First of all, let’s understand what exactly is resin bound aggregate; A smooth, durable (in most cases permeable) surfacing or pavement made by mixing natural stone aggregate with a resin binder. Similar to concrete, it then gets leveled or troweled, to create a smooth surface layer. Resin bound aggregate was first invented as an industrial surfacing into a mainstream, permeable pavement solution used for driveways, paths and commercial areas. Its technical evolution and adaptation to cold climates like Canada demonstrate how resin material advances and installation expertise, turned an aesthetic overlay into a freeze/thaw resistant, permeable pavement system.
What is The History of Resin Bound Aggregate:
Industrial Beginnings of Resin Bound:
Resin surfacing as it was first referred to, began as an industrial application, primarily for factories, airport runways, etc.
it was quickly adopted due to its impressive durability, and where a rapid ‘return‑to‑service’ were priorities.
Bonded vs Bound Shift:
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, “resin bonded” (scattercoat) systems — where resin was applied to the substrate and stone scattered on top — were common but prone to loose stone and poor durability.
The “resin bound” method more popular today, is where aggregate and resin are mixed before application to form a continuous, interlocked, permeable surface (porous surface), was developed to solve those issues and deliver a smoother, more stable finish.
Key pioneers and commercialization: Common accounts credit Michael Newton (UK) with important early development and commercialization work that helped refine resin/aggregate mixes, installation techniques and product positioning for wider adoption. He is frequently cited as a key pioneer in bringing permeable resin bound system into the UK residential market
Adoption in the 1990’s:
By the mid‑1990s the technique moved from industrial uses into residential driveways and garden paths, driven by the ability to install the overlay over sound existing surfaces (saving excavation).
but more importantly, then applied the solution for a permeable (SuDS compliance in the UK), and low maintenance.
The Technical Evolution of the Permeable Resin Bound Solution:
True Permeability:
The resin bound method preserves inter‑particle voids when correctly specified (proper aggregate sizing, resin qualities),
producing a highly permeable surface layer that allows stormwater to infiltrate and back to the ground, rather than run-off which causes flooding during heaving storms.
Permeable Material & Installation Advances:
Material and installation advances: Improved polyurethane resins increased UV stability, flexibility and bond strength, reducing resin brittleness in cold climates (Key factor).
Best practice installation — open‑graded, a well‑compacted sub-base, edge restraints, separation layers where needed, and appropriate aggregate sizing — is essential to performance and durability.
Permeable Pavement Industry Drivers:
After 2008, UK municipal planning had an increased emphasis on Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to help mitigate flooding by reducing stormwater run-off.
this accelerated the demand for permeable surfaces, reinforcing the market shift toward technically designed permeable resin bound pavement systems.
Performance and Benefits of Permeable Resin Bound in Canada?
Reduced Saturation mean Less Frost Heave:
A permeable surface, installed over an open‑graded sub-base, as installed by Dream Pave, drains quickly, reducing standing water and subgrade saturation that cause frost heave and freeze/thaw damage
producing a wearing course that allows stormwater to infiltrate at a high rate, rather than run off into storm sewers, waterways.
Flexibility and Adhesion:
Industry leading resin binders used by Dream Pave, provide elasticity and strong adhesion to accommodate ‘thermal cycling’ without cracking or de-lamination.
it is important to understand that not all resins are equal: different resin technologies are not equal, and many are not able to endure the harsh elements of Canada’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Material Selection is Key:
ensure to use freeze-thaw resistant, premium resins as provided by Dream Pave x StoneSet, along with correctly graded aggregate, and
a proper base construction creates a well drained pavement to prevent water retention beneath the surface — the main cause of freeze/thaw failures in conventional pavements.
a permeable surfaces is ideal at attenuating peak flows during heavy flash storms, becoming more and more common weather event.
Stunning Appearance and Colour Customization:
Natural aggregates, sourced locally, provide long‑lasting, attractive finishes that enhance landscape designs for residential, institutional, commercial and municipal projects.
natural aggregate options provide extensive design choices due to its versatility in colour, allowing for bespoke, seamless, and creative, customised permeable surfaces.
its natural elements enables mixing varied aggregate sizes, creating patterns, and matching or contrasting, existing traditional or modern landscaping designs.
Low Maintenance and Durability:
When professionally specified and installed using premium resin, a permeable resin bound aggregate pavement resists rutting, potholing and surface breakdown,
its seamless, porous, and durable structure makes it weed resistant,
its requires only occasional pressure washing (or even a good heavy rainfall), making it a highly durable, and long-lasting alternative to traditional paving.
Accessibility:
the smooth, continuous finish of a resin bound aggregate surface is wheelchair, walker and bicycle‑friendly.
the highly permeable and quick drying characteristics help prevent barriers for people with mobility disabilities.
offers a highly effective permeable solution for public and commercial pathways.
Dream Pave – Pioneers in Permeable Resin Bound Aggregate:
Permeable Market Leaders:
Dream Pave is recognized in Canada as a specialist focused on designing and installing permeable resin bound aggregate systems tailored to cold climates.
Dream Pave now also supplies its premium resin bound aggregate system to Landscape Contractors in Canada.
its Premium UV Stable resin is European Engineered by StoneSet, but now proudly Made in Canada.
Cold Climate Experts:
Dream Pave emphasizes its freeze – thaw resistant resin bound system, using StoneSet’s industry leading polyurethane resin.
Implementing an engineered open‑graded sub-base, and edge details to manage freeze/thaw risks to meet permeable pavement objectives for driveways, pathways, parking lots and more.
it is important to understand that not all resins are equal: different resin technologies are not equal, and many are not able to endure the harsh elements of Canada’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Service and Leadership:
Dream Pave services typically include site assessment, specification of full permeable pavement build‑ups, professional installation and performance warranties.
As installers concentrating on permeable resin bound systems adapted for Canadian conditions, Dream Pave is frequently cited among the leaders bringing this technology to Canadian residential, institutional, commercial and municipal projects.
From industrial roots in the UK to commercialization by pioneers like Michael Newton, resin bound aggregate has matured into a highly durable, permeable pavement system. Resin chemistry science and installation methods turned it into a freeze-thaw resistant choice for cold climates like Scandinavia, Siberia and Canada.
Commonly reported accounts describe how Michael Newton as a hands‑on pioneer, not only refined resin bound techniques but also shared his knowledge widely within his family. According to those accounts, Newton mentored his three children in the technical mix designs and installation methods. That unparalleled training and expertise led his children to found StoneSet, a company built on the same resin‑bound principles and quality standards they learned from him.
Following StoneSet’s establishment, Canadian permeable pioneers Dream Pave, learned the lessons directly from the Newtons — now supplying and installing premium UV Stable Resin by StoneSet — to deliver permeable resin bound installations well suited to endure Canada’s freeze / thaw cycles.
Dream Pave X StoneSet – European Engineered. Made in Canada!
Dream Pave proudly formed an agreement to represent StoneSet products in Canada. As the Exclusive Canadian distributor, Dream Pave positioned itself to supply StoneSet’s leading, premium resin blends and system components to meet Canada’s growing requirement for permeable solutions. Partnering with Dream Pave means StoneSet’s UK‑engineered premium resin is now proudly Made in Canada. Along with Dream Pave’s installation expertise, the partnership delivers premium, permeable resin bound aggregate to residential, commercial, institutional and municipal projects.
