WHAT ARE PERMEABLE PAVERS?
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Permeable pavement is the best-known method of paving that successfully directs stormwater to seep through the pavement and into layers of soil beneath. Permeable pavers prevent water from merely running off into drains and waterways, as is the case with traditional paving systems. Permeable systems flow water directly into the soil, just as nature intended. Say hello to green technology to protect the eco system. More about Surface Runoff >>>
BENEFITS OF PERMEABLE PAVERS
- The History of Permeable Pavers >>>
- They are highly efficient in directing storm water immediately into the ground beneath the system, as opposed to other paving methods which route stormwater to a different location.
- The rock aggregates below a paver system serve to naturally filter and cleanse water, transferring only fresh, pollutant-free water back into the water table.
- Permeable pavers are able to boost the local, primary aquifers while also reducing flooding and drainage overcharging during stormy weather.
- Permeable pavers enrich the sustainability and health of the ecosystem they are in as opposed to harming it as traditional paving systems do.
- Permeable paving systems accomplish an incredible feat by, ecologically-speaking, seeming as if “there was nothing there at all.” Water simply passes through them.
- Unlike traditional asphalt and concrete they are customizable, they look the best and they essentially last forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about permeable pavers? Are you wondering who is the best landscaper in Nashville? Or who is the best paving contractor in Nashville? At Smart Scapes LLC, we aim to earn those titles every year. We bring to the table quality work, rapid communication, friendliness, and excellence in all of our projects. If you have more questions or would like to speak with one of our staff members, we can be reached at the direct telephone number listed above.
We've also included a brief FAQ section below, to address some of the most common queries we get from our clients: Click here to check it out >>
How long do permeable pavers last for?
- Almost forever. A well-installed permeable paver driveway, patio, or walking path will likely outlast its owner. Furthermore, such a surface will never have to be refinished or recoated, and the rare, cracked paver can be instantly remedied by pulling it out and replacing it with an extra paver piece.
What kind of maintenance do permeable pavers require?
- Very little. Once every 5 to 10 years (depending on annual rainfall and other factors), the fine gravel or sand installed in-between pavers should be replaced to ensure the system continues to filter water as it should. Such can be done in a day with a powerful vacuum, a push broom, and some fresh #57 or #89 fine-girt crushed gravel. This is also a discounted service we provide for all our clients who hire us to install their new permeable paver system.
What is the cost comparison, permeable pavers to traditional asphalt/concrete?
- Permeable pavers are more expensive, this is true. Depending on a variety of factors, permeable systems can run anywhere from 1.5 times to 2 times as costly as traditional, poured asphalt or concrete. Keep in mind, though, permeable paver systems last virtually forever, they save homeowners and business owners in stormwater retention/direction costs, and they are infinitely customizable.
What is the best application for permeable pavers?
- Anywhere and everywhere! We have clients who use permeable pavers on their driveways to reduce their impact on water runoff. When it rains, the rain hits their driveway and passes through it, into the ground below, (as opposed to running off the driveway and flooding the yard or nearby storm drains). But we also have clients who use permeable pavers for walking paths, patios, porches, etc.
Can a permeable-paved surface withstand heavy loads?
- Our clients often wonder, since the pavers we use are porous and water-permeable, they question if permeable pavers are really all that strong. The answer is yes, they are! Permeable pavers are installed in an interlocking nature. Each paver is locked-in with the pavers next to it, and so on. Such creates a tensile, almost web-like pattern. Imagine pressing your finger gently but firmly against a spider's web. The web will move with the force of your finger, but it will hold together due to tensile strength. The science of an interlocked permeable paver driveway or parking lot is similar. This is why it is extremely rare for such pavers to crack or break, even under very heavy loads.
