Should You Invest in Permeable Paving Solutions?

What are Permeable Pavers?

Permeable pavers are a simple but truly effective way of handling rainwater on your property. These unique types of pavers are installed with larger gaps that allow water to flow through them. They are placed over a base of gravel with several layers of large aggregate beneath them. These aggregate layers create a space for water to flow into and filter into the ground. Traditional pavers allow for minimal drainage, but the permeable paver system goes up to 18 inches into the ground, making it significantly more effective at draining water.

These specialized pavers are made from a unique mixture of concrete that helps withstanding general wear and tear, and keeps them strong for decades despite being a natural path for water to flow through. Permeable pavers can be used for driveways, pathways, patios, courtyards, and more.

Permeable pavers are an excellent alternative to standard concrete or asphalt driveways and provide many benefits while maintaining their structural integrity. Continue reading to learn more about how pavers can create a sustainable permeable driveway for your home.

Cost Vs. Value of Permeable Concrete Pavers

Installing a permeable driveway provides significant value to a homeowner. It’s important to note that permeable pavers have a higher cost of installation compared to concrete surfaces; however, there are cost-saving benefits, as well as other appealing advantages. If any damage occurs to the pavers, a small section can be pulled up and either replaced or repaired. This means repairs are more sustainable and cost less. Permeable pavers can last over 30 years, especially if they are consistently maintained. Concrete pavement also has a lifespan of over 30 years, but without the great advantages that permeable solutions come with. Permeable pavers are considered to be significantly better than asphalt pavement in many ways for home driveways.

Permeable pavers are extremely easy to maintain throughout all seasons. Sweeping away debris, gently cleaning, and being mindful of the gaps between pavers will keep your investment strong. We suggest annual inspections so a professional can check for any clogs or damaged areas that can be a hazard. Installing permeable driveways and paths has advantages throughout the winter months. These unique pavers don’t require as much ice melt or salt to prevent water from freezing. Water passes through the permeable surface and into the aggregate, meaning water isn’t sitting on top of a concrete surface waiting to freeze when the temperature lowers.

Another great value of having a permeable driveway is the reduction of potential damage from stormwater runoff and erosion. Because water can soak into the ground instead of running above it, less erosion will take place. A permeable pavement can also prevent property flooding in some cases.

How Pavers Help with Stormwater Management

Permeable paving solutions can significantly improve stormwater management on your property. A paver driveway made from permeable materials is designed to allow stormwater to pass through the concrete pavers and be absorbed by the ground. This is done by installing multiple levels of aggregate beneath the surface to filter out debris and allow water to absorb into the ground. Because each layer uses a different-sized aggregate, the gaps between the rocks can be filled with water until it can flow into the soil beneath. A final fabric filter prevents wet soil from being pushed into the gaps of the aggregate. All of this works together to reduce rainwater runoff, which contributes to flooding, flash flooding, sewage backups, and potential land erosion. A traditional concrete driveway would act as a barrier, blocking the stormwater from entering the ground. Solid, nonabsorbent surfaces like concrete pavement can cause erosion to occur by forcing the water away. Permeable pavers are placed far enough apart to allow water to flow through, making them extremely efficient for erosion control and stormwater management. To learn more about the benefits of permeable pavers, continue reading.

Additional Benefits of Permeable Paving Solutions

The expected benefits of permeable pavers are a great reason to invest in them sooner rather than later, but there are also unexpected benefits that provide additional value. Throughout the winter months, less water will pool on the surface, meaning less ice will form. Water drains into the layers of substrate beneath the surface before it has a chance to freeze. These pavers not only reduce winter maintenance but also increase safety.

Stormwater mostly runs off properties, but after installing a permeable surface, a lot of water can be absorbed into the soil and nourish the surrounding trees and vegetation. Keeping trees well watered keeps them healthy and extends their life. Utilizing permeable driveways has environmental benefits and has a sustainable impact on the surrounding area.

Pavers can be beautifully installed, creating unique and interesting patterns. Grass pavers are very popular as they break up the concrete pavers with live grass. Allowing water to soak through the pavers reduces the heat that concrete and asphalt would typically absorb. This reduces the Urban Heat Island Index and helps your property stay cooler. If entire neighborhoods adopt permeable driveways, they can see a real reduction in the local temperature.

When we speak about the value of permeable pavers, we often talk about their 30+ year lifespan. With local regulations being updated, some areas require permeable driveways. By installing your permeable driveway now, you are getting ahead of the regulations; get ahead on paver installation and take advantage of the benefits now.

Other Pavement Services We Provide

We provide services including asphalt paving, asphalt resurfacing, asphalt repair and maintenance, crack filling, pothole repair, pavement sealcoating, general pavement maintenance, parking lot striping and sealcoating, and concrete paving.

Tolliver & Curl: Experts in Permeable Solutions

As experts in pavement solutions, we provide professionally installed permeable driveways, paths, patios, and more.

Tolliver & Curl Paving has provided Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding area with expert paving solutions for over 65 years. We are committed to continuing to offer high-quality services that reach far beyond the expectations of our customers. We believe that good work speaks for itself, and we are proud to have made a difference in our community through our work.

Contact Tolliver & Curl Paving today to set up an appointment.