Repair resin-bond surfacing.

Over time, heavy use or weather exposure can lead to stone loss, cracking, or "bald" patches. Timely repairs are essential to prevent water ingress from damaging the sub-base and to maintain the safety and kerb appeal of your property.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Assessment: Identifying the cause of failure, such as substrate movement, UV degradation, or poor initial installation.
• Surface Preparation: Power washing the area and removing loose stones, moss, or weeds to ensure a clean bond.
• Degreasing: Using specialist cleaners to remove oil or chemical spills that would prevent the new resin from adhering.
• Priming: Applying a primer to the exposed substrate if the repair reaches the base layer.
• Resin Application: Spreading a fresh layer of high-quality polyurethane resin over the damaged area.
• Aggregate Broadcasting: Scattering matching dried aggregates over the wet resin to ensure a consistent texture.
• Finishing: Sweeping away excess stone once cured and applying a sealer if required to match the surrounding area.

Typical Costs

The total cost is largely influenced by the type of aggregate used; rare marble or specialised quartz will command a higher price than standard flint. Accessibility and the condition of the underlying tarmac or concrete base also play a significant role in the final quote.

How Long Does It Take?

• Small Patch Repairs: 2 to 4 hours, though the area must remain clear of traffic for 12–24 hours.
• Driveway Re-coating: 1 to 2 days depending on the total square meterage and weather conditions.
• Curing Time: Typically 4–8 hours for foot traffic and 24–48 hours before parking vehicles.

DIY or Professional?

Small DIY kits are available for minor "bald" spots, but achieving a seamless blend is notoriously difficult for amateurs. Matching the exact colour of weathered stone requires a professional eye and access to various aggregate blends.

Professional repair is recommended for any area larger than a dinner plate to ensure the structural integrity of the driveway and to avoid "tide marks" between old and new sections.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Credentials: Look for installers who are members of FeRFA (The Resin Flooring Association).
• Portfolio: Ask for photos of repair work specifically, as patching is a different skill set than laying a new drive.
• Red Flags: Be wary of "door-knockers" offering leftover materials from a nearby job at a discount—this is a common scam.
• Questions to Ask:
  • Is the resin you use UV-stable to prevent yellowing?
  • How closely can you match my existing aggregate colour?
  • Do you provide a guarantee for the bond of the repair?

UK Regulations

• SUDS Compliance: Resin bond is generally non-permeable; if repairing a large area, ensure you aren't creating new drainage issues that violate local SUDS rules.
• Waste Disposal: Ensure the contractor has a valid Waste Carrier Licence to remove old resin and stone.
• Safety: Materials should be handled according to COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) guidelines.

Common Problems

• Reflective Cracking: If the concrete base underneath has cracked, the resin repair will likely crack again unless a reinforcement mesh is used.
• Cloudy Finish: Often caused by moisture or "blooming" if the resin was applied during damp weather or high humidity.
• Stone Loss: Occurs if the aggregate was not broadcast quickly enough or if the resin layer was spread too thinly.
• Colour Mismatch: New resin often looks darker than the original; a professional will often recommend a light "mist" coat over a wider area to blend the repair.

Frequently Asked Questions