Resin bound surfacing bonds natural aggregate into a UV-stable polyurethane resin, producing a permeable finish that drains through rather than pooling. It is different from resin bonded surfacing, where aggregate is scattered on top of a resin coat and is not permeable. The distinction matters for drainage compliance: a resin bound surface meets SuDS requirements for front garden hardstanding, which means most installations avoid the planning permission that applies to non-permeable surfaces over five square metres. Before any aggregate is mixed, the base underneath has to be assessed, because the finish is only as durable as what supports it.
Where a concrete or tarmac base is structurally intact, free of deep cracking, and draining correctly, a resin bound overlay is a viable route. The existing surface is cleaned, any cracks are repaired, and a primer is applied before the resin and aggregate mix is trowelled on. Edge restraints are set to contain the mix, and drainage falls are confirmed before laying begins. In Peterborough, where clay and silt ground conditions cause seasonal movement on many estates, including made-ground areas in Hampton, Orton, and Stanground, a base that looks sound at the surface can still have sub-base movement that will crack an overlay within a season.
Where the existing surface is cracked, sinking, or draining poorly, a full excavation is the correct route. The surface is lifted, the sub-base is inspected and repaired or replaced with compacted MOT Type 1 granular material, and drainage falls are set before the resin bound finish is laid. Channel drainage or a permeable sub-base layer manages surface water runoff in line with Building Regulations. The assessment visit establishes which route applies to your specific base, overlay or dig-out, so the quote reflects the actual scope of work rather than the minimum needed to win the job.