Ninety percent of resin driveway failures we're called out to fix have nothing wrong with the resin — the sub-base was the problem. The wearing course only performs if the layers underneath are engineered correctly.
The three-layer permeable stack
Every compliant resin driveway sits on: a geotextile separation membrane, an open-graded Type 3 sub-base, and a permeable macadam base. Any contractor quoting a resin surface directly onto old concrete or MOT Type 1 (which is impermeable) has quoted the wrong specification for a SuDS project.
When we lay over existing concrete
If a client wants to overlay sound existing concrete, we survey drainage first. Where surface water can be directed to a soakaway or lawn, we can overlay after a bond coat is applied. Where drainage isn't possible, we advise excavation.
How to spot a bad quote
Ask three questions: What's the specification of the sub-base? Is the base permeable? What warranty covers subsidence? If your contractor can't answer clearly in writing, walk away.
