Permeable Driveways: The Environmentally Friendly Driveway Solution

Driveways That Reduce Pollution

Living in the go green era comes with the realization that several of the old and traditional routes of building and installing amenities such as driveways, may not be good for the environment. Luckily there is a solution so that you can still park at your house without the chance of your car getting stuck in the mud as well as doing your part in keeping the world cleaner.

What are permeable driveways?

Normal driveways block rainwater and force it into unsanitary drainage systems. As the water flows down the channels it picks up trash, dirt, and also oils that have settled on the impermeable pavement. Permeable driveway pavement is designed with durable materials and a unique sub-base that allows stormwater to soak into the ground below.

Why install a permeable driveway?

The path of rainwater trails off from a home or building’s roof, through gutters, and across an asphalt driveway (or walkway) picking up contaminants along the way. It eventually runs off to a storm drain which then reaches nearby lakes and rivers. You can prevent this by installing a permeable driveway or walkway which will then allow the rainwater to seep through the joints of the pavers and drain into the ground. The soil in the ground has natural microorganisms that will break down the pollutants and purify the water.

How does permeable pavement work?

Permeable interlocking concrete pavement is comprised of a layer of concrete pavers separated by joints, filled with small stones. The void in the joints allows stormwater to flow through an “open-graded base” i.e crushed stone layers with no small or fine particles. The stones in the joints provide 100% permeability while the base stores and filters stormwater and reduces pollutants. Make your new permeable driveway durable and long-lasting, as well as environmentally friendly.

What are the benefits of a green driveway?

Having a permeable stone paver driveway comes with many other benefits as well, the first of which is versatility. Since it’s easy to install, it can be used for virtually any shape of driveway even taking into account inclines and declines. On top of this, they also offer a much greater degree of durability and stability than most other types of driveways. This greatly improves their cost efficiency and makes them an excellent long-term investment.

It should also be noted that by their very nature, permeable stone driveway tiles design offers much better heat reduction than other types of driveways and walkways. This is especially true when compared to materials such as asphalt which absorbs and emits a great deal of heat in warmer climates. Walking barefoot on a permeable stone driveway in the summer won’t be an issue.

Other benefits of environmentally friendly permeable driveways or walkways:

• Permeable pavers can be added to almost anywhere around your home.
• They reduce heat otherwise emitted through typical asphalt driveways and walkways.
• They provide runoff control, flood prevention, and the replenishment of groundwater.
• A porous or permeable driveway is more durable, stable, and easier to repair and maintain.
• Green driveways look great! They’re definitely not the standard smoothed-out cement look – your driveway can become a stone mosaic.

What materials are used?

Getting an environmentally friendly permeable driveway installed comes with a variety of looks and materials. By using different types of porous materials, such as gravel, sand, and paver blocks it acts as a filter by absorbing liquid waste, cleaning it, and recharging it to the environment. By using interlocking concrete pavers you can create a patterned parking pad of your desire.

Types of porous driveways include:

• Brick: Can be designed to be a porous driveway by leaving gaps or spaces between each brick.
• Crushed Stone & Gravel: Usually made from decomposed granite, the graven can be loosely set on top of a bed of sand or dirt.
• Dry-Laid Paver: Installed stones or pavers over a bed of sand and gravel.
• Ground Reinforcement Grids: A mesh that could be added in between stone tiles to create a grid look and fill in the spaces.
• Grass Pavers: If you are looking for a driveway that resembles green landscaping, grass pavers are perfect for you.
• Stone: Installed by using flagstone or slate with rocks and gravel.
• Plastic Mats with Cells: Circular shape or hexagonal cells.

How are permeable driveway pavers installed?

Our certified and trained paver installation crew will design any paver driveway that meets local and state requirements for stormwater runoff. We are one of two companies in New England that have the ability to lay the pavers mechanically, which is beneficial for all of our customers because it reduces the cost and the amount of time to install. Giving you your dream driveway in a short amount of time at an affordable price. A permeable paver application is a long-term sustainable option to asphalt, pea stone, or several other types of materials.

How much does a green driveway cost?

We offer free estimates and work with each client on a competitive pricing budget. Your dream driveway is only a phone call away. The Patio Company prides itself on quality work that is satisfactory to every client. We are not satisfied until you are. Give us a call on 978-468-9793 for your free estimate. We look forward to hearing from you!