Frequently Asked Questions

Cracks and unevenness usually come from sub-base movement, water ingress, or tree root pressure beneath the surface. In Cambridge, clay-heavy ground shrinks and swells with moisture, which stresses the surface above it. Freeze-thaw cycles widen existing cracks over winter. The cause matters because resurfacing over an unstable base will not hold.

Yes, if the existing surface is structurally sound, well-bonded, and drains correctly. A resin overlay bonds to concrete, tarmac, or existing resin provided there are no loose areas, significant cracking, or drainage faults. A site assessment confirms whether the base will hold the new layer before any work is quoted.

Minor surface cracks can often be repaired before an overlay is applied. Structural cracking or unevenness caused by sub-base failure usually means the surface needs taking up and the base rebuilt first. A local specialist assesses the base on site and advises which route is appropriate before quoting.

Resurfacing works when the base is stable and the surface is still bonded. Full replacement is needed when the sub-base has failed, drainage is inadequate, or the existing surface has delaminated. A site assessment separates the two cases clearly, so you are not paying for more work than the driveway actually needs.

Resurfacing is worth it when the base is sound, because you get a fresh, permeable finish without the cost of full excavation. If the base is failing, resurfacing only delays the inevitable and adds cost. The value depends entirely on what the base assessment shows.

A resin overlay on a sound existing surface is the most cost-effective route, as it avoids excavation and sub-base work. Costs vary with area size and base condition. Most resin resurfacing projects come in at £1,500-£3,000. Excavation, sub-base, drainage, and resin finish are quoted as separate line items so you can see exactly where the cost sits.

Most resin bound patio installations come in at £2,000-£4,000, varying with area size, base condition and stone choice. A small courtyard costs less than a large wraparound garden space. Getting a site assessment first gives you a firm figure rather than a rough estimate.

Natural stone or porcelain slabs are often cheaper to supply and lay initially, but resin bound has no pointing to re-do and no individual slabs to lift and relay over time. The longer-term maintenance saving can offset the higher upfront cost, depending on the slab material chosen.

Sometimes, yes. A resin overlay works when the existing surface is structurally sound, level and well-bonded. If there are cracks, movement or drainage issues underneath, an overlay will not hold and the base needs replacing first. A site assessment confirms whether your current patio qualifies. Learn more about overlays

We arrange a local resin specialist to assess the base and advise whether an overlay will hold or the surface needs taking up before providing a quote. Common reasons for replacement include cracking, subsidence, poor drainage or a base that was never designed to carry a bound surface.

The main downsides are higher upfront cost than basic slabs, sensitivity to a poor base (cracks below will eventually reflect upward), and the need for a competent installer to get the mix ratio right. A poorly mixed batch can delaminate or discolour, so installer quality matters more than with slabs.

We arrange a local resin specialist to assess the base and advise whether an overlay will hold or the surface needs taking up before providing a quote. We also quote excavation, sub-base, drainage and resin bound finish as separate line items, so every preparation stage is visible and agreed before work starts.

Most resin bound driveways in Cambridge come in at £6,800-£8,500, depending on area size, base condition and aggregate choice. Larger drives with poor existing bases cost more because excavation and sub-base work add to the total. A site assessment gives you a firm, itemised figure before any work begins.

Quotes list excavation, sub-base, drainage and resin bound finish as separate line items, so you can see exactly what each stage costs. Nothing is bundled into a single number that hides where the money goes. If any element is not needed, it simply does not appear on the quote.

No. Resin bound is not poured over loose gravel. The aggregate and resin are mixed together in a forced-action mixer, then trowelled onto a prepared solid base. Pouring resin onto loose stone produces an uneven, unstable surface that will not bond correctly and will break up quickly.

Light foot traffic is usually possible within 4 to 6 hours of laying. Vehicle use typically requires a full 24-hour cure, though in cold or damp conditions that may extend to 48 hours. Your installer will confirm the exact wait time based on conditions on the day.

Yes, with care. Use a fan-tip nozzle at low to medium pressure and keep the lance moving rather than holding it in one spot. High-pressure concentrated jets can dislodge aggregate from the surface over time, particularly on older or thinner installations.

Weeds cannot grow up through a correctly installed resin bound surface because the bound aggregate leaves no gaps for roots to establish. Weed growth at edges or expansion joints can occur if those details are not finished properly, so edge restraints and border sealing matter at installation.

No, you do not need planning permission for a permeable driveway on a house in England. Permitted development rules allow front driveways without consent provided the surface drains water into the ground rather than onto the public highway. Permeable paving meets that condition directly, so no application is required.

Yes. Permitted development rules in England require front driveways to use a permeable surface or drain water away from the public highway. A correctly installed permeable driveway satisfies that rule, so you can proceed without a planning application. An impermeable surface such as solid tarmac or concrete would require consent.

Rainwater passes through the open-graded surface layer and into a compacted aggregate sub-base beneath. That sub-base acts as a temporary reservoir, releasing water slowly into the ground or a drainage channel. The result is that surface water disperses on site rather than running off into drains or onto the pavement.

On most driveways, yes. Drainage performance depends on the sub-base depth, the permeability of the soil beneath, and whether the surface is installed to the correct falls. A site assessment before work begins checks these factors and confirms whether the ground can accept the flow rate the surface will deliver.

Permeable paving works on most residential driveway shapes and sizes, including narrow plots, curved edges, and irregular boundaries. Resin bound surfacing in particular is laid as a continuous pour, so it follows curves and tight corners without awkward cuts or visible joints. A site visit confirms whether your specific layout presents any constraints.

Yes. Resin bound permeable paving is designed for regular domestic vehicle loads, including SUVs and light vans. Load-bearing capacity depends on the sub-base specification; a correctly compacted MOT Type 3 or open-graded sub-base supports standard car traffic without rutting or surface movement.

Usually not, provided the surface is permeable and water drains to a lawn or border rather than the road. Resin bound surfacing is permeable by design, so it typically falls within permitted development rights. If your plot has specific planning conditions attached, check with your local authority before work starts.

It will work, but new build ground nearly always needs preparation first. Freshly disturbed soil settles unevenly, so a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base is essential before any resin bound finish goes down. A local specialist will assess the ground condition before quoting.

Resin bound aggregate is porous, letting water pass through the surface and into a prepared sub-base below. The installer sets falls and edge details during groundworks so water moves away from the house and does not pool. Drainage is quoted as a separate line item so you can see exactly what is planned.

Yes. Resin bound surfacing is poured and trowelled, so it follows curves, tapers and irregular boundaries without cutting or jointing. A site assessment confirms the exact dimensions and any level changes before work begins.

Yes. The layout is planned during the site assessment, taking account of vehicle size, turning circles and any dropped kerb position. Edge restraints and levels are set at groundworks stage to define the usable area accurately.

Most new build driveway installations come in at £3,000-£6,000, varying with plot size, sub-base depth and drainage requirements. Excavation, sub-base, drainage and resin bound finish are quoted as separate line items so you can see where the cost sits.

Yes, resin bound surfacing is fully permeable, water drains through the stone matrix rather than sitting on top. This means no puddles form on the surface itself. It meets SuDS (sustainable drainage) requirements, which is useful on sites where runoff needs to be managed.

No, resin bound paths are not slippery when wet. The exposed aggregate surface gives consistent grip underfoot in rain, frost, and damp conditions. The texture is similar to a fine gravel finish but without loose stones shifting underfoot.

No, they are different products. Resin bound mixes aggregate through the resin before laying, creating a smooth, permeable, fully bound surface. Resin bonded scatters loose stone onto a resin-coated base, leaving a rougher finish that sheds stones over time and is not permeable.

Sometimes, but only if the existing surface is structurally sound with no cracking, lifting, or drainage problems. A local specialist will assess the base first and advise whether an overlay will hold or the surface needs taking up before a quote is provided.

The base must be firm, level, and free of cracks or movement. Depending on what is already there, this may mean cleaning and priming an existing surface, or excavating and laying a compacted sub-base. Each element, excavation, sub-base, drainage, and resin finish, is quoted as a separate line item.

Resin bound typically costs more upfront than gravel or basic concrete slabs, but less ongoing maintenance offsets that over time. Indicative costs for a residential path run at £800-£1,800, varying with size, base condition, and aggregate choice.

Yes, resin bound surfacing can be laid directly over tarmac, but only when the existing surface is structurally sound. Loose, cracked, or sunken tarmac will cause the resin layer to fail. A site assessment confirms whether your base qualifies for an overlay or needs work first.

The tarmac needs to be firm, well-bonded, and free from significant cracking or movement. Surface scuffs and minor wear are usually acceptable; soft spots, heaving, or widespread cracking are not. A local resin specialist will assess the base before any quote is given.

Not always. Where the tarmac base is stable and drains adequately, a resin overlay avoids full excavation. If the base has failed, drainage is poor, or there is significant movement, excavation becomes necessary. The site assessment determines which route applies to your driveway.

No. Resin bound surfacing is permeable, so water passes through the resin layer itself, but if the tarmac or sub-base beneath drains poorly, water will still pond. Drainage issues must be resolved at base level before the resin goes down, not covered over.

A quick overlay is only appropriate when the base is genuinely sound. Applying resin over a failing base shortens the life of the surface significantly and leads to cracking or delamination. Proper base repair costs more upfront but avoids early remedial work. Learn more about resin overlay options

Most tarmac to resin conversions in Cambridge come in at £4,500-£7,000, varying with driveway size, base condition, and drainage requirements. Excavation, sub-base, drainage, and resin finish are quoted as separate line items so you can see exactly where the cost sits.

Yes. Old block paving is lifted, the base is assessed and prepared, and a resin bound surface is laid in its place. A local specialist will check the sub-base condition before any work starts, so the finished surface has a stable foundation to bond to.

It depends on the base beneath. If the blocks are stable and level, a resin overlay may hold. If they are loose, cracked or uneven, full removal is the safer route. A site assessment confirms which approach suits your driveway before any quote is issued. Learn about resin overlays

The existing sub-base can often be reused if it is compact, level and well-drained. Where it has shifted, crumbled or holds water, a new sub-base is needed before the resin goes down. Excavation and sub-base work are quoted as separate line items, so you see exactly what each element costs.

A local resin specialist assesses the base in person before quoting. They check for movement, soft spots, drainage and levels. You cannot judge base condition reliably from the surface alone, which is why the site visit happens before any work is committed to.

Most block paving removal and resin replacement projects come in at £5,500-£8,500, depending on driveway size, sub-base condition and drainage requirements. Excavation, sub-base, drainage and the resin finish are quoted as separate line items so you can see where the cost sits.

The main factors are driveway area, depth of excavation required, sub-base condition, drainage work needed and the resin aggregate chosen. Each element is quoted separately, so you can see exactly what drives the total rather than working from a single combined figure.

Yes, concrete is one of the most suitable bases for a resin overlay, provided it is structurally sound and well bonded. The surface needs to be clean, free of loose material, and without significant cracking or movement. A site assessment confirms whether your concrete meets those requirements before any work is quoted.

A local resin specialist will assess the base in person before providing a quote. They check for cracking, delamination, movement, and drainage issues. You cannot reliably judge base condition from the surface alone, so a physical inspection is the only way to get a definitive answer.

Minor surface cracks can often be repaired and primed before the resin goes down. Structural cracking or concrete that flexes underfoot is a different matter, the overlay will crack in the same places if the base is not stable. The site assessment identifies which category your concrete falls into.

Loose gravel is not a suitable base for a resin overlay. Resin needs a rigid, bound surface such as concrete or tarmac to adhere to properly. If you currently have a gravel drive, the existing material would need to be removed and a solid sub-base laid before resin can be applied.

No, if the base shifts or settles after the overlay is laid, the resin surface will crack along the same lines. Resin is rigid once cured, so it cannot flex with a moving base. This is why base condition is assessed before work starts, not after.

At minimum, the surface needs pressure washing, degreasing, and any loose or flaking material removed. Cracks are filled and primed, and edges are checked for stability. On older or more worn surfaces, preparation can take as long as the resin application itself, cutting corners here is the most common cause of overlay failure.

Yes, resin bound surfacing can be applied to outdoor steps. It bonds to concrete and other solid bases, covering both treads and risers in a continuous finish. The base must be structurally sound and properly prepared first.

No. Resin bound surfacing uses angular aggregate, which gives the surface a naturally textured finish that retains grip when wet. It performs noticeably better underfoot than smooth concrete, tile, or polished stone in wet conditions.

Yes. Resin bound mix can be applied to both the horizontal tread and the vertical riser, giving a consistent, seamless finish across the full step. The nosing edge is finished neatly using a metal trim or formed edge detail.

The base needs to be structurally stable, but it does not need to be perfect. Minor surface imperfections can be addressed during preparation. A local specialist will assess the base before quoting and advise whether an overlay will hold or the surface needs rebuilding.

Cracks and surface damage are repaired or filled during preparation. If the underlying structure is compromised, the steps may need partial or full rebuilding before resin goes on. The site assessment identifies this before any work begins, so there are no surprises mid-job.

Step nosings are finished using aluminium or stainless steel edge trims, which give a clean, defined line and protect the resin edge from chipping. The trim is set level before the mix is laid, so the finished edge is straight and consistent along every step.

Yes, in many cases resin can be laid directly over an existing surface, but only if the base beneath is structurally sound. A local specialist will assess the base before any quote is given, so you know whether an overlay will hold or the old surface needs removing first.

It depends on whether the existing base is stable, level, and free from significant cracking or movement. A site assessment is arranged before any quotation, so the specialist can confirm whether your base is suitable or needs work before the resin goes down.

A poor base will cause the resin layer to crack or lift, sometimes within months. If the assessment finds the base is inadequate, excavation and a new sub-base are quoted as separate line items so you can see exactly what is needed and why before committing.

Partial repair is possible where damage is isolated and the surrounding base is solid. Where cracking or movement is widespread, a full replacement gives a more consistent finish and avoids the patched appearance that partial repairs often leave. The site assessment will clarify which approach suits your driveway.

Resin paving is available in a wide range of stone colours and aggregate sizes, so it can be matched to brick tones, render colours, or existing stonework. Most house styles, from Victorian terraces to modern new-builds, work well with a tailored resin finish.

Resin bound systems use natural aggregates including flint, quartz, and granite in shades ranging from warm buff and golden tones to cooler greys and mixed blends. Aggregate size typically runs from 1 mm to 6 mm, which affects both texture and final appearance.

Most damaged resin driveways can be repaired rather than replaced, but the base condition decides it. Surface-level cracks, loose stones, or patchy areas are repairable. If the sub-base has failed or shifted significantly, a full replacement is the more durable route. A site assessment confirms which applies before any work is quoted.

A close match is achievable, but a perfect invisible blend is rarely guaranteed on older surfaces. UV exposure and weathering change the original stone colour over time, so a repaired patch may sit slightly differently. Using the same aggregate size and resin type minimises the difference, and most repairs become less noticeable as the surface weathers.

The damaged area is cut back to a clean, stable edge, loose or failed material is removed, and the base is checked. Any sub-base issues are addressed before a fresh resin-bound mix is applied and levelled flush with the surrounding surface. The repaired section is then left to cure fully before use.

Localised repairs are possible when the surrounding surface and base are sound. If damage is widespread or the sub-base has failed across a large area, a full resurface is more cost-effective than patching multiple sections. A site assessment identifies which approach makes sense for your specific driveway.

A repair holds when the underlying cause is fixed first. If the base is stable and drainage is adequate, a correctly applied resin-bound patch performs as well as the original surface. Repairs that fail again are almost always the result of an unresolved sub-base or drainage problem beneath the damaged area.

Patchy areas and loose stone usually point to a bond failure between the resin and aggregate, often caused by moisture in the base at the time of installation, UV degradation of the resin binder, or a mix that was too thin. Poor drainage accelerating water ingress beneath the surface is another common cause.

Weeds cannot push up through a properly installed resin bound surface because there is no loose material for roots to take hold in. Weeds can occasionally appear at the edges where the resin meets a border, so keeping those edges clear is the main maintenance task.

A correctly installed resin bound surface on a stable sub-base handles freeze-thaw cycles well because water drains through rather than pooling and expanding beneath it. Where the sub-base is shallow or poorly compacted, frost heave can cause cracking, which is why base depth matters more in colder climates.

Most resin driveway installations come in at £6,800-£8,500, varying with area size, base condition, and drainage requirements. Excavation, sub-base, drainage, and the resin bound finish are quoted as separate line items so you can see exactly where the cost sits.

The main factors are the size of the area, whether the existing base needs breaking up and replacing, and whether drainage work is required. A sound existing base that can take an overlay costs less than a full dig-out and new sub-base. Aggregate choice and edge detailing also affect the final figure.

Yes, where the existing surface is stable, crack-free, and properly bonded, a resin overlay is a viable option. A site assessment confirms whether your base meets those conditions. If it does not, laying resin over a failing surface will cause the finish to lift or crack prematurely. Learn more about resin overlays.

Ground movement is the main cause of resin cracking, so it needs addressing at the base stage. A well-constructed sub-base with adequate depth and compaction reduces movement significantly. A site assessment will identify whether your ground conditions require extra sub-base work before resin is suitable.

Yes, front driveways are the most common application. Resin bound paving is SuDS-compliant, so it meets permitted development rules for front drives without needing planning permission. It handles standard car loads and gives a clean, consistent finish in a range of aggregate colours.

Resin bound paving is fully permeable, water drains through the surface rather than running off it. This makes it SuDS-compliant and suitable for front driveways under permitted development rules. Resin bonded paving (a different product) is not permeable, so it is worth confirming which system is being quoted. See permeable paving options.

Resin bound paving produces a smooth, even surface with clean edges when properly installed. Aluminium or steel edging strips are set first to give crisp, straight borders against walls, steps, and planted areas. Aggregate colour and stone size can be chosen to complement the property’s brickwork or render.

Yes. Once laid, a resin bound driveway needs only occasional jet washing and edge tidying. There is no re-sealing, no re-sanding of joints, and no individual units to re-level. It is considerably lower maintenance than block paving or gravel over a comparable period.

Clay soil is common across Cambridge and can cause sub-base movement if water is not managed properly. A deeper, well-compacted sub-base and adequate drainage channels beneath the surface address this. A site assessment will confirm the depth of preparation needed before resin is suitable for your plot.

On a low-lying or flat site, water needs somewhere to go once it passes through the permeable surface. A drainage channel, soakaway, or connection to an existing drain is often specified at the design stage. This is quoted as a separate line item so you can see the drainage cost clearly before committing.

Yes. Resin bound paving is well suited to narrow or awkward frontages because it is trowelled on as a continuous surface with no cutting of individual units. Edging strips follow any shape, and the smooth finish makes a small area look ordered rather than cluttered. Aggregate colour can be matched to the property’s original materials.

No. Loose gravel provides no stable bond for resin and the surface will fail quickly. Resin bound paving requires a solid, rigid base, typically tarmac or concrete, so the resin and aggregate mixture cures flat and stays intact under vehicle loads.

The main drawbacks are upfront cost compared with gravel or plain tarmac, and sensitivity to a poor base, a failing sub-base will cause the resin to crack or lift. UV-stable resins resist yellowing, but cheaper non-UV-stable products can discolour over time. Repairs to a damaged section can also be visible if the aggregate batch does not match.

DIY resin kits exist, but the results rarely match a machine-mixed installation. Consistent aggregate-to-resin ratios, correct trowel speed, and working within the pot life of the resin all require experience. A poorly mixed or slow-applied batch can cure patchy or pull away from edges, and the base preparation work is the same either way.

Not always. If the existing surface is structurally sound and level, resin can be laid directly over it. A local specialist assesses the base first and advises whether an overlay will hold or whether the surface needs taking up before any quote is given.

Yes. A standard domestic pressure washer on a moderate setting is safe and the recommended way to clean a resin bound surface. Avoid holding the lance at very close range or using an industrial-grade machine, as sustained high pressure on a single spot can dislodge aggregate over time.

Foot traffic is usually safe after 4 to 6 hours in normal conditions. Vehicles should stay off for at least 24 hours, and ideally 48 hours in cooler or damp weather. Your installer will confirm the specific cure time based on the day’s temperature and the resin system used.

Most resin bound surfaces are ready for vehicles after 24 hours in warm, dry conditions. In cooler temperatures, common in Cambridge from autumn through spring, allow 48 hours to be safe. Driving on an under-cured surface can leave tyre marks or disturb the aggregate.

The existing surface is inspected and any cracked or loose areas are repaired or removed. If a new sub-base is needed, the ground is excavated, compacted hardcore is laid, and a tarmac or concrete base is applied. Edging is then fixed, and the surface must be clean and dry before the resin bound mix is trowelled on.

Cambridge Resin Bound is a lead-generation brand. We take your enquiry and connect you with a vetted independent local resin specialist who carries out the survey and the work. We do not have our own fitters or vehicles.

The base condition and drainage falls cannot be assessed from photographs. Clay ground needs different excavation depths and fall gradients than chalk. A site visit is the only way to advise whether an overlay will hold or a full dig-out is needed.

Resin bound means aggregate is mixed with UV-stable polyurethane resin and trowelled onto the base as a single layer. The surface is permeable, SuDS compliant and smooth underfoot. Resin bonded is a different system where loose stone is scattered onto a resin coat, it is not permeable and sheds aggregate over time.

A permeable resin bound surface on a front driveway generally does not require planning permission under permitted development rules. Conservation-area properties may have additional restrictions on boundary treatments. The specialist will flag any council requirements at the assessment stage.

A cracked or uneven base allows water to pool beneath the surface layer. On clay ground this accelerates heave and settlement. Delaying means the sub-base may deteriorate further, increasing the excavation depth and cost when the work is eventually done.

Not as a straightforward cover-up. The existing surface needs to be structurally sound, level, and have adequate drainage falls before a resin bound overlay will bond and stay stable. A site assessment confirms whether the base is suitable for an overlay or needs taking up first.

Resin bound surfacing is permeable and SuDS compliant, so most Cambridge front driveways do not require planning permission under permitted development rules. Resin bonded surfacing is not permeable and does not carry the same exemption, which is why confirming which system is being specified matters.

Weed growth is rare on a correctly installed resin bound surface because the aggregate is fully encapsulated and there are no gaps. Problems usually trace back to poor edge restraints, debris left in place during preparation, or a base that has shifted and opened cracks in the surface.

A site assessment before quoting is designed to identify base problems before any work begins, not after. Excavation, sub-base, and drainage are quoted as separate line items so the scope of each stage is agreed upfront rather than added as a surprise once the old surface is lifted.

The main risks are cost surprises from hidden groundwork, surface failure from a base that was not properly assessed, and patching that does not match the original aggregate blend. All three are preparation issues rather than problems with the resin itself, which is why the base assessment comes before the quote.

A gentle clean is usually sufficient. A high-pressure jet wash can loosen stones or damage the surface, particularly on an older installation. If the surface needs more than a light rinse, check the installer’s guidance before using a pressure washer.

A correctly installed resin bound driveway on a sound sub-base typically lasts 15 to 25 years. Longevity depends heavily on base preparation and drainage, a well-compacted sub-base with no standing water underneath will outlast a poorly prepared one by many years.

Cracks or lifting usually point to sub-base movement or drainage failure beneath the surface. Localised repairs are possible, though a patch may show a slight colour variation if the aggregate batch differs. Addressing the underlying cause, drainage or base stability, is essential before any repair, otherwise the problem recurs. See repair options.

In most cases, no. Resin bound surfaces are permeable, so they meet the permitted development rules that apply to front garden driveways in England. Planning permission is only required if your property is in a conservation area, is listed, or the driveway drains onto the road rather than into the ground. A local specialist can confirm your specific situation during a site assessment.