How to Clean and Maintain a Resin Bound Driveway

One of the best things about a resin bound driveway is how little looking-after it needs. It's hard-wearing, weed-resistant and smooth, so there are no loose stones to sweep up and no joints for weeds to push through. But low-maintenance doesn't mean no-maintenance — a little care keeps your driveway looking its best for years. Here's everything you need to know to look after yours.

Using your driveway sensibly

A resin bound surface is built for normal use — cars, foot traffic, the everyday comings and goings of a family home. It will happily take parked cars and daily driving. What it isn't designed for is unusually heavy or sharp loads, so it's worth avoiding a few things:

• Skips: don't rest a heavy skip with sharp edges directly on the surface. If a skip is unavoidable, use load-bearing planks underneath — but placing it elsewhere is always safer.

• Sharp points: anything that concentrates weight on a tiny point can mark the surface — a motorcycle stand is the classic example.

• Dragging: never drag heavy objects across the driveway; lift them or use a trolley with a board underneath.

• Spillages: petrol, diesel, oil and solvents can soften the resin. In the first 7 days after installation especially, keep chemicals off the surface while it fully cures.

Preventing tyre marks

Tyre marks aren't actually rubber coming off your tyres — they're caused by heat and friction, usually from turning the steering wheel while the car is stationary, or from tyres that are still warm after a long drive. The simple fix: avoid turning the wheel when you're not moving, and you'll rarely see a mark.

Everyday cleaning

Most maintenance is nothing more than a regular sweep. Running a stiff broom over the surface clears leaves and debris and stops moss getting a foothold. A quick hose or rinse helps shift dust and anything the broom misses. Do this every so often and you'll head off most problems before they start.

Jet washing — the right way

Every so often it's worth giving the driveway a proper clean with a pressure washer. Done correctly it's completely safe; the only risk is going in too hard or too close. Follow these steps:

1. Sweep first to clear loose debris a jet wash might drive into the surface.

2. Use a pressure of up to 150 bar — no more. Excessive pressure can damage the surface.

3. Keep the nozzle at least 20 cm away from the surface at all times.

4. Use cool water at a moderate temperature — not freezing cold, which can stress the resin.

5. A flat/fan nozzle gives the best, most even results.

6. Work in a steady back-and-forth sweeping motion rather than lingering in one spot.

Weeds, moss and algae

Because of how it's built, a resin bound surface strongly resists weeds — but the odd one can still appear from windblown seed, just as on any surface. Small numbers pull out easily by hand; just make sure you get the whole root rather than snapping it off at the top, as some weeds come back stronger if simply cut. For anything more stubborn, a normal domestic weed killer used to the maker's instructions won't harm the surface.

For moss and algae, an occasional application of a proprietary moss and algae killer (such as Algon), used as directed, will clear and prevent regrowth. Heavier, ingrained algae can be lifted and the original colour restored with a strong bleach solution — used carefully, in line with the product guidance and local environmental rules, and always rinsed off thoroughly with clean water afterwards. Keeping leaves and debris swept up also prevents staining from tannins.

Removing common marks and stains

Chewing gum: sweeping or jet washing removes most of it. For hardened gum, chill it with a freezing spray and lift it carefully with a plastic wall scraper — never dig underneath with a hard edge, which can damage the surface.

Oil and grease: act quickly. Flush the spill with water; most light spills eventually wash away with rain, but you can speed things up with warm water and a little mild household detergent, left for around 10 minutes and then rinsed off with a jet wash.

Cement or concrete splashes: these can be removed with a proprietary cement remover (or carefully diluted hydrochloric acid), followed immediately by a thorough rinse with clean water. Note that acids will attack lime-based aggregates, so check first.

Rust or mineral stains: the natural aggregates can very occasionally contain iron pyrites, which may leave a mark. Oxalic acid, widely available, removes these effectively — rinse it off with cold water straight after use.

Snow and ice in winter

Frost and snow affect every driveway, but a resin surface is one of the easiest to clear. Because it's smooth and flat, you can shovel snow straight off without scattering loose stone everywhere — the problem you'd have with a gravel drive. Use a plastic snow shovel rather than a metal one, which can scratch if you're heavy-handed. Being permeable, a resin driveway also lets melted snow soak away into the ground below, which helps prevent icy patches forming.

To tackle ice, ordinary salt or grit is fine. Once the cold snap passes, rinse the salt off thoroughly so no traces are left on the surface.

Small repairs

If the surface is ever damaged, small areas can be repaired invisibly. The damaged patch is chiselled out and refilled with the same aggregate blend mixed with fresh UV-stable resin, feathering the edges into the surrounding surface for a strong, seamless finish. It's a specialist job, so get in touch and we'll sort it — this is exactly why using the same installer over the life of the driveway pays off.

A few golden rules

• Sweep regularly and rinse when needed — most upkeep is nothing more than this.

• Tackle spills and mess straight away; the sooner you act, the easier they clear.

• Spread heavy loads with wooden planks, and keep sharp or heavy objects from being dropped or dragged.

• Jet wash gently: up to 150 bar, at least 20 cm back, cool water, sweeping motion.

Any questions?

Still deciding on a surface, or comparing resin against other options first? Our guide to resin bound vs block paving vs tarmac walks through the differences. And if there's anything at all you'd like to know about caring for a resin driveway — even if we didn't install yours — please get in touch. We're always happy to help.