One of the most popular home improvement projects in this country involves replacing or creating pathways and driveways, but very few people know enough about the options or the products available. Gail Johnston of SureSet Permeable Paving takes us through some of the issues and solutions.

Whether you want to park on it, walk on it or make a feature of it, it’s part of our home and, hopefully, adds to the kerb appeal and the value. But it is not just a question of laying a few pavers, levelling things off and hoping for the best - there are a number of things you have to think about before you start your project.

Some of them you can probably guess – maintenance, lifespan, appearance and weather resistance. But nowadays it’s also essential to consider flood risk and drainage. With The Pitt Review, produced after the devastating floods of 2007, reporting that for two thirds of the 57,000 homes affected, the cause was surface water runoff, no one can afford to take this consideration lightly.

Gone are the days when your driveway or pathway could be done, for a discounted rate, by someone knocking on your door with ‘left over’ material. We need to make sure we use professional, reputable contractors, preferably master craftsmen, offering surfacing solutions that will stand the test of time. One of the most popular and flexible innovations of recent years has been the introduction of permeable paving.

SureSet have been at the forefront of permeable resin bound paving for nearly twenty years, successfully combining aesthetics with performance and safety. And here we give you ten reasons why our resin bound products are right for you. Of course, you may consider alternatives, but please make sure they tick all these boxes…

1. It’s permeable: Resin bound paving is cold mixed on site using a process that ensures every particle of stone is completely covered in resin; forming a structurally stable 3D matrix. During the laying process, minute voids are created that allows water to drain through.

Enabling rain water to permeate through the surface allows ground water to level, which helps regulate the effects of ‘heave’ and ‘shrinkage’. This reduces standing water, surface water run-off and flash flooding.

During heavy rainfall, impermeable surfaces generate large amounts of surface water run-off which overwhelms drains and rivers and causes flash flooding.

1. It’s aesthetically pleasing: Not only is resin bound paving decorative, it’s sustainable, practical and versatile, as you can see from these photos.

Resin bound paving is available in such a variety of colour and textures it is suitable for any type of project; new build or refurbishment and all styles of property; modern, traditional, listed or heritage.

Other paving options have less design flexibility and can leave an industrial looking finish.

1. It’s resistant to weather conditions: Resin bound paving doesn’t soften in summer, freeze in winter or fade in sunlight.

Alternatives, such as asphalt, tend to soften in the heat which can result in marks in the surface, freeze in cold weather and experience colour deterioration due to UV exposure.

1. It’s long lasting: Resin bound paving is a strong, durable surface. While guarantees vary between 10 to 18 years, a premier product, installed correctly and properly maintained, can last for up to 25 years.

Whilst concrete matches resin bound paving with its longevity, it fails to provide the same choice of colours and design flexibility.

According to the paving expert website ‘asphalt will give at least 10 years trouble-free service’. Again, asphalt does not offer the same versatility or range of colours as resin bound paving.

1. It requires minimal maintenance: With resin bound paving there are no weeds to weed or lose stones to sweep.

Providing any established weed growth was removed before SureSet is laid, it is unlikely, with regular cleaning, that any new weeds will grow. Regular cleaning also reduces any moss or algal growth.

1. A faster installation with less mess: Resin bound paving is up to one third quicker than some other materials to install (approximately 250m² a day).

It can be laid over existing surfaces such as asphalt and concrete as well as directly onto a Type 3 sub-base with a reinforcing grid and separation membrane.

1. It is environmentally friendly: As surface or rain water seeps through permeable paving and the underlying bases they act as a natural filter by reducing or removing impurities and pollutants caused by oils and metals.

When rain water runs off an impermeable surface it picks up pollutants as it flows into drains and natural water courses (rivers, lakes and oceans) which creates biodiversity as well as health issues.

Heat islands are found mainly in cities, warmer than other more rural areas because the energy and pollution created by the densely populated situation are absorbed and stored by hard surfaces, like asphalt and concrete. This also has a negative effect on the air and water quality.

The voids in permeable resin bound paving allow the soil to breathe which reduces surface temperatures and counteracts the ‘heat island’ effect.

1. It’s SuDS compliant (Sustainable urban Drainage Systems): a water management system introduced by the Environment Agency to help manage flood risk and water quality. Susdrain provides lots of resources and useful information about SuDS.

2. No planning permission required: Since 2008 government legislation, planning permission is not required for areas less than 5m² or if the new surface is permeable.

To read more follow the link below https://www.guildmc.com/news/ten-great-reasons-to-use-permeable-resin-bound-paving-on-your-driveway.aspx