We often get questions about this relatively new paving style, so in this article we’ll answer some common questions about permeable pavers and discover a few advantages and best practices along the way. What Are Permeable Pavers? Permeable pavers fall under the broader industry category of permeable paving solutions. Permeable pavement is a surface designed to withstand pedestrian or vehicular use and produces no run-off water from rainstorms. In the industry of permeable paving, permeable pavers are quickly becoming the preferred method. We’ll find some of the reasons why, but first, what are permeable pavers? Permeable pavers are an interlocking concrete paver system designed to allow rain to pass through the surface to the ground beneath without any drains or surface collection systems. This system is designed to work mainly in areas where high surface run-off and storm drain systems are a continued problem. But why permeable pavers? To understand the usefulness of a permeable paving system, we need to evaluate some of the issues created by our modern civilization. Why Use Permeable Pavers? Ancient civilizations have been paving streets in their towns for thousands of years. However, only in the last hundred years have impervious surfaces become commonplace in our lives. Before this, as rain fell, it was quickly absorbed into the ground it fell on, and only under heavy rainfall did run-off become a problem. The first concrete highway in the United States broke ground in 1909. In the decades that followed, almost all the roads in the nation were paved, and parking lots and driveways soon followed. By the beginning of the 21st century, nearly 100% of our cities were covered in impermeable surfaces. From the roofs of our buildings to the parking lots and sidewalks, there was nowhere for the water to go. So, we created elaborate stormwater management systems. While these costly systems deal with most of the drainage issues, they do not address the cause of the problem itself. Permeable paving is a cure for drainage issues. Permeable pavers offer a durable, beautiful way to create a solid surface capable of withstanding vehicle traffic, while still allowing rainwater to pass through it. While all you see on a completed surface is the face of the pavers, and the joints allowing water to escape between them, it is what’s underneath that makes this system work. How Are Permeable Pavers Installed? Like conventional paver systems, permeable pavers are installed on a bed of crushed stone. However, there are significant differences between them. The most noticeable difference is the joint filling between the pavers. Conventional paver joints are filled with sand; usually, polymeric sand is used for durability. This sand does not allow proper infiltration of water through the joints, so it is not suitable for a permeable solution. Instead, fine gravel or stone is used. Industry specifications and paver types may change the exact stone, but usually, a washed #9 stone or a #8 gravel is used to fill the joints. This still functions correctly as a joint filler, giving structural integrity to the interlock system, while allowing water to pass down to the base. All interlocking paver systems are built on a stone base system. This compacted stone layer is usually 6 to 10 inches deep and acts as a foundation for your pavers. Permeable pavers use the same design, with two changes.
This clean stone has void space between it, allowing water to pass through the stone layer to the earth below. If the area is prone to heavy rainfall or is in soil conditions that don’t allow natural percolation of rainwater, a water collection system can be built beneath the paver base layer. This hidden collection system can carry excess water to an underground reservoir or another waterway. Permeable pavers offer a beautiful way to end unwanted runoff water problems and provide a functional, puddle-free space. From industrial parking lots to backyard patios and walkways, this paving innovation is changing the way we deal with water. Contact us if you’d like to discuss how permeable pavers might improve your landscape.
23 Comments
9/28/2020 04:15:22 pm
It's awesome that you mention that permeable pavers allow you to create a hard surface that can still drain water. I live in an area that gets a lot of rain, so I'm considering buying some permeable pavers to help me build a driveway. I'm going to search for a reputable business in my area that can sell me some permeable paver stones.
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10/14/2020 11:15:14 am
It's great that you mentioned that having permeable paving helps get rid of drainage issues, plus it's durable and aesthetically pleasing. My husband and I plan to have a driveway installed in our new home soon. I'll suggest having permeable pavers installed after dinner since I think it would increase the curb appeal of our home. Thanks!
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12/14/2020 05:25:06 am
I am so happy I found your blog and I absolutely love your information about permeable pavers what they are and how they work and the tips you have shared are awesome. I liked and it is wonderful to know about so many things that are useful for all of us! Thanks a lot for this amazing blog!!I have also found this resource Smcnz.nz useful and its related to what you are mentioning.
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12/28/2020 05:20:30 am
I was looking for this information relating to permeable pavers what they are and how they work. You have really eased my work, loved your writing skill as well. Please keep sharing more!One must check this Earthmovingandcivil.co.nz it gives us more info on this topic.
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1/22/2021 08:51:27 pm
My cousin would really like to get a driveway made of pavers because they will look a lot nicer. Making sure that she can get the proper drainage from a professional could be really useful. I liked what you said about how rainwater can pass through them, and use gravel or stones as proper filling material.
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2/2/2021 06:33:01 pm
I didn't know that water can pass through the stone lawyer to the earth. That is the kind of material I want. That way rain won't get trapped on my lawn.
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2/2/2021 11:55:26 pm
The blog has so much information regarding the permeable pavers, this is been discussed in detail and in this particular blog you would get the best options which will surely relax your mind and will help you to use the best one. I would surely recommend others to go through this link.Great to find Yardscape.co.nz which has same kind of wonderful tips, if possible then visit.
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2/13/2021 06:34:49 am
Best information regarding the permeable pavers and what are they and how do they work. In order to get better information and guidance can be taken from this blog specifically. It plays a vital role in taking us through. It can be really great for people like me who are looking for grabbing more knowledge about.
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2/25/2021 05:56:32 am
This article gives detail about learning hub. This article gives suggestions on this blog. I enjoyed reading while going through this article and this is the best link for gaining all the information about it.
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4/19/2021 07:37:03 am
This was great and helpful for me to understand the concept of permeable pavers. Thinking of getting into offering this as a service. Any tips? Do you have a favorite product you use? Thanks
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6/2/2021 06:26:08 am
It’s interesting to read what other people thought about this blog and how it relates to them or their clients, as their perspective could possibly help you in the future.
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12/9/2021 08:53:09 pm
I like your tip about having an interlocking paving system. I need to get a crew for my driveway. It has some cracks in it.
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6/8/2022 07:26:18 am
I appreciate that you explained that the joint filling included in the pavers process is the most noticeable. My cousin told me the other night that he hoped to find pavers to have their concrete into its original state because of old age, and he asked if I had any idea what could be the best option to do. Thanks to this informative article, I'll be sure to tell him that he consult well-known pavers services as they can help provide more information about their services.
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8/31/2022 11:37:44 pm
I actually added your blog to my favorites and will look forward for more updates. Great Job,Keep it up.
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9/25/2022 02:45:07 am
You made a good point when you discussed that permeable paving can help fix drainage issues. My friend wants their driveway to be durable. I should advise him to hire an expert in asphalt paving solutions to ensure proper installation.
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It got me when you said that permeable paver installation is starting to become a preferred option, because it is able to withstand pedestrian and vehicular use without producing run-off water from rainstorms. I will opt for this when I have enough money to hire contractors next year. Our front yard doesn't have one installed yet which is why I got this place for a low price, so I hope that I can finally afford this soon.
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11/16/2022 05:48:03 pm
I had no idea that paving went back thousands of years. My sidewalk needs some cracks filled in. I'll have to hire a contractor to help out.
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12/27/2022 05:43:22 am
Thanks for pointing out that permeable driveway pavers can withstand foot traffic and vehicles as well without producing run-off water when it is raining. I will make sure that I will choose this material for my new house, since it doesn't have a driveway installed, yet. Hopefully, the costs will be within my budget, since it is limited after spending my savings to purchase this place.
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4/26/2023 11:10:26 am
Thanks for sharing this information. I can learn a lot!
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5/25/2023 08:41:55 am
Thanks for posting such a nice comment you guys did a great job to know more To get more knowledge about the same you can visit boom & Bucket they provide amazing deals on Road Pavers Machine
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9/11/2023 01:48:21 am
Anyone curious about permeable pavers and how they work will find this article to be a helpful and informative read. It delves deeply into the topic at hand and explains it clearly and concisely.
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9/18/2023 07:06:55 pm
Awesome post, I've learned and loved the ideas you shared! Thank you for posting!
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