Conventional pavers allow rainwater to run off into drainage systems. In Troy, MI, and certain other areas, this can lead to problems like flash flooding. Permeable paving, on the other hand, allows water to seep through it and offers a wide range of practical and eco-conscious benefits. Here are five benefits of opting for permeable pavers:
Prevent Puddle Formation
Permeable paving is the simplest way to prevent puddles forming on large, flat expanses. There is nothing homeowners dislike more than pulling into their driveway after a wet day, only to have their shoes drenched by stepping into a pool of stagnant water. They’ll gain the kind of peace of mind that accompanies natural drainage by opting for permeable pavers and a contractor that knows how to install them.
When permeable pavers are laid, small voids are created which allow water to pass through a driveway, pavement, or patio rather than accumulating on its surface. Decra-Scape employs PICP Certified Installers for the installation of permeable paving.
Related: Why Interlocking Pavers Are the Perfect Paving Solution for Freeze/Thaw Climates
Combat Water Pollution
As water passes through the tiny spaces in permeable paving and penetrates its sub-base, impurities and pollutants are trapped and removed. This natural filtration process ensures that clean water returns to the water table and prevents its pollution. A permeable sub-base is comprised of crushed stone with open spaces in between individual stones. A certain proportion of its volume must be comprised of voids to ensure that it can hold plenty of water.
An experienced contractor will analyze the amount of water a particular paved surface is likely to be subjected to and make adjustments to the sub-base accordingly. The thickness of the sub-base will also be customized to suit the loads and mechanical strain that the paved surface in question will have to withstand.
Cool the Surroundings
The heat island effect refers to the increased temperature of urban atmospheres when compared to surrounding rural areas. This is brought about by the increased human activity that takes place in towns and cities, but is also attributed to all the heat-storing concrete that gives these dense communities structure.
Regular concrete and asphalt surfaces absorb plenty of heat, but permeable pavers do not. Permeable paving allows the soil underneath to breathe and contributes toward cooling urban areas. Consider permeable paving for large parking lots, driveways, and courtyards to make a rather significant difference to how cool and comfortable these areas feel.
Prevent Flash Floods
Flash floods are not only caused by overflowing rivers. In fact, the runoff of surface water from paved surfaces into drainage systems is a major contributing factor to flash flooding. Areas of green are being covered by concrete at a faster rate than old drainage systems are being updated. This leads to less water being absorbed into the water table and greater strain being put on outdated infrastructure. Permeable paving can help to prevent flash flooding by allowing water to return to the underlying ecosystem rather than run off into stormwater drains.
The Same Beauty and Durability
Permeable pavers do not sacrifice their structural integrity or aesthetic appeal for their added ecological benefits. For example, Unilock offers permeable Town Hall pavers that are manufactured using Ultima Concrete Technology. This innovative technology imbues each paver with up to four times the strength of poured concrete, making Town Hall pavers excellent candidates for areas of heavy traffic.
