resin bound stone using existing surfaces

November 10th, 2013

resin bound stone using existing surfaces

After years of visiting potential customers for our resin bonded driveways it is becoming increasingly common for our clients to ask if resin bound stone using existing surfaces is a suitable option.  In some cases we are asked  what is the difference between resin bound stone using existing surfaces and resin bonded stone using existing surfaces?

There are number of differences but  one major difference in resin bound stone using existing surfaces and resin bonded stone using existing surfaces  is porosity or permeability.

resin bound stone using existing surfaces

The whole point of resin bound stone is the ability for the water to permeate through and in some cases  feed the ground below (treepits being particularly suitable as the roots can continue to be watered),  However if resin bound stone using existing surfaces such as concrete or tarmac is applied the question that should be asked is-   what benefit is it to add a permeable product to an impermeable surface (which is what concrete, tarmac and imprinted concrete) are?

If you want the permeability for whatever reason ( suds capability for example) to allow the water to disperse, how can this be achieved if the surface below is not permeable?

Surely with no means of dispersal in winter time water will freeze and expand causing the free/thaw process we see so much of (potholes being a prime example).  Shelling also occurs with concrete surfaces. Concrete is a phenomenal product if installed correctly so good care and protecting it is important.   Whilst obvious damage cracks and shelling can look bad, it is not always an immediate problem but  over time these can deteriorate and can ultimately damage the actual surface.

Resin bound stone using existing surfaces also allows the moss and seed growth to establish in the damp and porous surface, meaning frequent applications of weed killers and moss treatments.  Maintenance still being a requirement.

Another down side to resin bound driveways is the wear on the coating of the stone granules.  Whilst very attractive at first because the resin encapsulates the stone, over a period of time this wears and further recoating is required.  None of which is required with a resin bonded driveway path or patio.

Remember weed free, anti slip and maintenance free are major benefits not necessarily afforded by resin bound stone using existing surfaces.

 

resin bonded stone versatility

November 6th, 2013

We at Drive-Cote Ltd have been working with resin bonded stone for driveways, paths and patios for over 12 years.  Over the past few years the resin bonded stone versatility has become more and more recognised.

Resin bonded stone for driveways paths and patios are not the only options available for this exceptionally versatile product.

The obvious and usual options  for resin bonded stone for driveways paths and patios being

Drives  Cycle PathsFootpaths Landscaping

Housing Developments  Heritage Sites 

Roads Parks Pedestrian Areas

 Visitor Attractions

Durable  Fixed  Low Maintenance Natural Appearance

Decorative Anti-slip

 

According to National Company Addagrip   highlighting the use of resin including resin bonded stone versatility

“Our latest twist in decorative or designer flooring pushes the technology of resins in a different direction. Addazing incorporates metallic and/or pearlescent pigments. Each floor, each mix and every finish is as individual as the people who choose it.

The chemistry that makes this possible means that no two finishes are alike, creating fancy floors with a “wow” factor that can be as subtle or as bold as you like – now that’s a designer resin floor or panel”

We at Drive-Cote Ltd specialise in external resurfacing and that in itself  highlights the resin bonded stone versatility.   In the past we have completed garage floors in addition to driveways paths and patios.

The economic climate is not conducive to spending money easily, and with the resin bonded stone versatility this is a speedy but durable option.

Currently we have work you can view in Mansfield, Nottingham, Chesterfield, Shirebrook, Walesby, Ollerton and many more local Nottinghamshire villages.  Imprinted concrete, concrete, tarmac and in some cases slabs we can resurface providing you with a weed free  anti slip solution.resin bonded stone versatility

 

We have recently completed a commercial project for a local care home, providing the opportunity to reuse the existing causing minimal disruption.

 

Driveway concerns for local Nottingham residents

November 3rd, 2013

Driveway concerns  for local Nottingham residents

Residents of a local Nottingham village have been warned about traders  –  the report goes on to highlight driveway concerns for local Nottingham residents

“Recent complaints about aggressive sales practices in the village – Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards team has received reports about doorstep traders operating in the area who may initially offer to show residents work they have carried out on other houses in the area.”

The report goes on to say that “residents should be on their guard and the doorstep callers may even dig up the resident’s driveway without the owner’s permission to force them to have the work carried out.”

This is not acceptable behaviour at all.  Trading standards are involved due to the apparently aggressive and unpleasant behaviour which has resulted in driveway concerns for local Nottingham residents.  Trading Standards have issued this report.  Evidently the doorstep salesmen are putting unfair pressure on people to use their service.

Whilst a lot of businesses may be finding business difficult, it is no excuse for this.

It would be difficult for any business to say they don’t employ sales people, because like it or not sales is what keeps a business running.  As a business we all develop into sales people as without sales there is no business.

However we at Drive-Cote Ltd  pride ourselves on offering a friendly and approachable service.  Drive-Cote Ltd is a local Mansfield based company and as such we pride ourselves on offering a local service to local people. Patios, paths, driveways, gardens   call us for a free quote.  Don’t let these rogues get away with poor and unwanted services.  Report any untoward activity to you local trading standard office.

Resin bonded resurfacing tarmac mix concrete

October 31st, 2013

Resin bonded resurfacing tarmac mix concrete

The weather this week has been of no help for our poor lads.  A resin bonded resurfacing tarmac mix concrete job  ( a large  one at that) is  on hold.  However we are pleased  to say that patience is one of our businesses many  virtues.  We don’t have much choice in our industry  and we have every confidence that the resin bonded resurfacing tarmac mix concrete  job will be completed.  It may not be this week ! But it will get completed.

We have been out to see a job at Misterton and one in Ravenshead this week.  So if you live local to either of these areas give us a call!

The Ravenshead quote is tarmac,  but this particular client had had a bad experience recently with a tarmac company.

In fact on visiting I could see the damage caused by this unscrupulous tarmac company.  Hence the need for our resin bonded resurfacing.

In our line of business  – driveways, paths and patios – we can see  why the tarmac industry can get a bad reputation.

Back to the resin bonded resurfacing tarmac mix concrete!

 resurfacing required for  tarmac mix concrete  tarmac mix concrete Resin bonded resurfacing Mansfield Woodhouse Resin bonded resurfacing tarmac mix concrete Resin bonded resurfacing tarmac mix concrete Resin bonded resurfacing tarmac mix concrete

We have prepped the area (quite a large one this is  about 180sqm)  ready.

Fortunately with this particular job being very local – Mansfield Woodhouse – we can be ready at the drop of a hat.  We are also fortunately in a position to check the surfaces suitability on a daily basis.

Remember even though you have an existing surface which may not be permeable this does not mean you have to remove it.  We can call round and advise you of the possible options and not all involve removing your existing concrete tarmac, or imprinted concrete.

  • Anti slip
  • Maintenance free
  • Can be completed in a day.

The said not all surfaces can be resurfaced, but we wont complete a resin bonded resurfacing works if it the surface is not suitable. So whether it is a drive, path or patio call Drive-Cote Ltd and bring your driveway into your garden.

 

commercial resin bonded gravel

October 27th, 2013

commercial resin bonded gravel  enquiry coming to fruition.

Very often we can quote for a job and it can take 2 or more years to come back to us.  However this Nottingham commercial resin bonded gravel enquiry has come back to us  no more than 6 months.

We provided a site visit for the commercial resin bonded gravel enquiry in Nottingham.  The contractor a Nottingham builder had been called out to quote for this job, and being aware of our  expertise in this field contacted us for our help.

The site already had had resin bonded gravel in certain areas, but to be perfectly honest it was a very poor job.

 

The building company are currently completing their works which they hope to finish in the next few weeks.  We can then move on to complete our commercial resin bonded gravel works.

The surface area to be completed is not an excessively large area, but it is a heavily pedestrianized area.  This means that our resin bonded gravel will offer an attractive and durable and anti slip surfacing option.

Commercial resin bonded gravel enquiries are fast becoming a large part of our business as more and more commercial resin bonded gravel  works are completed.  National heritage sites, disability access, no mess no disruption, uses the existing  concrete or tarmac as a base.

We have over the years provided a number of resin bonded gravel works and currently have a project on the go for a local  care home in Mansfield Woodhouse which w are hoping to complete in the next few weeks.

This particular job has a large forecourt made up of tarmac and concrete which is in poor condition. We have had to  clear the debris away, in preparation of the application of the commercial resin bonded gravel.  There are various cracks and potholes as well,  but the actual surface is structurally sound   like most driveways we deal with so if it is not broke don’t fix it.

Some of our commercial resin bonded gravel works have been for the local councils  and Educational authorities.  Key aspects being

  • Anti slip
  • No mess
  • Protective
  • Weedfree
  • No need to remove existing surfaces.

Remember why remove your existing there is always the chance you can fall foul of new installations, just like this council seems to have done.

resin bonded gravel coating

October 23rd, 2013

resin bonded gravel coating 

works and quotes for Mansfield Woodhouse, Gamston, Nottingham Mansfield, Castle Donnington and Sheffield have all been on our  works list for this week.

We recently had a referral through for our resin bonded gravel coating but unfortunately not all surfaces are suitable and this particular one was not (slabs but very poorly bed, damaged and uneven)

The selection of surfaces has been quite varying from concrete through to grass for our resin bonded gravel coating.  So lots to sort out.

Levels and drainage are very often high on our customers lists of questions.  However as we always say, permeability is not the main thing to consider, whether it is with a resin bonded gravel coating or a resin bound gravel finish.  What is key,  is the management of the surface water.

Suds compliance does not mean you have to have a porous surface it is about the management of surface water.

One of the orders we have taken this week is for a resin bonded gravel coating job in Castle Donnington.   Weather at this time of year can be a little dictorial, but with our experience of over 12 years, this is something we are well used to.

We have completed a quote in a village near Nottingham and this customer has a tarmac surface which has been down about 10 years.  However unfortunately it has started to break down.  The is the freeze/thaw problem which is a lot more prevalent nowadays is the cause.  As a result of the extremes  of weather we have had over the past few years this is becoming more and more evident.  This is where our resin bonded gravel coating can save the surface and/or  prevent it from deteriorating further.

 Nottingham Mansfield, Castle Donnington and Sheffield

The client was a  bit concerned  about the permeable paving aspect  however as we explained as long as the existing surface is not being removed and as long as the falls and drainage in existence work well, then there is no need to be concerned with regards to this.

tarmac in need of resin bonded gravel coatingThe property has dark brown brickwork and it was decided a light natural finish would be complimentary for the resin bonded gravel coating.

So whether it is concrete tarmac  imprinted concrete or tarmac, call us now if you want a solution to your deteriorating  driveway, path or patio.  Our resin bonded gravel coating originated for road use so it is well above what is required for a residential address.

We have also received an enquiry this week out of our area though, but quite an interesting one.

thrown resin drive durable attractive

October 19th, 2013

thrown resin drive

Too far south for us to be able to help with a thrown resin drive.  This customer was a commercial enquiry, for in his words a –  thrown resin drive.

The thrown resin drive was specifically requested for a number of reasons.  The anti slip aspect being very key for this client.

The contractor’s client was in the process of having various works completed in order to ensure easy and safe access to a residential property. This was due to the clients recent injury.

I understand the clients architect had specified on the plans a thrown resin drive with access  for a wheelchair being key.  The contractor did not have a hard surface in place at present.  This means prior to the thrown resin drive a concrete or tarmac surface would need to be installed.

This is the first time we have heard the term thrown resin but we can see why it has had this label.thrown resin drive

The two main options of resin for outside areas is resin bonded and resin bound.  Resin bound surfaces are trowelled on after being mixed together in a mixer, and needs to be installed at least 10mm in depth.  Resin bound is our preference for areas without a hard surface such as concrete or tarmac.  Resin bound is more relative to treepits and foot traffic, but can be susceptible to weeds and moss.slippy imprinted concrete needing thrown resin drive

Resin bonded is the one this client calls a thrown resin.  This is because the resin is applied to a hard surface such as concrete, tarmac, and imprinted concrete surface.  The aggregate is then “thrown “ on to the surface.  Sometimes known as a scatter coat but that is a very unfair description as the aggregate is not scattered on lightly to create a thrown resin drive.  It is applied on a dense level ensuring a good solid even surface.

Resin bonded drives and resin bound surfacing are fast becoming popular options for driveways paths and patios.  Attractive, durable and protective are all qualities we as homeowners are looking for.  The costs incurred in removing and reinstating surfaces (combined with the mess and disruption involved)  are all important considerations.  So call us now for a free quote.

Sutton in Ashfield, Mansfield, Nottingham, Chesterfield, Ripley, Heanor  and Ravenshead  we are based in Mansfield and can provide you with expert advice.

Epperstone resin bonded driveway problem

October 15th, 2013

Epperstone resin bonded driveway problem

We have been called out by a local builder to provide a report on a residential property in Epperstone  that had a resin bonded driveway problem.

The owner of the property in Epperstone had had a resin bonded driveway problem which had occurred over the past few months.

At our site meeting with a representative of the building company  it was pointed out to us about  their customer’s  dissatisfaction with a couple of aspects of the work carried out by a Manchester  resin bonded installation  company.  

In our opinion there was  a small area towards the front gate that was puddling.  However to be honest if we were to have given it any attention it would probably  look visually worse as the  patched up area would be visible.  One of the resurfacing benefits with resin bonded stone is not to have to remove the existing concrete, tarmac or imprinted concrete,  However it can only cover what is down and will not  necessarily eliminate dips and undulations.

Like a lot of products, batches vary and it would be evident when a different batch of stone is used to rectify this resin bonded driveway problem.  In addition it would have the appearance of a patch –  being slightly raised on the edges.

Another aspect of concern were the areas of rust spotting.  This is where iron oxide is present in the stone granules and over time this leeches out causing rust spots or discolouration.  This  in time develops into stripes and will certainly become evident as a resin bonded driveway problem.

According to the paving expert “Rust stains arise from water running over metal fixtures and fittings then depositing iron particles on the paving and/or from the oxidation (rusting) of iron-rich compounds in the aggregate of the paving”

Unfortunately this problem cannot be resolved  once laid when with a resin bonded driveway.  We are particularly careful in our selection of stone media to avoid this problem.  The only real solution to this resin bonded driveway problem would be to recover.

Specialist installers are required to ensure these resin bonded driveway problems are minimised.

We have been working with anti slip and weed free surfacing for over 12 years now, and we do not see rust spotting too often now.  With good product knowledge the installers should have known of issues with the stone being used.

Amber flint which was very popular a few years ago, had issues like this on some batches, so we no longer use this.  Any markings by the iron oxide are not of any detriment to the surface, installation or application.  However visually they can be evident.

Mansfield based we are well situated to work in areas such as Nottingham, Calverton, Epperstone, Lowdham, Matlock, Youlgrave, Ilkeston, Derby and Sheffield just to name a few. So call Drive-Cote and can advise you and provide a free no obligation quote for your path, patio or driveway.

 

resin drive installation Winter time

October 12th, 2013

resin drive installation Winter time

October is now upon is and to be perfectly honest this year we have had a really good dry time compared to the previous years.  This year has seen a massive increase in interest in resin bonded stone and resin bonded aggregate applications.  Home owners are wanting to secure their properties, gardens  and ensure longevity.  This is where a resin drive can provide a new, attractive, anti slip and durable option for your driveway path or patio. A virtually  weed free and maintenance free surface.

However a resin drive installation Winter time can be a problem.  If your installer does not know what they are doing.

Temperature and the wet weather, whether it be snow, rain, frost or ice can all have an impact on the ability to complete  a resin drive installation Winter time.

We wrote last year about how with our expert knowledge  of over 12 years we can complete works.

However once again we see the statements by some companies that they can apply resin (resin bound and resin bonded) when it is raining.   But be very wary of these claims as a resin drive installation Winter time can be hard work.  The weather does not have to halt a project, but it can hold it to ransom!  Concrete and tarmac have different porosity qualities so the surface for  resin drive installations Winter time can dictate on how and when to apply a resin bonded or resin bound application.

There are now available fast curing additives which can vastly improve the ability to continue to work in winter time.   An inexperienced installer can soon come unstuck!

Imprinted concrete when laid correctly can be a good solid base for resin so do not despair if you can no longer afford the time to regularly seal and maintain your imprinted concrete.  Or  if  time and the elements have taken their toll,  a resin drive installation can sort this problem.

Please feel free to give us a call. No salesmen!  well not officially!  Over the years we have been in business we have developed a certain style.  Not a salesman style, but a friendly, informative and helpful style.

A recent enquiry from a local Mansfield enquiry (who we couldn’t unfortunately help) resulted in an email saying

“Thanks for having a look and for being honest regarding the work in my back garden. I appreciate it”  so if you want advice or guidance please do not hesitate to get in touch”

Anti slip and virtually weed free has got to be a good option for anyone.  Coupled with the fact that the existing is being used whether it is concrete, tarmac or imprinted concrete we can resurface.  We can in most cases complete the works in a day.

Ravenshead, Kirkby in Ashfield, Blidworth, Mansfield, Forest Town and Clipstone-  find a local job we have completed.

 

 

resin bonded aggregate diy options

October 10th, 2013

resin bonded aggregate diy options is this the way forward?

We have been resurfacing with resin bonded stone or aggregate or gravel for over 12 years. During this time we have seen some choice jobs using the resin bonded aggregate diy options.resin bonded aggregate diy options

We may be asked why have we seen these resin bonded aggregate diy options?

  • Is it cost?
  • Is it the simplicity?
  • Is the ease of use?
  • Is it the fact that it can be completed in a day?

To be honest I would have difficulty in saying.   What I will say however is that 9 out of the 10 cases of resin bonded aggregate diy options we have been called out to view have been because they were not installed correctly.  Meaning we were called out to solve the problem of the resin bonded aggregate diy options that had been used.

resin bonded aggregate resurfacingThere are numerous benefits to a resin bonded aggregate surface including

  • Quick curing
  • Virtually weed free and maintenance free surface when installed
  • No need to remove the existing

However, the quick curing is the key in these three points.

An untrained installer or  resin bonded aggregate diy options do not work well with these two words.

Whilst it may be possible to do small areas (after a couple of practice runs – but where do you do the practice runs?) but in our experience the sensitive and temperamental qualities of  the resin and the  weather do not always go well together.

Specialist equipment is required to ensure good even and quality mixing.  Correct proportioning of the two parts is required. Knowledge of the required consistency is key as the temperature can have a dramatic effect on the end product. Correct preparation of the sub base is also key.

Resin bonded aggregate can transform your existing imprinted concrete, concrete or tarmac. Whether it is a drive, path or patio, it can offer  an attractive and durable finish.  Resin bonded aggregate can provide kerb appeal when applied correctly and professionally. A wealth of information is contained on this site not just for resin but for all sorts of works.

We can offer show drives in Mansfield, Nottingham, Ravenshead, Shirebrook, Ilkeston. Derby, Bolsover, Sutton in Ashfield. Over 12 years experience is what we can provide for new driveway path or patio.