Permeable paving is becoming an increasingly popular option for residential driveways. Unlike traditional concrete or asphalt, permeable paving allows water to pass through small gaps between the pavers or porous concrete, reducing runoff and pooling. There are several permeable paving solutions suitable for residential settings – let’s explore the pros and cons of each.
Why Choose Permeable Paving?
Installing permeable paving offers homeowners many benefits:
- Sustainable drainage – Rainwater passes through the surface into a gravel base below, reducing runoff. This can help minimize flooding and erosion issues.
- Groundwater recharge – The water that flows through permeable paving is filtered through the sub-base and allowed to replenish groundwater reserves.
- Pollutant reduction – Debris and contaminants are filtered out as the water passes through the paving system. This improves water quality.
- Aesthetic appeal – Permeable paving can be very attractive, providing a distinctive look compared to traditional paving. Pavers come in various shapes, colors and patterns.
- Long lifespan – Properly installed permeable paving lasts just as long, if not longer, than impermeable options like concrete or asphalt.
While permeable paving has higher upfront costs, the long-term savings from reduced stormwater management needs often make it worthwhile for homeowners. It’s an eco-friendly paving choice.
Permeable Paver Options
Interlocking concrete pavers are one of the most popular choices for residential permeable driveways. The pavers themselves are impervious, but gaps between them allow water to flow through to the gravel base. Here’s an overview:
- Durability – Concrete pavers can withstand decades of vehicular traffic. They’re stronger and longer-lasting than other permeable solutions.
- Customizable aesthetic – Choose from myriad shapes, colors and laying patterns. Bands of color or decorative borders can be worked into the design.
- Easy repairs – Should settlement occur, it’s simple to pull up and relay individual pavers. No need to redo the whole driveway.
- Large drainage capacity – Water drains through the ample joints between the pavers. Flood risks are reduced.
- ADA compliance – Properly laid pavers offer a firm, smooth surface accommodating wheelchairs and mobility devices.
The main drawback is concrete pavers have a relatively high initial cost, especially if paying for professional installation. Homeowners can offset this by installing the driveway themselves.
Porous Concrete Options
Porous concrete is created by leaving out some finer particles, allowing water to quickly drain through tiny pores saturated throughout the material. Benefits include:
- Seamless appearance – Porous concrete looks similar to conventional concrete but with a more porous surface. No joints are visible.
- High strength – It meets the same structural standards as typical concrete for bearing heavy loads.
- ADA compliance – The smooth surface provides wheelchair accessibility.
- Simpler installation – Pouring and finishing porous concrete is comparable to working with normal concrete.
- Lower cost than pavers – Avoiding the step of laying individual blocks reduces labor expenses.
Drawbacks of porous concrete include a higher dirt accumulation risk and potentially more difficult repairs. It also offers less design flexibility than concrete pavers in terms of patterns, colors and textures.
Gravel and Grass Options
For homeowners seeking a particularly low-cost permeable driveway, combining gravel with grass or gravel alone are two viable options:
- Inexpensive – Gravel driveways are much more affordable than concrete or paver installations. Grass pavers are also very budget-friendly.
- Simple DIY project – No specialized tools or skills are needed to lay a gravel driveway or install grass pavers. Easy weekend project.
- Good drainage – Gravel allows nearly all water to quickly filter through the loose stones. Grass pavers enable drainage between the grids.
- Natural appearance – Provides a countryside, rustic look compared to urban, sleek pavers or concrete.
- Requires maintenance – Gravel needs raking to fill in ruts from vehicle tires over time. Grass needs mowing and occasional reseeding.
- Not paved – Gravel driveways have a rougher, looser surface less accommodating to wheels and mobility devices.
Neither gravel nor grass pavers work well for steeply sloped driveways. Grass pavers especially require near-perfect drainage and dry soil to thrive.
Key Considerations for Permeable Driveway Installation
When selecting and installing a permeable paving system for your residential driveway, keep these key points in mind:
- Conduct a soils assessment – drainage capacity determines which permeable systems are feasible.
- Factor in slopes and drainage patterns on the property.
- Hire experienced professionals for sub-base preparation and final installation.
- Check local building codes – specifications and permits for stormwater management apply.
- Avoid sealing or repaving with an impermeable surface – it negates the drainage benefits.
- Inspect and maintain the driveway to prevent clogging from sediment and debris.
- Ensure proper ADA compliance for wheelchair, walker and cane accessibility.
Permeable Paving Enhances Property Value
Though permeable paving entails greater upfront costs than traditional concrete or asphalt, it adds value to a home that often outweighs the initial price premium. Benefits like excellent stormwater handling, attractive curb appeal, and reduced environmental impact make permeable driveways highly desirable to potential home buyers.
Over time, the cost savings from avoided drainage issues and replacement needs also help offset the higher installation price. Permeable paving not only benefits the environment, but makes homes more saleable. It’s an investment that generally pays off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does permeable paving last compared to traditional paving?
Properly installed permeable paving like concrete pavers or porous concrete can last 20 years or longer – similar to the lifespan of conventional concrete and asphalt driveways. Permeable options may even outlast impermeable ones since water drains right through rather than pooling on the surface.
Do permeable driveways require a lot of maintenance?
Permeable pavers or concrete require similar maintenance to traditional paving. Occasional sweeping, weed removal and checking for any uneven settlement keeps the driveway functioning well. Avoid sealing or repaving it with non-porous materials.
Can permeable driveways withstand New England winters?
Yes, permeable pavers and porous concrete hold up very well to cold climates. The key is ensuring the sub-base beneath extends below the frost line so that water has somewhere to drain through the winter. Snow and ice melt through rather than accumulating on the frozen surface.
How much does a permeable paver driveway cost compared to concrete or asphalt?
The cost of permeable pavers installed tends to range from $5-10 per square foot, while porous concrete averages $6-8 per square foot. This compares to about $3-7 per square foot for poured concrete and $2-5 for asphalt. The higher price brings added benefits.
Is a permeable driveway ADA compliant?
Yes, permeable paving options like concrete pavers and porous concrete, when properly installed, provide a firm, smooth and stable surface that accommodates wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices. Gravel driveways are NOT ADA compliant.
Conclusion
For homeowners seeking an environmentally sustainable, visually appealing, and highly functional driveway, permeable paving is an excellent solution. Options like concrete pavers, porous concrete, gravel and grass pavers allow rainwater drainage while still bearing vehicles reliably. Permeable paving reduces runoff and pollution while recharging groundwater. Though costlier upfront than traditional concrete or asphalt, it adds value and has a long service life. With permeable paving improving sustainability and aesthetics, it is a sound investment for residential driveways.