Permeable Pavers are the preferred alternative to the impervious surfaces most often associated with urban development like concrete and asphalt. With impervious surfaces, rainwater sheet flows across the surface, gaining speed and picking up pollutants, which end up damaging local waterways, increasing flood risk, and causing excessive sediment erosion.

However, with the use of permeable pavers like porous asphalt, pervious concrete, and grid pavers, stormwater is able to slowly infiltrate between the pavers, replenish groundwater, and improve water quality through natural filtration processes.

Benefits

  • Decreases the amount of stormwater runoff and erosion by allowing water to infiltrate into the ground
  • Improves drainage in flood-prone areas
  • Permeable surfaces require less de-icing and shoveling in the winter
  • Reduces impervious surfaces while maintaining original purpose of space (ie. parking area, patio space)
  • Helps protect local waterways from by picking up pollutants in stormwater
  • Can be used in conjunction with other stormwater management practices

Quick Facts

Permeable pavers are still effective in freezing temperatures (Source: Sustainable Technologies).

Permeable paver systems can store a significant portion of rainfall, with some studies suggesting they can store up to 70% of rainfall, resulting in only 30% runoff (Source: Stormwater Solutions).

Permeable pavers can operate effectively for over 30 years if well-maintained.

Before and After

Keep scrolling to check out a few examples of residential properties transformed with permeable pavers.

Proper Installation & Maintenance

  • Permeable pavers should be installed by a certified contractor who has experience installing permeable interlocking concrete paver systems.
  • When possible, a downspout from an adjacent building can be redirected into the permeable paver system, which allows it to collect even more stormwater. An in-line filter should be installed on this downspout to catch leaves and debris from the roof to prevent clogging of the system.
  • Well-drained soil is required for the installation of permeable paver systems. Always complete a percolation test before installation.
  • Over time, a build up of organic matter can may clog permeable paver systems, reducing its ability to infiltrate water. To combat this, permeable pavers should be regularly swept and power washed to keep the joints clear of debris.

DID YOU KNOW? Gaps between grid pavers should be willed with joint stone. A commercial vacuum can be used to remove debris. Joint stones should be replaced when necessary according to manufacturer recommendations.

Sources

  1. Sustainable Technologies: sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2015/01/PP-Tech-Brief-Final.pdf
  2. Stormwater Solutions: stormwater.com/stormwater-management/pavement/article/53068945/4-advantages-of-permeable-pavement-for-effective-stormwater-control

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