What Is A Permeable Driveway?

Despite the long-lasting needs of homeowners such as walkways, driveways, patios and roads, a great deal of energy is being used to produce concrete. Besides that, there are more drawbacks to the concrete. Rain and water runoff are unable to drain back into the soil if concrete is present. The interruption of the natural cycle of rivers and their passage through the impermeable layer of concrete causes problems. Pervious pavers are, luckily, an ideal material for a solid foundation that allows water to soak back into the soil.

 

Pervious is another permeable term. From your science class, you can remember the word, but if not, the concept is clear. First, it needs to be addressed that there is often ambiguity between permeability and porosity. They both bear their own definition, though identical. Porosity is the indicator of how much open spaces or gaps a rock has between cracks and water containing cavities. Permeability is a function of how simple it is to pass a liquid through a porous rock. Both of them can work alone or together, but both are an enormous part of how the world functions and, of course, in both large and microscopic processes.

 

Our source of drinking water comes primarily from groundwater, which for plants and trees is also an important source of nutrition. Over the years, the amount of groundwater available has been severely depleted in part due to the impermeable surfaces used in urban and out-of-town developments that disallow groundwater from rain and snow. Infrastructure and development such as highways, patios, walkways, roofs, driveways, even tennis courts are all preventing recharge of water into the ground.

 

When rain water is detected, it can not reach concrete and other impermeable surfaces, diverting water into storm sewage systems, into rivers, and eventually into local water bodies. The high volume and intensity of this built-up water will lead to flooding, which can cause expensive damage. Toxic contaminants, such as automotive oil or pesticide additives, are picked up from the ground by runoff water and pumped into nearby water sources, such as rivers, streams and ponds, where the water supply is slowly polluted and harms the environment.

 

Apart from water contamination, the concentration of heat in and around cities is another problem facing impermeable pavement. Sunlight is absorbed by impermeable surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete, and reflected back as heat. This buildup is referred to as the “heat island effect”. 

 

Before constructing your driveway, patio, or parking lot, by installing a permeable pavement, fix some of these issues first. Some of these permeable pavements may even allow grass within them to grow and thrive. With many permeable options, you can bring aesthetics to your home to properly drain water on your property. Creating a permeable area while also reducing your building's heat accumulation.

 

EXAMPLES OF PERMEABLE DRIVEWAYS

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• Gravel Permeable Driveway: Curb appeal, eco-friendliness and harmony with the natural setting.

 

• Grass Driveway: It was probably much easier to lay down a grass driveway than you previously planned. Take on a new challenge by creating a beautiful landscape for your driveway on the grass. You can also transform your backyard into a pavement of grass for additional benefits.

 

• Permeable Driveway using Permeable Pavers. These will help capture stormwater runoff and prevent flooding.