Resin driveways are brilliant in all seasons. But what about when it comes to snow?
As a resin driveway owner, you’ll still see snow buildup, much like all your neighbours. However, it’s the clearing process where you’ll really notice the benefits and advantages shine through.
On this page, we’ll explain why a resin-bound driveway makes such a difference when it comes to the snow and what you need to know to reap the benefits.
Let’s get started.
What is a resin driveway?
A resin driveway is almost always constructed using the ‘resin-bound’ method. This involves taking aggregate (washed stone of a certain size) and mixing it with resin and grit on-site. Workers will form a wooden mould and pour the resulting resin/stone mixture straight onto a concrete sub-base. The driveway installers manually smooth the resin out by hand, then it’s left to dry for a day or two.
And hey presto. Your new resin driveway is in place. The laying process usually takes less than a day, barring unforeseen circumstances like sudden storms, temperature drops or terrible traffic conditions.
Resin driveways work much the same as any other driveway material, such as tarmac or block paving. However, they bring so many more benefits. These include being naturally porous (more on that below), grippy, quick to install, good for the environment, aesthetically beautiful and usually not requiring planning permission – to name but a few.
How a resin driveway helps with snow
Snow. We don’t often get much of it in the UK nowadays, but on those rare days, the entire country shuts down.
So, how does a resin driveway make dealing with the white stuff easier?
The most crucial characteristic to talk about here is permeability. The nature of mixing a resin-bound driveway leaves microscopic ‘pores’ for water to drain through. By being ‘porous’, water doesn’t puddle and drains away much faster.
When the snow falls, it’ll pack up on resin, just like any other material. However, once the thaw starts, you’ll see significant advantages. The resultant water will simply disappear, draining through the resin, down the sub-base, and melting into the soil and water table.
How to maintain a resin driveway when it snows
Thankfully, when it comes to winter and snow, a resin driveway is extremely simple to maintain.
Here are a few basic guidelines.
- Ensure the driveway is clean long before winter arrives. Use a stiff-bristled broom and garden hose to remove autumn leaves, dirt and debris. Not only will these stain your resin colouring, but they’ll also prevent water drainage, leading to puddling and ice buildup.
- Salt the driveway before the sub-zero temperatures and snow arrive. Salt won’t damage the resin, provided you brush and hose it down once everything warms up.
- Use a plastic snow shovel to clear the snow off. Get out there two or three times to keep ahead of it packing up and freezing. Once it reaches that point, it’s much more labour-intensive to clear. Avoid using a metal shovel, as this might damage the resin.
Despite the ice and snowmelt disappearing through the resin, people must still take care on winter surfaces. This applies to everyone, especially children, the elderly, pets and anyone with an existing health condition.
That said, you can use a resin driveway much the same as anything else in winter. Park on it as you would anything else.
Get a resin driveway from Buffalo Driveways
Buffalo Driveways is a resin driveway installer serving the East Midlands and surrounding areas. Our in-house experts (we don’t use subcontractors) know precisely what they’re doing when it comes to a new project, making our process trusted, efficient and cost-effective.
We’re so confident in our work that we offer warranties on everything we do.
The process starts with a land survey, so you know what we have to work around. Then, once you’re happy with the design, we’ll organise a date, and depending on the weather, your resin driveway will be ready in no time.
Are you considering laying a resin driveway to increase kerb appeal or upgrade your home? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for an obligation-free, friendly chat.