Resin driveways have been popular with homeowners for a long time due to their durability and smooth finish. Installing one on your property not only provides a safe and secure place to park your car, but it also enhances your home’s curb appeal and increases the value.
There’s no doubt that laying a resin driveway is a sound idea. However, the question is, is laying a resin driveway a DIY job? After all, you want the best-looking drive possible, yet it’s human nature to cut the costs and reduce the expenses.
We would always advise that you opt for a professional driveway installation, however, to find out more about whether you can tackle this job head-on without expert help, please continue reading.
DIY resin driveway considerations
Thorough research
Without researching the topic extensively, the odds are high that you’ll make a critical mistake. Therefore, you must understand the most common problems that stand in your way and figure out how to solve them before starting the job. For example, something as basic as the weather will impact how the resin sets. When it’s hot, the relative humidity should be between 30-85%, the surface temperature should be less than 3°C about the dew point, and the surface temp should be within 10-35°c.
On the other hand, when it’s wet, the resin will react with moisture and could result in the resin not setting hard.
These aren’t the only issues. Knowing the difference between old and new concrete, tarmac, and primers can be the difference between success and failure – old materials need washing to remove loose substances. Be sure to cover every base to avoid a small problem escalating out of control. You can read more about resin driveway problems and how to avoid them here.
Workforce
A feature of laying a resin driveway as a DIY job that you shouldn’t underestimate is the number of human resources you will require. Unfortunately, there are too many moving parts for one person to complete the task successfully, which is why you need at least one helper.
However, it’s better to have three people as this allows you to split the jobs equally and work quickly. If you’re not ready to lay the resin and the gravel simultaneously, you won’t like the result. With that in mind, it’s wise for one person to mix, another labourer to bring out the mixes/prime and then one or two people on the trowel, installing the surface. It does depend on how big the area is.
A professional resin driveway
Professionals bring many benefits if you think the job is too big to do alone. Here are the advantages you’ll experience if you hire an expert.
Resin-aggregate ratio
The process of mixing the resin is probably the most important task. Get it wrong, and the material won’t set, meaning your driveway will never appear finished or suitable for use. Although YouTube videos and online instructions provide tips on mixing resin, it’s tough to get it within the right percentage without training and experience.
Licenced individuals and businesses know that it’s vital to get the mix between 6% and 8% regarding the ideal ratio of resin. When the resin is lower, the stones will break away because the consistency will be overly chewy. However, use too much and it’ll almost be impossible to lay the resin.
For a DIY attempt, it is probably best to buy the resin in kits ensuring, this will ensure the ratio is right
Depth
Resin driveway depths depend on the circumstances, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all policy. As a result, many DIYers find it tough to figure out how far down they should dig for the resin to set securely. As a rule, the minimum depth for resin driveway application should be three times the largest aggregate particle.
Of course, this doesn’t mean much to a layman. If anything, it raises more questions than it answers. Thankfully, professional driveway companies understand how to calculate most surfaces’ aggregate particles since they come equipped with the latest technology that makes light work of the problem. Plus, they’ll highlight obstacles you might not recognise, such as how the depth of 10mm or less can cause the surface to break apart.
Driveway protection
Protecting the driveway is crucial before, during, and after the resin is laid. The primer must be thin enough to dry quickly, yet thick enough that it promotes structural integrity. The area can’t be subject to weather changes or else it runs the risk of not setting or expanding due to the heat. It needs to be left for hours after the resin is applied to give it the best chance of remaining in place.
As you can see, protecting your driveway is essential. Unfortunately, it’s not an easy job as it requires manpower, and it’s time-consuming. Do you want to spend your weekend worrying about the relative humidity? With a professional outfit, you get peace of mind knowing they will take care of every aspect. It’s part of their responsibility for accepting the job.
Is laying a resin driveway a DIY job?
Yes, you can do it yourself if you’re prepared to solve the problems that occur, use the most suitable laying method, and have volunteers who are willing to lend a hand. However, for an affordable fee, you can hire a team of experts to take care of everything from the mixing process to the driveway’s depth and protecting the surface.
Opting for a contractor will save you time and effort, and it will also almost guarantee success. When you compare the amount of energy against the average price, it’s not hard to see why so many people hire flooring professionals.
