Permeable pavers are not a new technology, but they are relatively new in our country. The idea of permeability in pavements was innovated in the 1800s in Europe. The permeable aspect of such paving stones made them efficient. Permeable pavers solved problems for congested European cities that had major stormwater runoff problems. Now we use them in the U.S. for the same purpose. Their history is fascinating, as the technology was innovated quite before its time. Interested in learning more about the history of permeable pavers? We have more data on that.

Permeable pavers are a unique and revolutionary paving technique. Combining a traditional block paving system with the technology of permeability makes the best driveway, walkway, parking lot, sidewalk, etc. One can use any kind of pavers for permeable paving systems, including brick pavers, cement pavers, etc. With permeable pavers, water is able to pass through the cracks between the pavers, seeping into multiple sublayers of aggregate rock. This reduces puddles and surface water. Learn more about pavers here.

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits to permeable pavers is that such systems are the best eco-paving option. Their very design makes them eco-friendly, as the intended goal is to make them environmentally safe and friendly to the local ecosystem. There is no such thing as a difference between “permeable pavers” and “eco-friendly permeable pavers,” as all permeable pavers are eco-friendly. Interested in learning more about how permeable pavers helps lower our imprint on the ecosystem? We have a full article on that subject.

Permeable paving systems should be maintained once every five to ten years, depending on one’s location, topography, and annual rainfall. Industrial grade vacuuming equipment can be used to maintain a network of permeable pavers, as well as strong brooming and weed killers. There is a specialty technique to permeable paver maintenance, an important factor in extending the longevity of such a paving system. Interested in having pavers installed on your project? Call (615) 266-6360 to schedule a free estimate! Want to learn more about Do it Yourself permeable paver maintenance techniques? We have a separate article for that too.

Porous asphalt is only a slight modification of traditional, non-porous asphalt. Porous asphalt is made with larger stone aggregate than traditional asphalt, to allow for water to seep between the stones in the asphalt itself. With porous asphalt, after some time passes, tiny refuse will build up in the asphalt itself, which is impossible to get out. With permeable pavers, cracks in the pavers are open to the air and allow for immediate seepage of water down into sublayers of aggregate stone. Water has a chance to filter into the groundwater and surrounding soil. Click here to learn more about the in-depth differences between permeable pavers and porous asphalt.

Whether one decides to go with grass driveway pavers, permeable brick pavers, porous pavers, or any other form of permeable paver over porous asphalt or concrete, one is making a wise choice.  Permeable pavers are the best investment because they last the longest. They are the best choice for the environment and the local eco-system. They do not need maintenance often and they are easy to maintain when they do. Check out a separate page to learn more about the financial sensibility of permeable pavers.

Installing permeable pavers is no small chore. Permeable block paving installation is quite labor intensive but relatively simple in method and technique. Most hire the pros, but some choose to do it on their own. What is great about permeable paving systems is that they at least can be installed by homeowners, where-as porous asphalt and pervious concrete pavement will have to be professionally poured due to machinery needed and chemicals used. Take a look at our free Do It Yourself guide where we go in-depth and step-by-step on how homeowners can install their own permeable pavers.

Permeable paving systems are the perfect choice for our cities’ growing stormwater management problem. Our cities are built with storm water management in mind, but rapid expansion and growth of a city are not conducive to effective stormwater control. Permeable paving systems solve that problem in a cinch. Europe and Canada have already been using this solution for decades, and Americans are now catching on. The science behind storm water management is only now being perfected here, and permeable pavers are the ticket out of this expensive and unpleasant problem. We also have a separate page where you can learn more about how permeable pavers create effective stormwater management.

Red River pavers are some of the most beautiful pavers on the market today. Red River Hardscapes uses recycled materials to produce elegant pavers that are recognized by the United States Green Building Council.  They have very low maintenance requirements and are quite durable. Such pavers have the strength of concrete yet the elegance of a pool-side walkway or patio. Check out our special page on Red River to learn more about Red River paving products.

Belgard Permeable Pavers is one of the leading names in “Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers” (PICP). Belgard pavers are used for stormwater management and to decrease the impact that putting down a paving system would have on the local eco-system. Check out our separate page to learn more about Belgard Permeable Pavers.

Permeable pavers are the best choice for contractors who hope to install anything from a residential driveway for a homeowner to a tens of thousand square feet parking lot. Permeable paving systems just make sense for all paving needs, both residential and commercial. Both the cost of permeable pavement and pervious pavers reflects a somewhat noticeable increase from traditional pavements and pavers, yes, but it is not without its value and worth in that regard. The permeable pavers cost is simply a testament to the value that these systems bring to one’s arsenal as a contractor. Our information on permeable pavers is enough to convince any client to side with the permeable solution. Click here to learn more, or call our estimations department at (615) 356-0139.

Pavers over concrete combines both schools of thought with concrete and pavers. These systems are especially useful for uneven ground and site-specific challenges where having a doubly reinforced driveway is appealing (by using concrete and pavers). While this method is not required for all driveways, it is very helpful in certain cases. Pavers over concrete is also a bit of a personal preference due to its unique benefits. If you’re interested in installing pavers over existing concrete, call our office at (615) 356-0139, or read the article we have on the subject.