4 Reasons Why You Should Not DIY Your Permeable Driveway Without Professional Advice

Porous paving is a practical choice for long-lasting paving. It naturally reduces surface runoff that can cause flooding, soil erosion, and water puddles that leave potholes in their wake. All these are possible because permeable paving lets the water through and into the soil.

Sure, you can try to install a driveway with porous pavers by yourself. But here are the reasons why you shouldn’t.

 

You Miss the Little Things That Can Cause Big Problems

One of the most crucial portions of paving installation is site assessments. During these visits, a paving professional checks possible drainage blockages, slope gradients, soil type, underground utilities, and more.

Professionals take careful note of these things and plan around them because they can affect the look, efficiency, and longevity of the paving project. Although you can check for these things, too, the possibility of missing one or two factors that can damage your driveway in the future is very high.

Take soil type as an example. The soil that would be under your driveway may look uniform, but is it the same 200mm underneath? Forgetting to check for potential non-porous layers under the surface may gradually trap water and cause the soil to erode under your driveway.

 

You Forget to Plan with the Seasons in Mind

Permeable paving does a great deal to prevent puddles from forming, but it’s not perfect. There will be seasons that will inundate your driveway with water, and puddles will be inevitable. However, professional paving contractors plan for these situations.

Experienced pavers know when a porous driveway needs a bit of a slope to prevent waters from pooling despite heavy rains. They know the suitable adjustments to ensure that your driveway looks good and works well regardless of the season.

 

You Cannot Level the Surface Enough

Installing permeable driveways require more attention to detail than you would imagine. To properly install a driveway, you need to make sure that the undersoil is perfectly levelled, the paving layers are impeccably even, and the driveway is not crooked.

Yes, you can try and see that everything is levelled, even, and straight. But relying on your eyes alone can be problematic.

You may think you have levelled the soil properly and the first few paving system layers evenly only to find small hills and grooves in the final layer. Do you scrape everything out, or do you leave it as it is?

Paving contractors are not just equipped with the right tools to pave your driveway. They also have the technical know-how to address any issues that may arise along the way.

 

You Don’t Have Enough of the Right Material

Paving one portion of the driveway at a time is a good idea to minimise levelling and evenness issues. But it is also possible that you may not ration your materials properly and run out before you even finish the driveway. You can always get your dirt and sweat-covered self to the nearest Bunnings to buy supplies, which can be quite frustrating.

But with professional pavers working for you, aside from assessing the area, they calculate how much material they will need during site visits. They also have enough extra material they can use in emergencies and whatnot.

You can try to overestimate the number of materials you will need in case of emergencies. However, the problem is determining what you will do with the extra material you don’t require anymore afterwards.

 

Conclusion

Porous paving is a paving option that is beneficial for you and the environment in the short term and the long run. But you will only experience these advantages if the pavers are installed correctly.

It is possible to place a permeable driveway by yourself. But there are many pitfalls that people can easily encounter that can have devastating results. Save yourself from the pain and heartache of trying to install a driveway with permeable paving. Hire a professional contractor instead.

If you’re looking for an experienced porous paving contractor in Sydney, StoneSet has got you covered. From driveways and pathways to patios and footpaths, our professional and knowledgeable team can handle it all. Contact us today for a free quote!