Resin bonded gravel

[amfisted]

On this forum a few months back I asked about options for an old concrete pathway. Specialist paints were mentioned and someone suggested resin bonded gravel as a solution, but no detail was given.

I'm about to start limited excavations to find out how thick the concrete is and whether removal and replacement with paving flags is an option. From initial observations I'm getting the distinct feeling that the old concrete is much deeper than I first anticipated, and that removing it would be a huge, messy and expensive job, so I've been thinking about using RBG instead.

I'd be looking to have the gravel directly on top of the concrete, with minimal disturbance to the existing levels. There are some cracks in the surface at the corners of the building which are presumably due to expansion and/or settlement, but a brief trawl on Google indicates to me that these wouldn't necessarily preclude the use of RBG. The surface itself features widespread, shallow pitting and is discoloured by moss, but it's basically sound and takes only pedestrian traffic.

I've laid paving flags on a handful of basic patios and one driveway, but this technique is something I know nothing about and I would certainly opt to employ professionals.

There may be folks who use this forum and who either lay this stuff or who have had it laid, or both, and could provide a perspective on its suitability for my purposes. I'd be grateful for any useful comments/observations.

 

[amfisted]

The other option I've been exploring since posting the above is outdoor floor tiles. From what I can gather they are considerably thinner than paving flags, perhaps 8-10mm, and even taking into account the additional thickness of the adhesive I wouldn't be raising the surface to within less than 150mm of the dampcourse if I installed them directly on top of the existing concrete surface. Considerably more expensive than paving stones but they come in a variety of attractive finishes. Again, I'd be grateful for comments on that option.

 

[endecotp]

We have a patch of RBG in a communal pedestrian courtyard. I think it looks good, but it does need some maintenance as moss and weeds will grow in it. A pressure-washer is best but you mustn't over do it as there is a danger of dislodging stones.

I don't know how thick it is or know anything about how it was installed.

 

[JohnD]

In my town they use it round trees in the pedestrianised area. It is domed enough for rain to wash away most of the dirt onto the surrounding paving.

 

[amfisted]

Thanks for the replies.

I dug out a small area this afternoon to assess the depth of the concrete prior to deciding how to proceed, and to my relief I found that it was just over three inches thick on a sub base of gravel. So I'll be breaking it up and laying flags, the cheaper option by far.

It needs a base as it's on clay, but I should be able to salvage most of the gravel and re-use it.

Happy days!