Do Resin-Bound Driveways & Patios Need Resealing?

Autumn is here, winter’s on the way – let’s make sure your driveway is ready.

If you’ve invested in a beautiful resin-bound driveway (or are advising clients who have) using one of our stunning 33-blends, you’re likely already aware how great these surfaces look and how low-maintenance they are compared with some alternatives.

But one question comes up again and again: Do they need resealing?

The short answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no – but autumn is the perfect time to check and act.

Here at Resins ‘R’ Us, we’ll walk you through why resealing matters, when it matters, and how to get your drive through the colder months without a hiccup.

What is a resin-bound driveway (and how resilient is it?)

A resin-bound driveway consists of natural aggregate stones mixed with a clear or lightly pigmented resin binder, laid over a prepared base. The result is a smooth, permeable finish that looks great and handles rain and vehicles well.

Because the resin fully coats the aggregate and the surface remains permeable (unlike some older resin-bonded systems), this type of driveway offers strong durability and low maintenance. That said, “low maintenance” isn’t “no maintenance”.

Why you might think you don’t have to reseal…and when you actually should

One of the big selling points is that many resin-bound systems are designed with UV-stable resins and have a finish that holds up for many years without needing film coatings.

For some installations, resealing is optional. For example:

If the driveway was installed to high standard, with a good base, quality resin and aggregate, in a moderate traffic/residential setting, it may go many years without resealing.
If the surface still looks fresh, retains its colour and the aggregate is firmly held in place, you might hold off resealing.

But here’s the reality: even a good system will gradually show wear (especially with autumn/winter in the UK) and there are definite benefits to a reseal. These include restoring appearance (fresh colour, less “weathered” look), reinforcing the aggregate binder (less chance of loose stones), and offering extra protection as the weather turns.

So the logic is: reseal when the signs show you should: don’t just assume “never”.

Autumn / Winter challenges that make now a smart time to inspect and reseal

Since we’re in autumn (and winter is approaching fast), here are some extra pressures on driveways that mean now is the moment to check.

Leaf and debris build-up: Autumn means leaves, twigs, moss, algae growth: all of which trap moisture, shade parts of the surface, and may promote moss / algae = slippery or stained surfaces. For resin-bound surfaces, regular sweeping and cleaning is important.
Moisture / frost / freeze-thaw cycles: As we move into winter, water will seep into tiny surface voids, freeze, expand, and potentially exacerbate any weak spots. A surface that has lost its protective benefit is more vulnerable.
Increased traffic risk: The drive might see wet tyres, salt/grit use (for ice), snow removal. These impose extra demands on the surface. A good seal layer helps.
Dull / faded surface: After summer sun + weather, the resin might lose some gloss, the aggregate might appear ‘drier’, loose stones may start appearing. It’s a visual cue that a reseal is advisable.

Because of all that, autumn is a perfect time to inspect your resin-bound driveway. Catch issues now, reseal if needed, and head into winter knowing your driveway is safeguarded.

How often should you reseal a resin-bound driveway or patio?

Good question…there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depeidns on the frequency of use and the quality of the installation.

Longevity can also be affected by UV exposure, traffic volume and weather exposure/climate.

So if your driveway is heavily used (lots of vehicles, maybe heavy loads), in full sun, you’d lean towards the shorter end of the reseal interval. If lightly used, shaded, well installed, you might stretch it further.

But key point: don’t dogmatically follow a “once every X years” rule without doing an inspection. Visual signs (fading, loose aggregate, dullness, staining) beat a calendar alone.

Your Autumn Action Plan

Here’s a simple checklost for your clients (or you) to go through this autumn. Use this to decide: Do we reseal this year?

Inspection & Decision Worksheet

Visual check
- Is the colour of the surface still vibrant / consistent? Or does it look faded or dry?
- Are there any loose stones / areas where the aggregate feels weak?
- Do you see stains, moss / algae, leaf debris build-up, or oil marks?
- Are there small cracks or edges lifting?
- How is the vehicle turning/parking behaviour; any tyre marks, signs of wear?
Traffic & exposure evaluation
- How many vehicles use the driveway daily/weekly?
- Are there heavy vehicles parked or turning (skip trucks, vans)?
- Does the driveway receive full sun exposure? Is it shaded?
- Is the driveway sloped such that water runs/pools, and does it see winter/salt use?
Base condition & past maintenance
- When was the driveway installed?
- Has a reseal ever been done? If yes, when ?
- Has any damage or repair been required/carry-out?
- Have you been cleaning and sweeping regularly (especially autumn/winter)?
Decision: Do we reseal this autumn/winter?
- If you answer “yes” to one or more of:
  • Significant fading/dullness, loose aggregate, stains/moss, heavy traffic or exposure: then the case for resealing this year is strong.
- If you answer “no major issues” but you’re nearing 5-7 years since install, you might schedule a reseal soon (within the next year) and monitor until then.
- If you answer “no issues, low traffic, good condition” and install was recent, you may safely defer but commit to annual check-ups.
If reseal is decided, plan the work
- Choose a dry period (avoiding very wet weather).
- Clean the surface thoroughly (sweep, jet wash at safe pressure) and remove stains/moss.
- Ensure surface is fully dry.
- Apply the correct resin/PU sealant recommended for resin-bound driveways.
- Allow curing time before vehicle use.
- Commit to ongoing maintenance (especially in winter: avoid dragging heavy loads, shovel snow carefully, rinse off salt/grit after use).

Why resealing now pays off for winter

By doing the reseal (or deciding to) in the autumn, you gain a few advantages:

Peace of mind: Going into winter, your surface is in tip-top condition so you’re less likely to face damage from freeze/thaw, snow, salt.
Better appearance: A fresh seal restores colour/gloss, improving curb-appeal and value.
Reduced risk of damage: Loose aggregate, crazing, surface wear are all more likely when a driveway is neglected and used in harsh winter conditions.
Lower long-term cost: Addressing early means you avoid more expensive repair or full resurfacing down the line.

Final thoughts for your clients

So when your customers ask you, “Do I need to reseal my resin-bound driveway?” your answer (as a trusted partner via Resins ‘R’ Us) can be:

“You might not need to reseal every year, these surfaces are strong and low-maintenance, but given we’re heading into autumn and winter, this is the right time to inspect it. If the driveway is showing signs of wear, fading, loose stones, heavy use or high exposure, then resealing this year is a smart investment. The cost is modest compared with the benefit of a driveway that looks great, performs well and survives the winter without trouble.”

Remind them: regular cleaning (sweeping, mild washing), prompt stain removal, careful use (avoid dragging heavy loads, avoid metal snow-shovels, rinse off salt/grit) all complement the decision to reseal.

As a trusted partner of Resins ‘R’ Us, you could offer an Autumn Winter Check & Reseal – a fixed-price inspection plus reseal if needed.