At Done Right Driveways, we believe in using the best methods available for every resin driveway installation. Over the past four years, that has meant moving away from the use of a tarmac sublayer and adopting stronger, more reliable alternatives.

The Problems with a Tarmac Sublayer

Tarmac was once a common choice as a sub-base for resin driveways, but experience has shown that it is not always the most dependable option. Resin has a degree of flexibility, yet it remains limited. If the sublayer beneath moves, cracks can appear in the resin surface. With a tarmac sublayer, this risk is greater. Even when laid thickly, tarmac is more prone to shifting than concrete, and with the rising cost of bitumen, it has become less attractive both practically and financially.

That is not to say that every resin driveway with a tarmac sublayer will fail. Many have lasted well. But industry knowledge and our own experience across South Devon, in areas such as Ivybridge, Plymouth, Plympton, Salcombe, Modbury, and Kingsbridge, have shown us that concrete simply performs better as a sub-base. For that reason, we made the change over four years ago and have not looked back since.

Concrete offers greater stability, and with the use of structural and anti-crack fibres, the slabs we lay are reinforced throughout their depth. Unlike mesh or rebar, which sit at a single level, fibres run through the entire slab, reducing the risk of cracks developing. This method has provided our customers with strong, durable driveways that continue to look their best year after year.

Now, the industry is evolving again. For the past year, we have been working with the latest VUBA system, which offers even more benefits. By reducing the depth of excavation required, it lessens waste, lowers disposal costs, and provides a more sustainable approach without compromising on strength. It represents the next step forward in resin driveway technology, and we are proud to be at the forefront of bringing it to homes across South Devon.

At Done Right Driveways, we do not stand still. As techniques improve, so do we — ensuring that every driveway we install is built on the strongest foundations possible.