Tarmac vs Resin Driveways
Tarmac vs Resin Driveway: Which is the Right Choice for You?
Choosing the best surface for your driveway is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics. Tarmac and resin are two popular options, each with its own set of benefits. This guide will help you understand the differences and decide which surface is right for your needs.
| Feature | Tarmac | Resin Bound |
| Low initial cost | ✓ | X |
| Installation time | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bespoke aesthetics | X | ✓ |
| Drainage | X | ✓ |
| Durability | ✓ | ✓ |
| Low maintenance | X | ✓ |
What is a Resin Driveway?
A resin-bound driveway is made from a mix of natural aggregates and a clear resin binder. The mix is hand trowelled onto a prepared base to create a smooth, porous finish.
What is a Tarmac Driveway?
Tarmac is a traditional driveway surface made by combining crushed stone with tar. It’s widely used for roads and driveways due to its strength and affordability.
Durability
Tarmac: Traditionally used on roads and large commercial car parks, tarmac has a reputation for durability. However, modern tarmac often uses lower-quality materials, making it more susceptible to weathering and cracks. In hot weather, tarmac can melt, causing surface deformation.
Resin: Resin bound driveways are highly durable, with strong bonds that withstand various weather conditions, including extreme temperatures. Resin surfaces are less likely to crack or weather over time, ensuring a longer-lasting driveway.
Cost and Long Term Value
Tarmac: The initial cost of tarmac is similar to resin. However, tarmac often requires significant groundwork before installation and frequent maintenance due to weathering and cracks, leading to higher long-term costs.
Resin: Resin bound driveways can often be installed over existing solid surfaces, but this is subject to a site visit assessment, reducing installation costs. With minimal maintenance requirements and a 20-year guarantee, resin driveways offer better value for money in the long run.
Practicality and Performance
Tarmac: Tarmac can become very hot in the summer, making it uncomfortable for walking and unsafe for pets and children. It also reacts poorly to oil leaks from cars, which can dissolve the surface and create holes.
Resin: Resin bound surfaces are oil resistant and maintain their structure even with oil spillages. They are also porous, preventing puddles and surface water accumulation, which reduces maintenance and enhances safety.
Safety and Slip Resistance
Tarmac: While sturdy, tarmac can develop loose stones over time as bonds weaken, posing a potential slip hazard.
Resin: Resin driveways provide a smooth, anti-slip surface, free of loose chippings. They are also SUDS compliant, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
Aesthetics
Tarmac: Tarmac is available in limited colour options and does not offer much in terms of customisation or stylish finishes.
Resin: Resin bound driveways come in a wide range of colours, allowing for bespoke patterns and borders to enhance the visual appeal of your property. This flexibility makes resin a superior choice for creating a driveway that complements your home’s aesthetic.
Premium Resin Bound Surfacing
Resin driveways offer a stylish, durable, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional surfaces like tarmac. With a lifespan of up to 20 years, minimal maintenance requirements, and the ability to be installed over existing surfaces, they provide both practicality and aesthetic appeal. Their permeability helps manage surface water, and with a wide range of colour and design options, resin driveways can be tailored to complement any home.
In summary, resin bound emerges as the superior choice for renovating your outdoor. They offer a long-lasting, low-maintenance, and visually appealing solution for your driveway needs. If you are looking for a driveway that will stand the test of time and add to the beauty of your home, consider choosing a resin bound surface.
Professionally Installed Resin Driveways
If you’re interested in the sleek, low-maintenance benefits of resin-bound surfaces, Oltco can help. Get in touch today for a personalised consultation and expert advice on the best outdoor surface solution for you!
Book a home visit to discuss your resin bound project with one our professional installation team at Oltco.