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21st May 2020
1

What is the difference between Resin Bound and Resin Bonded?

By | Blog Post, Education, Latest news, Resin Bonded, Resin Bound, Resin Surfacing

Confused about the difference between a resin bound driveway and a resin bonded one? You’re not alone, even within the Construction industry there is a lot of confusion about the differences and the two terms are often used interchangeably. It is understandable; the terms are very similar and both are natural stone aggregates encapsulated in a resin and commonly used for driveway surfacing.

But there are some very important differences in their properties that might mean one is more suitable for your project than the other.

Resin Bound Paving is a cold applied surface dressing for driveways that is applied in a 12mm – 24mm layer depending on the expected uses. The stone and resin are both placed in a forced action mixer where the aggregate is thoroughly coated in resin, before being hand troweled into a smooth seamless surface. The finished surface is permeable, frost resistant and durable. If the resin has been laid at a thicker depth, the driveway will be suitable for turning vehicles.

Resin Bonded Surfacing is a scatter system. The resin is squeegeed over a suitable base, and the gravel or aggregate is then hand scattered over the resin before it sets. The finished surface is only 4mm thick and provides the texture and appearance of loose aggregate. It is impermeable and waterproof, with excellent slip and skid resistance. Installation is very fast and easy, with the surface usable in as little as two hours, making it ideal for parks and areas that require minimal down time. However as the surface is only a thin layer of stone sitting on top of the resin, the surface is less durable than resin bound and heavy vehicles turning on a driveway would soon leave bald patches where the stone had been displaced. Bonded surfacing is also susceptible to frost damage.

We put together the infographic below to quickly explain these differences. We hope this helps clear up some of the confusion surrounding these two resin surfaces.

26th March 2020
1

Talking Through the Stigma – Covid-19

By | Latest news, Mental health & wellbeing

“The Government is now advising us to avoid all but essential contact. This will mean that more of us will be spending a lot of time at home and many of our regular social activities will no longer be available to us. It will to try and see it as a different period-of-time in our life’s, and not necessarily a bad one, even if we didn’t choose it.” – Mental Health Foundation

While we are going through a period of uncertainty, it is imperative that you not only look after your own mental well-being, but those around you who also may be struggling with their mental well-being.

In testing times like these it can be very common for it to negatively affect someone’s mental state. This could be down to a whole host of reasons, including but not limited to the following; loneliness, uncertainty of incoming work, potential financial burden, anxiety about theirs or loved ones health, etc.

It is important in these moments that we stick together and not only support yourself, but the people around you, be it your loved ones, your friends, your neighbours, your colleagues or even a stranger (obviously if you are not self-isolating).

In this mental well-being blog, we wanted to share some tips with you to highlight some ways of taking care of your mental well-being.

Avoid Speculation

In these unknown times it is important that you inform yourself with only reputable sources. Rumour and speculation are two sources that increase anxiety. Having access to the most reliable and good quality information is a good way to control how you feel – ensure you keep up to date with the daily updates from the Government and experts.

You can get up-to-date information via the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

Staying Connected & Healthy

While you are in isolation, it is important to try and incorporate some variety to your daily routine. Long periods of isolation or limited human contact can play a major role in the decline to someone’s mental well-being. While limiting contact with people is not always ideal, it is in this case, better to take pre-caution.

You can keep in contact with people through many different methods; through phoning, messaging, emailing, video calling, Zoom or Skype calling or social media. However, if you do feel like you need some emotional support you can use any of the numbers below:

  • Samaritans – call 116 123
  • Mind – call 0300 123 3393
  • Mental Health Foundation – 020 7803 1101
  • Anxiety – 08444 775 774

It is also very important that if you have already been speaking to a therapist or specialist, that you look to ensure that communication is ongoing. Either, is there a way that you can still travel in to see them, or, is there a way that you can still speak to them through a Zoom or Skype call?

It is important that you try to keep active and do activities that are only going to increase your mental well-being. While some certain activities may be off limits due to Government advice, there are still activities that you can do. These may include the following:

  • Ensure you get up and shower and get dressed.
  • Get as much sunshine and fresh air as possible at home. Open curtains and windows if you do not have access to a garden.
  • Check in on someone who you may know struggles with mental well-being or someone that is more likely to be affected by Coronavirus.
  • Eat well – ensure you in these more challenging times you try to still have a well-balanced diet.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Reading or watching a film.
  • Relaxation techniques such as meditation.
  • Try to exercise as much as possible. Try to create a home workout, this could include circuit training HIIT or Yoga.
  • Do something you are good at.
  • Go for a daily walk or jog but ensure that you keep the recommended distance from others.

Anticipate Distress

It is OK to feel vulnerable and overwhelmed as we read news about the outbreak, especially if you have experienced trauma or mental health problems in the past, or if you have long-term physical health condition that makes your more vulnerable to the effects to coronavirus.

It is important to acknowledge these feelings. We should also be aware of and avoid increasing habits that not be helpful in the long term, like smoking, drug abuse or alcohol.

Try to reassure people you know who may be worried and check in with people who you know are living alone.

Also, it is essential that if you are on medication, that you do continue to take your medication, or you ensure you have the correct amount of medication or that is still available to you.

Stay Safe

These are times that none of us are used to but will come through. It is imperative that you take care of yourself first and foremost and support those around you. The next weeks or months will be challenging to us all, but it is important that we keep to a routine that involves keeping active, stimulated and ensuring you have a balanced diet. While you might have to isolate yourself from harm, try not to isolate yourself from the world. Speak to people, check in on people, but be safe.

It is imperative that we all follow the Government advice, please limit your contact with others. Only leave your house if it is essential for yours or others health and well-being.

Article by Stuart Moore at Gaysha Ltd, a manufacturer and installer of high quality resin paving and flooring surfaces.

Gaysha Ltd, Unit 3 Crown House, Queen Street, Bexleyheath, Kent DA7 4BT

Tel: 01322 340350   Email: info@gaysha.co.uk  Web: www.gayshasurfaces.co.uk

28th March 2019
0

What Does Sponsorship Mean In The Real World?

By | Business, Latest news, Social, Sport

We live in a crazy, fast paced world where things are forever changing but one thing that is always a focal point of everyday life is sponsorship and advertising. If you look around yourself right now, I am sure you can identify some form of sponsorship or advertising within a metre of yourself. You could say that it is so prominent in our day to day lives that we either take it for granted or, it just doesn’t always register anymore.  

So, what do we think of when we think of sponsorship? I guess most of us would think of big powerful companies that wouldn’t be out of place on the FTSE 100 across your favourite sport team’s jersey, on ad boards or on the side of the escalator on the tube. And you are not wrong if you did think that. Afterall, they have the clout to be in your face day in day out.

But when you break it down, and break it down again, and probably one more time you could probably find yourself within your more natural environment. Maybe in your local town, local sports club or at a local community event. If you were to look around yourself now, I am pretty sure it wouldn’t be your FTSE 100 companies in your face, but your more local independent companies sponsoring things a lot closer to home.  

When we write our yearly sustainability plan we break it down to three sectors (like most do); Economic, Social & Environment. Without going too much detail in to all three sectors, as I am sure that is a whole new blog for a different time. But it is essential to focus on part of our sustainability plan for this blog and that is; the social aspect and the local communities we not just operate in, but also serve. Is it essential we give back to communities, be it being more environmentally friendly or sponsoring local talent.  

So, this leads us on nicely to the main part of why we are here. Whilst one department of Gaysha is heavily operational in central London the other department is heavily operating in the Bexleyheath and Kent area.  

In 2018 Gaysha were immensely proud to sponsor local Bexleyheath golf pro, Jacob Hassan. It was extremely important to us that we began to invest in talent in the local area and Jacob presented a fantastic opportunity we didn’t want to miss out on. 

We went to visit Jacob and asked him where his passion for golf came from and how Gaysha’s sponsorship helps his career.

Where did your passion of golf come from and how old were you when you started playing? 

I began playing golf at the age of 12, with friends and family. Being very competitive in nature, I fell in love with the challenge that golf presents very early on. My drive to continue improving comes from my pursuit of perfection, in a sport that is impossible to perfect.  

How did your relationship with  Gaysha  form?   

I have known Ian Elsey (Gaysha Director) and Lewis Elsey (Business Manager) for a number of years now through junior football. At one of the annual football reunions, I had a conversation with Ian, during which he expressed his interest in supporting me. At the time I was still competing on the amateur circuit, but after hearing the opportunity Gaysha was offering me, I decided to turn professional and test my game at a higher level. 

How has it been since turning pro?   

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time since turning pro. It has been much tougher than I thought it would be, but as I stated earlier, it is the challenge of golf that drives me to work even harder.   

How does  Gaysha’s  sponsorship help your career?   

It is safe to say that without Gaysha’s sponsorship opportunity I would not be able to pursue a career as a professional golfer. Being from a household of modest income, it would be almost impossible to compete in a full season on any professional tour. 

How would not having a sponsor slow down your progress? 

I believe that the main benefit of Gaysha’s support comes from the coaching I can afford. I have put together a great team of professionals around me that work to develop the different parts of my game. Without this network of support, I would not be making progress with my game. 

 What advice would you have for young people wanting to turn pro?  

I would advise young people to get a team of coaches in place very early on. I currently work with 3 different, highly qualified instructors who work to develop my long game, short game + putting, as well as my fitness. Regardless of the scores you are posting, having a team you trust surrounding you will always give you a clear vision on how to progress.  

“Gaysha recognises the importance of working with the community, by helping young local talent to develop & flourish. We look forward to supporting Jacob on his journey and we will be posting regular updates on his progress and achievements on our website. 

We also look forward to getting Jacob to help us in organising some future golf events and training days for our clients. Keep checking our website for details of these.”  Lewis Elsey, Business Manager. 

It is estimated that the sports market across the world comes to a combined $700 billion. So, it is clear to see why large companies invest in sponsorship. In 2007 global expenditure on sponsorship was estimated to be $37.9 billion, that rising to $62.7 billion in 2017 and that will only continue to rise. But in the real day-to-day world it is so important that we are investing in the grassroots and local talents, clubs & societies to help them strive to achieve their pinnacle.  

It is imperative that more businesses, including ourselves, are giving more appreciation and investment to the communities they operate in. There is still so much more we want to do to help build our 1-5-year sustainability plan. We can only continue to operate in neighbourhoods and communities if we help build their futures alongside the tenants and residents of these great areas.  

As Jacob mentioned, without the support of the sponsorship he would not be able to progress in his career as quickly as he has been able to. There is plenty more raw talent out there like Jacob who need that support and sponsorship to further develop their career and we look forward to hopefully working with more of them. But mainly we all hope Jacob carries on from the good start he has had to the beginning of this year’s season.  

So, from all of us at Gaysha, good luck for the rest of 2019, Jacob.  

Article by Stuart Moore at Gaysha Ltd, a manufacturer and installer of resin based paving surfaces, based in Bexleyheath.

Gaysha Ltd, 5th Floor, 8-10 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH

Tel: 0203 887 3623   Email: info@gaysha.co.uk  Web: www.gaysha.co.uk

5th July 2018
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DIY SOS Grenfell Special

By | Latest news

Gaysha answered the call gladly last month when asked by Addagrip to join them in installing the resin bound surfacing for the BBC’s DIY SOS Grenfell Special.

The project to build a gym and multi-use community space for Grenfell Tower residents cost £2 million and 9 weeks to complete. The Dale Youth Amateur Boxing Club, which used to be housed on the 2nd floor of Grenfell Tower, had a nationwide reputation for its work with young boxers, but was destroyed in the fire.

Artists impressions of the community centre

 

Gaysha operatives joined hundreds of volunteers to participate in the build, using materials donated by Addagrip. The team installed 340 sqm of 6mm Addaset Lucerne Silver under the Westway Flyover, where the Community Centre is situated.

Gaysha was keen to be involved in this project in order to help give something back to this brave community, that has suffered such a terrible tragedy but has remained strong. The DIY SOS Grenfell Special is scheduled to air in two parts either later in 2018 or next year.

17th May 2018
0

Courtyard at Queen Marys Hospital, Sidcup gets a resin bound makeover

By | Latest news

Gaysha recently completed surfacing of this courtyard at Queen Marys Hospital, Sidcup. The 90sqm courtyard was surfaced in 6mm Country Buff resin bound paving.

For more information about resin bound paving visit our Clearmac® page: Clearmac® Resin Bound Paving

13th March 2017
0
Thames Valley Park, Reading Resin Paving

Clearmac® Provides Eco Solution for Thames Valley Park Bridge Decks

By | Latest news

Two bridges at Thames Valley Business Park in East Reading have been resurfaced using Clearmac®  – a sustainable porous paving from Gaysha in a hard landscaping project that took just one day.

Combining a high tech business environment with spacious park grounds, a nature reserve and a river frontage, the business park needed a bridge deck solution that would meet the prestigious location’s high standard of specification and aesthetics while offering an environmentally responsible choice.

A permeable paving solution such as Clearmac® provided the ideal choice for a greener specification, while the ‘Staffordshire Pink’ colourway complements the surrounding environment and delivers an appealing natural look.

Installed by Gaysha for Bartholomew Landscaping, the scheme involved 34m2 of Clearmac® in our ‘Staffordshire Pink’ blend, on two bridge walkways within the grounds of Thames Valley Park.

The porous paving system is fast to install, enabling the Gaysha team to complete the task within a single day, and it cures so quickly that the bridges were ready for use again by the next morning.

Comprised of graded aggregates with a clear polyurethane resin binder, to allow the aggregate colours to show through, Clearmac® provides an extremely flexible and impact-absorbent surface. Durable and hardwearing, it is also slip-resistant and low maintenance, retaining its natural aggregate appearance throughout its service life while enhancing the sustainability of any environment with it’s natural and porous stone surface.

Construction Director Andy Behan comments: “Clearmac® was the ideal specification for this installation because its environmental profile answers the ethos of Thames Valley Park while its appearance meets the need for a high end finish.  And because it’s porous, it will aid natural drainage, ensuring that rain fall makes its way back to the river.”

6th February 2017
0
Sidestrand Hall Norfolk Resin Bound Paving

Clearmac® Brings Brittany Beach to Sidestrand Hall School

By | Latest news

Clearmac® resin bound paving has provided the ideal surface for newly refurbished pathways at a local authority special needs school in Norfolk.

Located on the outskirts of Cromer, Sidestrand Hall School provides a vibrant and inclusive learning environment for students with complex learning disabilities between the ages of seven and 19.

The school needed to refurbish its existing paths with a new surface without waiting for a holiday period to carry out the works or risking disruption to pupils.  As a result, Cleamac® was chosen as an ideal solution and installed in a single weekend with an attractive ‘Brittany Beach’ finish that reflects the school’s coastal location.

The ISO 9001 quality-assured Clearmac® system seals graded aggregates using a clear polyurethane resin binder to create a durable and seamless surface with no joins to create trip hazards, making it ideal for a school environment. Offering fast installation and rapid cure times, the hardwearing textured paving solution has excellent UV resistance and requires minimal maintenance.

A total of 60m2 of the Brittany Beach Clearmac® resin bound paving was installed to cover the pathways surrounding the school, with all works completed over a single weekend and ready for staff and students to walk on by Monday morning.

Comments Contract Manager Matthew Hammond: “Clearmac® resin bound paving was the ideal solution for this project as it will provide a safe surface for the children while offering the school a durable, long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing finish that could be applied without any works on site during school hours.”

9th January 2017
0
Queen Elizabeths School Barnet Resin Paving

Clearmac® Delivers Rapid Solution for Barnet School

By | Latest news

A new hard-wearing, permeable and SuDS compatible surface has been installed at a school in North London in just one day, thanks to the Clearmac® resin surface dressing system from Gaysha.

Delivered by hard landscaping specialist, Focus Paving, the project followed a major refurbishment and extension scheme at Queen Elizabeth Boys’ School in Barnet, which was founded in 1573.

The school’s Heard Building has been transformed into a new home for the school’s English department and a new landscaped area was required to complete the scheme.

The surface dressing needed to be completed during the weekend while the school was closed to students and the Clearmac® system provided the ideal rapid install, low maintenance and high quality aesthetic solution.

Gaysha installed 135m2 of 6mm Clearmac® resin bound paving in red granite blend. The cold-applied surface combines graded aggregates with a clear polyurethane resin binder that allows the aggregate colour to show through. The result is a weather and UV resistant surface which does not require regular maintenance and is free from trip hazards.

Comments Mick from Focus Paving: “We needed a product that could be applied quickly, while offering an extended surface life, a robust surface and a high-quality appearance, aligned to the prestige of the school and the construction project.

“Clearmac® from Gaysha offered the ideal response and will offer a long-term, low maintenance solution, free from trip hazards and ideally suited to the heavy footfall of a school environment.”

11th August 2016
0
Tottenham Community Centre Resin Paving

Gaysha installs Terrabase system at Tottenham Community Sports Centre

By | Latest news

Gaysha have just completed the arduous feat of installing 325m2 of Addagrip’s Terrabase resin bound surfacing at Tottenham Community Sports Centre in just one day!

Our installation team used 21 tonnes/840 bags of stone to lay the surface over the course of one visit.

Terrabase Rustic is an innovative patented paving system that provides a decorative and natural rustic looking permeable surface, suitable for pedestrian footpaths and areas subject to occasional trafficking by light vehicles. Gaysha are approved installers of the Terrabase system.

Thanks to Addagrip for their help on this project and we look forward to working with them again in the future.

For more information on Terrabase, visit the Addagrip website.