When it comes to choosing the best material for your driveway, you will find most companies offer plenty of choices that include tarmac and resin. Deciding which to use can be a little daunting, but there are a few factors you can consider making your choice easier. For many people, one of the most important factors is the style of your property; do you live in a modern or period property? You want your finished driveway to be in keeping with the rest of the property and others in the local area. So, what is the difference between a tarmac and resin driveway, and which should you choose?
Tarmac v Resin
Most people can visualise what a tarmac driveway might look like when it’s complete, but this is not always the case with resin, so it is worth looking at some images. It is a newer finish, but it has gained popularity over the last decade because it offers a slightly less commercial finish. It could be the perfect choice for you so let’s look at some of the pros and cons of both finishes.
The Pros
Tarmac is a tried and tested medium for creating a driveway that has a very durable finish and will look tidy for many years to come. It is naturally very weather-resistant, and it is a cheaper option when compared to the block paved driveways you sometimes see. This is fundamentally down to the installation cost because it’s much quicker to lay tarmac than other options. Tarmac also offers a minimal maintenance finish giving you a long-lasting product that will handle everything you throw at it.
Resin has a different look and feel, and it’s also a porous finish. This makes it particularly attractive in urban areas as it is known as a Sustainable Urban Drainage System acting as a soakaway in times of heavy rain. When water hits the tarmac, it will run away to the lowest point, and it is not permeable in any way, so you could end up with pools of water that take a long time to dissipate. Resin allows water to filter down into the ground underneath it, which negates standing water. Therefore, it will also be less slippery when the mercury plummets and conditions become icy. In addition, it gives a better grip underfoot. There are many different coloured resins available which make it slightly more adaptable than the single black finish of tarmac; it is also a tough wearing and durable surface that is not affected by UV light.
Cons
As mentioned, tarmac finish comes in one colour only, which can change the feel from a domestic dwelling to something more industrial that not all customers like. In addition, frequent turning and the movement of the wheels can damage both tarmac and resin. When comparing the two, resin is the least resistant, so if you have a particularly small driveway and will be accessing it from the same angle every time, you may want to consider a different surface.
Some great examples of resin driveways can be seen here, quality resin needs to be laid around 18mm thick to prevent movement.
Here at ED paving we believe in good quality driveways will last a lifetime and this is why we are the premier driveways company in Nottingham and Derby, our sister company Bespoke Driveways cover Altrincham and South Manchester too, so if you live in that area, head over to their website and check out some of their recent work.
