While certain conditions must be met to lay a resin bound stone patio, pathway, or driveway, the reality is that there is no specific ‘best time’ to complete a resin project. Resin bound stone can be successfully installed at any time of the year, provided the work is carried out within the necessary parameters and guidelines.
How Weather Affects Resin Curing
The resin used in our projects is a polyurethane resin, which cures through an exothermic reaction. This reaction is influenced by several external factors, including:
- Dew Point: The temperature at which moisture condenses into dew can affect the curing process.
- Ground Temperature: The temperature of the sub-base must remain stable.
- Air Temperature: Resin requires temperatures to remain above 5° Celsius during the curing process.
- Moisture Levels: Both ground and air moisture must be measured and accounted for.
Experienced contractors take all of these factors into account prior to installation. They carefully measure the dew point, moisture levels, and temperature of both the air and ground to ensure that the curing process is not compromised. By following strict guidelines and utilizing their expertise, skilled installers can successfully lay resin bound stone surfaces, even during the winter months.
How Curing Times are Controlled
One advantage of polyurethane resin is that its curing time can be adjusted to suit different weather conditions. This is achieved by using a specialist catalyst product that speeds up or slows down the curing process:
- In summer, less catalyst is required as higher temperatures accelerate curing naturally.
- In winter, more catalyst is added to ensure proper curing when temperatures drop.
This flexibility allows resin projects to be completed year-round, provided contractors have the experience and tools to adapt the curing process to the weather.
Preparatory Works in Winter
While resin bound stone can be laid in winter, it is important to note that preparatory works, such as installing concrete or tarmac sub-bases, can be affected by colder temperatures:
- Concrete cannot be laid if temperatures drop below 5° Celsius as it will not cure properly.
- Tarmac cools too quickly in cold weather, preventing it from being spread and compacted adequately.
These challenges mean that, in some cases, preparatory work may need to be scheduled for milder days or completed prior to the coldest months.
Why Winter May Still Be the Right Time
Despite the challenges that come with the winter period, it can still be an excellent time to book a resin bound stone project or refurbishment. Many companies, including ours, offer sales, discounts, and quiet-period promotions during winter, making it a cost-effective opportunity to enhance your property.
To ensure peace of mind, it is essential to choose a contractor who provides a guarantee on their work. An insurance-backed guarantee offers added security, ensuring that your investment is protected, regardless of the season.
Resin bound stone surfaces can be laid successfully at any time of the year, provided the necessary conditions are met. Factors such as dew point, ground temperature, air temperature, and moisture levels must be carefully considered, but experienced installers following industry guidelines can achieve excellent results even in winter.
At Advanced Resin Solutions, we have the expertise and tools to adapt to seasonal challenges, ensuring that your resin bound project is completed to the highest standard—regardless of the time of year. Contact us today to learn more or to take advantage of our winter offers and guarantees
