Everything You Need to Know About Permeable Paving

Every homeowner deals with external water in different ways. It has to be done, or else your home will sustain water damage—something that you don’t want to happen because repairs are always costly. For most, having an unclogged drainage system and maintenance is more than enough. Another popular method of dealing with outdoor water is through permeable paving.

Permeable paving is a type of outdoor groundwork that uses different building materials to serve one purpose: to allow water to flow through its surface. Non-porous materials typically direct water to storm drains, but surfaces made with porous materials help water flow into open spaces in-between the materials. The porous materials also act as filters for pollutants and solid particles from the water passing through the surface. Permeable paving is an excellent solution for its water-saving properties, which is why the residential and commercial sectors alike are starting to use it now more than ever.

In this article, we’ll shed some light on the subject of permeable paving. Read on below to learn more.

More about Permeable Paving

Permeable paving is typically done in large walkways or driveways. A vital step of the process is having a 6-inch gravel bed foundation below the porous material to hold the paving structure in place. The structure itself has four layers, each of which plays a role in filtering stormwater. These are:

• First layer – The actual paving material
• Second layer – The gravel bed
• Third layer – The filter fabric
• Fourth layer – A sand bed so that the structure won’t shift

The Materials Used in Permeable Paving

There are 7 different kinds of materials used in permeable paving. These are:

Brick

Brick paving is typically used as a porous paver by leaving gaps between each brick. The clay material installed will direct water to the gaps that lead to joints or open spaces.

Crushed Stone/Gravel

This is the cheapest paving material because it’s usually decomposed granite or gravel. The material can be loosely packed on top of levelled soil, allowing rainwater to pass between the small pieces of stone.

Dry-Laid Pavers

Dry laying refers to installing stones over a bed of sand and gravel. This lets water pass through the openings found between each stone. In some cases, the pavers become hosts to growing grass or moss between the cracks.

Grass Pavers

Grass pavers are similar to dry-pavers because the walkway or driveway is made of grass pavers, resembling a lawn. Within the pavers, there are open cells filled with dirt where grass can be planted.

Plastic Mats with Cells

These mats are typically in the shape of a circle or a hexagon with cells that allow you to plant in them. Alternatively, you can also add porous material within the cells.

The Pros and Cons of Permeable Paving

In general, different types of materials for paving have different uses, meaning they offer different pros and cons. These include:

Permeable Paving Pros:

• Visually appealing to your home
• Different options are available
• Environment-friendly
• Reduces water runoff to gutters and storm drains
• Surfaces are skid-resistant

Permeable Paving Cons:

• Concrete can sustain damage due to harsh weather conditions
• Considerably expensive during installation
• Higher maintenance compared to standard paving

The Cost of Permeable Paving

Permeable paving’s cost is not defined by the work being done, but rather the materials used. Let’s say you choose bricks for paving: the cost will depend on the material and the installation—which tends to cost more than the material itself. You’ll need to call in a professional to do the installation work because they have the necessary knowledge and expertise for the job.

Conclusion

More and more homeowners are pushing towards having a sustainable home life, which is a good thing. We’re still very far off, but permeable paving is a significant first step because it helps in saving water while keeping your home safe at the same time.

A paving contractor can get the job done if you want permeable paving for your home. Stoneset has knowledgeable and experienced paving contractors in Sydney that are qualified and can get the job done. Contact us today to get started!