly. Moss and algae favour shaded, north-facing spots: sweep off loose growth, apply a bleach-free, acid-free biocide, leave it 24–72 hours, then jet-wash off.
Do you need to reseal?
Resin bound does not need regular resealing the way tarmac or concrete does — the aggregate is fully encapsulated. Reseal only when the colour has noticeably faded, water no longer beads, or stones start to loosen; in practice a one-off refresh coat around year 12–15 (roughly £25–£35/m²) can add another 8–12 years.
Common problems: cause and fix
- Cracking → almost always a poor or shallow sub-base, or reflective cracking from old tarmac. Hairline cracks can be filled; the proper fix is cutting out the section and rebuilding the base.
- Loose stones (ravelling) → too little resin, damp aggregate at cure, or contamination. Minor: press back and seal. Major: chisel out and relay (~£30–£60/m²).
- UV yellowing → cheap non-UV-stable resin was used. There is no structural cure; an aliphatic reseal coat masks it.
- Oil stains → act within 24 hours: absorb the excess, apply an alkaline degreaser, scrub, then rinse. Oil left beyond ~48 hours penetrates permanently.
- Ponding / puddling → wrong fall, a non-porous base, or pores clogged with fines. Jet-wash clogged pores; correcting drainage is a bigger job.
- Foaming / white patches → moisture during installation. This is an installer defect — claim against the warranty.
Repairs and cost
Resin bound patches well: a professional chisels out the area and relays a matching blend with feathered edges. A new patch sits slightly darker for 6–12 months, then blends in on mid-toned aggregates (pale stones are harder to match). Typical patch repairs run £30–£60/m²; catching a failing edge early (~£300) can prevent a £5,000+ re-lay. Use the original installer or an approved contractor — third-party repairs void most warranties.
Winter care
Resin bound copes with UK winters because it drains rather than pools. Clear snow with a plastic or rubber shovel — never metal, and never chip at ice. Moderate rock salt is fine; heavy repeated use dulls the surface, so rinse once temperatures rise. Never jet-wash below freezing.
How long it lasts — and what shortens it
A well-installed resin bound driveway lasts 15–25 years; the biggest factor is the sub-base, not the resin. Lifespan is cut short by a poor or missing sub-base, cheap aromatic resin, inadequate drainage, failing edge restraints, heavy vehicles on an under-spec base, and “dry steering” (turning the wheel while stationary). Most of this is decided at installation — see how a resin driveway is installed and choosing an installer.
Maintenance schedule
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Sweep leaves and debris | Weekly (and after storms) |
| Pressure wash (≤150 bar, cool water) | Twice a year (spring & autumn) |
| Apply biocide (shaded areas) | Annually |
| Inspect edges and kerbs | Annually (spring) |
| Treat oil / fuel spills | Within 24 hours |
| Professional refresh coat | Once, around year 12–15 |