A permeable driveway allows water to seep through its surface and the sub-base. The driveway can then be covered with grass or loose gravel to prevent heat from accumulating while adding aesthetic value to your landscape. It is approved globally as a tried-and-true response to stormwater management and environmental issues.
Permeable driveways are becoming popular in the United States. Up to 95% of surface rainwater can penetrate through the pavement surface thanks to permeable paving, which employs purpose-built segmental paving units and properly graded base materials. This prevents surface stormwater from collecting or flowing into drains. In comparison, other paving materials add to greenhouse gas emissions which result in climate change. Asphalt, concrete, and other paving materials might contribute to water contamination, erosion, and urban heat leading to the heat island effect. But the goal of a permeable driveway is to build a sustainable urban environment.
Choosing permeable paving (i.e., paving that enables water to flow through it instead of racing to the nearest sewer) is an environmentally responsible decision. And when you can be both environmentally conscious and save money, what’s not to like? Therefore, we created this comprehensive guide that explains all permeable driveway options, their pros and cons, and how much they cost.
What is a permeable driveway?
Permeable driveway paving is a fast-draining system that traps and filters precipitation into the soil. A permeable driveway is installed with porous paving material that absorbs water. Other permeable pavements have nonporous block gaps that allow stormwater to drain through the surface. These driveways have many advantages and allow for the prevention of contaminants and chemicals. It also protects against driveway erosion.
Benefits of permeable paving
Aside from looking like concrete, a permeable driveway has several advantages and saves you money and reduces water pollution. Some of the benefits of a permeable driveway include:
They are made from 100% natural and sustainable materials
Pervious paving driveways are made from natural and sustainable materials; they are eco-friendly and do not cause any harm to the environment or community.
Materials for permeable driveway paving include natural aggregate, recycled glass or marble, and natural plant-made resins. When you use pervious paving for your driveway, you are supporting the world to build a healthy atmosphere.
They prevent floods and act as natural filters
Pervious paving helps filter out dirt and pollutants. It also gives your driveway access to air and moisture. Because natural paving absorbs water, it reduces the
amount of water directed to the draining system and effectively reduces driveway puddles, thereby preventing floods.
Low-maintenance
Permeable paving will always stand out cause they require less maintenance to survive. As long as you keep up with the basics, you won’t have to worry about replacing or repairing your driveways anytime soon.
They effectively reduce water puddles
Pervious paving prevents standing water. When you drive in, you won’t have to deal with the frustration of clearing any puddles. Pervious paving drains water without damaging your driveway. Also, permeable concrete paving gets rid of black ice worries during winter. Because it absorbs water, permeable driveways release less heat at night and less heat during the day.
Permeable driveway options
A porous driveway is made from a variety of porous materials. They are easy to install and do not require a sub-base, usually sand or gravel. They are also easy to maintain, and they are durable. When you choose a more sustainable and protective paving material for your driveway, permeable paving has several options you can choose from. These include :
Pervious concrete
Pervious concrete is made from a mixture of porous materials. Permeable concrete feels and looks like concrete but is permeable to water. Also, they are made up of a mixture of stones and concrete. A pervious concrete driveway is designed to channel water away from your drainage or sewage and absorb it into the ground. This sustainable urban drainage system makes living in an eco-friendly environment possible.
Porous asphalt pavement
Permeable asphalt paving has small gaps between the aggregates that allow water to pass through the asphalt and drain into the stone bed. Permeable asphalt driveways contain bitumen containing tar, aggregates, and additives. This paving provides a solid surface strong enough to withstand pressure and traffic. It also offers safety measures by reducing frozen water on asphalt pavement. For local authorities and commercial entities, permeable asphalt driveways offer many economic benefits.
Grass permeable driveway
With grass pavement, you can create an eco-friendly driveway. It has a better water management system and protects your environment from floods. A grass driveway also acts as a natural filter by trapping pollutants and allowing rainwater to return to local aquifers. A grass permeable driveway looks aesthetically pleasing and possesses numerous advantages, some of which include;
- A clean driveway you can drive through or walk on without getting dirt from mud after heavy rain.
- An appealing parking space that blends in with your environment.
- A driveway with high compression strength
- Grass permeable pathways have proven to be durable, with a solid surface.
- Grass permeable driveways don’t require expensive skills to be installed. They are easy, quick, and need less labor.
If you want to create a sustainable driveway, grass pavers are the right paving material.
Gravel and loose stones
When it comes to driveway paving, we are not just after what’s appealing to the eyes. Gravel and loose stones provide a durable and affordable parking space for your vehicles. Installing gravel and loose stones is effortless, requires low maintenance, and has many styles and sizes. Gravel has a natural crunching sound; you won’t be caught off guard when a guest drives or walks into your driveway. It’s safe to say that gravel comes with a light alarm and security.
It’s common for driveways of any type to age with time; thus might include cracks and potholes. Extra gravel will save the day when this happens to your gravel and loose stone driveway. It will help if you top your gravel driveway every eighteen months to reduce the risk of driving into a pothole and destroying your engines or part of your car.
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Permeable brick driveway
Creating a suitable parking area requires a lot of deliberation. However, porous brick has proven to be the best permeable paving material to help you create a sustainable environment during heavy rain. This driveway filters and absorbs water until it reaches the soil below it. A brick driveway can reduce the amount of flood and erosion.
Landscapers keep searching for the best way to ensure that your driveways are suitable and convenient; they also ensure that your landscape pavement is protective enough to keep you, your family, and your business safe.
Permeable resin driveway
Resin-bound or troweled paving is made from a mixture of UV-stable polyurethane resin aggregates. As water passes through the sand base, it gets filtered by the porous resin. The filtered water finally gets absorbed by the ground. When used to pave driveways, this mixture forms a strong surface with no loose stones. Resin paving helps in flood prevention and provides a stunning aesthetic.
Plastic grids
If you are thinking about changing your driveway surface, plastic grids present the quality and stability your driveway needs. This paving material represents a sustainable urban drainage system that is rot-resistant and can support heavy traffic or vehicles. Plastic grids driveways are made from high-quality and durable recycled materials, they are easy to install, and plastic grids are environmentally friendly.
Permeable driveway ideas
- Turf block pavers
- Grass pavers: quality and natural anti-flooding grass pavers add beauty to your driveway. These pavers are durable and eco-friendly.
- Landscaping grid plastic for driveways
- Permeable pavers: landscaping has become exciting with different designs, patterns, and ideas.
- Gravel Driveway: gravel driveways have a solid surface. They appeal to the eyes and make a crunching sound.
- Driveways made with permeable pavers are rapidly becoming common because of their positive impact on the environment.
How much does a permeable driveway cost?
Different permeable paving options are now made available by manufacturers and wholesalers. A pervious concrete costs between $8-$16 per square foot, while a porous asphalt driveway costs about $7-$13 per square foot. Gravel or loose stones pavers cost about $1-$3 per square foot. The cost of both materials and installation has an added advantage, so at the end of the day, it’s all worth the investment.
Depending on your choice of grid color and the quality you want to purchase, a plastic grid could cost about $11-$17 per square meter. The average cost of installing a permeable resin pavement is $45 per square foot, and the total cost of installing a permeable brick driveway is $10-$30 per square foot.
Conclusion
Permeable or pervious driveway is a versatile paving material with many interesting benefits. Home or business owners can install any of these permeable pavements on their driveways and enjoy an eco-friendly system. It’s safe to say that if you install a permeable driveway, you support a better tomorrow.
