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StoneSet Australia

The Benefits of Permeable Paving

The Benefits of 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

 

What are 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.

What are the main benefits of permeable paving?

1. It Helps Retain the Stormwater in the Ground

We’re all well aware of the importance of stormwater management. Without it, we’d have floods!

Stormwater is rainwater (or other surface water from, for example, a driveway) that enters the sewer system. It’s often overloaded, which means your sewer will overflow and allow pollutants to enter waterways.

Well, permeable paving is a great way to manage stormwater. It’s a lot like a sponge⁠—the water runs into it, and then it soaks into the ground underneath.

If your permeable paving is installed correctly, it can raise the height of a pavement by up to 50 mm. 

2. It Helps Prevent Flooding

With permeable paving, you can prevent flooding.

It is used to handle stormwater effectively because it forces water to flow downwards instead of accumulating on the surface. So if you live in an area where flooding is a problem, permeable paving is perfect for you.

3. It Reduces the Need for Drainage Systems

You need to have a drainage system if you’ve got a hard surface in your driveway. These systems can often be expensive to install and require regular maintenance.

With permeable paving, you don’t have to have these drainage systems. The water will travel through the pavement, deep into the ground and won’t have to be diverted. That means lower costs and less maintenance!

4. It’s Easy to Install and Maintain

Installing permeable paving is a pretty simple process. It only needs to be installed in an area with plenty of space to allow the drainage

You can also maintain it by simply sweeping and hosing away any debris. Or, if you have an excavation (like a pool), you can clean it with a high-pressure washer.

As long as the holes are fine and don’t need to be changed, you don’t need to seal them, making it easier for maintenance on your part.

5. It Helps Reduce the Heat in Urban Areas

Cooling is hard to achieve in some urban areas, even with trees and parks.

But permeable paving is an excellent solution to the problem! It helps keep the urban area cooler, leading to a better quality of life.

6. It Will Make the Area Environmentally Friendly

If you’re looking to make the area environmentally friendly, permeable paving is a perfect choice. It helps reduce urban heat, it aids in stormwater management, and it reduces pollution. 

7. It Makes Your Town Look Better

Permeable paving is an excellent way to spruce up your town! They come in a wide range of colours and blends.  

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

Permeable paving is a great way to handle stormwater. It reduces the need for drainage systems. It’s also pretty simple to install and maintain, and it can increase pavement height. Not to mention, it also helps improve the overall look of your town. 

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.

At Stoneset, we offer a wide variety of permeable paving products. We take great pride in our workmanship and the quality of our products. Call us now for a free site inspection. 

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