Bound or Bonded?
Rhino resin bonded & bound surfaces are high strength resurfacing products designed to transform the appearance of your existing driveway base.
Natural stone is bonded to your existing (prepared) base using a high performance two part PU resin, giving a hard wearing, long lasting & visually stunning surface. Once complete, the new surface can take foot traffic within 2 - 3 hours and vehicle traffic after approximately 5 hours.
There are two options available within the industry for resin and stone surfaces. One is called Bonded, the other Bound. The differences are explained below:
Bonded surfaces (also known as the 'broadcast' method)
A two part PU resin is applied to your existing* (or new) base then, before it cures, decorative natural stone aggregate is 'broadcast' onto the surface. As the resin cures, it permanently bonds the stone to the base. once cured, the excess stone is swept off to leave a Natural stone finish that is hard wearing, anti slip and weed, Oil, Acid and Alkali resistant.
Above: Bond construction layers Stage 1 - Repairs Stage 2 - Seal and Prime Stage 3 - Resin and Stone Stage 4 - Sweep and Finish
Preparation is, in most cases, fairly minimal. Your existing base (if suitable) will be cleaned and sealed once any chosen edging detail is installed and repairs carried out (where necessary). We will discuss with you the extent and requirement for preparatory works at the time of survey.
Bound surfaces (also known as the 'permeable paving' method)
In much the same way as a 'bonded' surface, the Rhino Bound uses a two part PU resin, however, unlike the bonded surface, the resin and stone are mixed together on site in a specialist mixer to create a resin and stone 'screed'. This screed is applied to your existing* (or new) base and trowelled level to a depth that is determined by the use the surface will receive. The resin cures to give an extremely durable, natural stone finish that is PERMEABLE with the capacity of draining up to 25 litres of surface water, per square metre per second!, thus making it fully compliant with the latest S.U.D.S regulations. In addition, the finished surface is anti slip and weed, Oil, Acid and Alkali resistant.
When looking for your Resin Bound installer, be sure to ask about their Resin to Stone ratio's. Here at Rhino, we use a resin content that is 20% higher than the typical industry content. This gives a Rhino Bound surface the superior strength and durabilty that lives up to the name.
*Subject to existing base being suitable in both its material and condition i.e Asphalt or concrete, timber, steel.
Maintenance of your new surface - Rhino Bound surfaces
Your new surface is designed to be hard wearing and requires very little in the way of maintenance. It is, however, important to follow these simple maintanance steps to ensure the surface continues to look and perform well in years to come.
An annual powerwash will remove any accumulated dirt or debris* (Rhino Driveways offer a cleaning service).
Remove any oil spills immediately (Fairy liquid or other household degreaser will suffice).
A Rhino bound or bonded surface is impervious to alkali's / acids.
Moss or algae can accumulate on ANY surface, irrespective of its construction and material, especially on areas of the surface that are less trafficked or in shade. We would always recommend an annual treatment with an appropriate surface cleaner (i.e Algon).
Protect your surface from damage from skips, excessive loads.
Weeds - All Rhino surfaces are weed resistant, however, wind blown seeds or spores can lead to surface weeds on any surface, irrespective of its construction. In the event of any weed growth on a Rhino Surface, we recommend removing the weed (being careful to remove the root) by hand, or alternatively treating with a proprietary weed killer.
IMPORTANT - When using a powerwasher to clean ANY driveway surface, we always recommend that the nozzle of the washer lance is kept no less than 8" from the surface being cleaned.
Maintenance of your new surface - Rhino Bonded surfaces.
The surface will shed approximately 1% of its stone over its lifetime (this is perfectly normal and will not affect the appearance of your driveway). It is, howver, important to give your driveway a sweep every 3 months or so to remove any loose stone (bonded surfaces only). Loose stone left on the surface can lead to premature wearing of the surface and could potentially negate any guarantee with your installer.
Cleaning - Same method as 'Bound Surfaces (See above)
Weeds/Moss/Algaegrowth - Same method as 'Bound Surfaces (See above)
Maintenance of your new surface - Rhino Bounce surfaces.
Cleaning - Same method as 'Bound Surfaces - See above)
Weeds/Moss/ Algae growth - Same method as 'Bound surfaces (See above)