A permeable driveway allows rainwater to be filtered through the surface to a sub base and then down to the ground below or to a drain or soakaway. Only if there is also a permeable sub base will this occur on a resin bound driveway.
A common question many homeowners ask is “is resin bound permeable?” The answer is yes, however it is only the surface. Most drainage issues will come from below the surface. Whether you’re looking to resurface your driveway, concrete or pool deck, this guide will explain how water flows through water permeable driveways and why they can fail.
What Makes a Permeable Driveway Different
Concrete and asphalt are solid, so rain runs across the top and ends up in the street, the lawn or against your house. A permeable driveway is built so rain soaks in where it falls.
This type of permeable paving is created by mixing natural stone aggregate with a clear UV stable resin and using a trowel to create a smooth surface. Each stone will be fully coated in the resin, however there will be small gaps formed between each stone to allow water through. This means that a good quality resin driveway will not form puddles.
How Water Moves Through Resin Bound Permeable Paving
The rain will fall onto the surface and flow into the spaces between the stones below. This is the first part of the resin bound drainage system. The second part will depend on the substrate underneath.
Is resin bound permeable? Yes, the surface is. But the whole driveway is only as permeable as the substrate.
What Happens in the Resin Bound Sub Base
Water then enters the resin bound sub base. This layer has been made to be porous by using either open graded stone or a porous system like Rock Crete. This allows some storage of the water.
From the sub base, water usually goes one of three places:
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Into the soil below, which is the ideal outcome where the ground can absorb it.
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To a drain or soakaway, a designed outlet that carries excess water away or lets it disperse underground.
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To a planted or lawn area at the edge, where the base is designed to drain sideways.
Does the Base Type Change Driveway Drainage?
Yes. A good sub-base will determine how effective your porous pavement driveway is.
Having a porous sub-base, such as open graded stone or rock crete, means that water will flow through and into the ground/overflow. This is the ideal setup for a fully porous driveway.
If there is already a concrete/asphalt sub-base, this will be non-porous. Water will go through the resin but will simply sit on top of the slab. The surface will have to be laid flat so that the water can drain off either side or into the drain.
If the ground is poorly compacted or has high levels of clay, water will not drain quickly and can cause damp patches and movement within the surface.
Driveway Resurfacing, Concrete Resurfacing and Pool Deck Resurfacing: Will It Still Drain?
One of the most popular applications of resin bound is resurfacing old slabs. If they are in good condition and have a good fall to them for rainwater to run off then driveway resurfacing or concrete resurfacing could be the perfect option. Your installer will confirm the fall and condition of your slab. See our guide on putting resin bound over existing concrete.
Pool deck resurfacing follows the same rule, with one extra concern: water needs to clear quickly around the pool. A sloped slab and a planned exit for water keep the deck from holding puddles. Read more in our guide to resin bound for pool decks.
Why a Permeable Driveway Sometimes Holds Water
If you see standing water, the cause is rarely the resin itself. Common culprits include:
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A non-porous base with no fall or outlet
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A sub base that was poorly compacted or has settled
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Clay soil that absorbs water slowly
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Silt, soil or leaf debris clogging the surface voids
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No edge drainage where the surface meets walls or paving
Why Resin Bound Drainage Matters in North America
Heavy rain in states such as Florida or Texas means you need good drainage from your driveway. Water can cause problems during the colder months by freezing and causing expansion. This can cause cracks and upheaval. A well drained sub-base will help prevent this. See why resin driveways suit winter weather.
Stormwater rules differ by city and county, so check local requirements before installing.
How to Keep Your Permeable Driveway Draining
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Sweep regularly to remove debris
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Wash the surface gently to clear silt before it builds up
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Keep drains, channels and edges clear
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Deal with moss or algae early
Our step by step cleaning guide covers this in detail.
Questions to Ask Your Installer
- What sub base will you use, and is it permeable?
- Where will the water go once it reaches the base?
- Is the surface laid to a fall?
- Will you use edge drainage or a soakaway?
- A trained installer should answer these clearly. You can find an approved Resin Rock installer near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a permeable driveway?
A type of driveway to allow rain water to pass through the surface and sub-base and soak into the ground. Resin bound can give you this if it has an appropriate sub-base.
Is resin bound permeable?
The surface layer lets water through. The whole system is only as permeable as the sub base beneath it.
Can I use resin bound for concrete resurfacing?
Often yes, if the slab is sound and laid to a fall so water can drain away. Your installer should check this first.
Why is there standing water on my resin driveway?
Usually a non-porous or settled base, clay soil, poor falls, or clogged voids, not the resin.
Do water permeable driveways reduce runoff?
Yes. When built on a permeable base, they let rain soak in where it falls rather than running off into the street.
Ready to Plan Your Permeable Driveway?
Contact Resin Rock for a free estimate, or explore our resin bound products.
