Summer. It can bring both beautiful weather and harsh thunderstorms and rains. Have you ever been outside after a long or hard rain and noticed the water along the sides of the streets going to the drain? Or worse yet, have you driven through puddles and splash water everywhere? That water carries harsh pollutants like oil and grease into our drainage systems. A newer paving system gaining traction in the U.S. cuts down on that storm water: permeable pavements and pavers.
Permeable pavements and pavers don’t push the water to the side like traditional asphalt or concrete pavement. Instead, they allow storm water to go through the pavements and into the ground below. It’s growing in popularity in the U.S. after being widely used in Europe due to its low-impact benefits.
Miles Chaffee, President and founder of Milestone imports explains: “it decreases impervious land coverage, provides a more stable load-bearing surface, and allows the water to go into the ground. It eliminates the need for detention ponds, which require additional space. And it takes off a lot of stress from the sewer systems when it’s done correctly.” Source.
Permeable pavers and pavements are not for high-speed traffic areas, but are great for driveways, walkways, patios, alleys and parking lots. The pavers sit on top of several inches of different types of base (sands and stones) that allow the water to pass through easily, eliminating any puddles on the surface of the structure.
Permeable paving not only controls pollutants and manages runoff, but it also can help bring more color to a city or town. By allowing the water to seep into the ground, it gives trees around the area more water to mature their root system and grow effectively.
While cities like San Francisco, Chicago, Portland and Richmond are using permeable pavements to handle their storm rain issues, it isn’t only for municipalities. Permeable pavers are wonderful for residential properties as well. At Archadeck Outdoor Living, we’ve designed and installed permeable paver patios, driveways and walkways. Not only are they more aesthetically pleasing than normal asphalt, but it can aid in landscaping and minimize standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
If you have questions on permeable paving and its benefits to your property, please contact your local Archadeck Outdoor Living office.