Is permeable pavement right for you?
Have you ever heard the term permeable pavement and wondered if it is right for you? I thought I would talk in this blog post about what permeable pavement projects are and what you should consider if you are thinking about having a permeable project done at your home.
For those of you reading this that don’t know permeable pavement is a method of pavement that allows storm water to penetrate into the ground as opposed to running off into storm drains and waterways. There are many different types of permeable pavement to choose from and which one is right for you depends on what you are planning to use the space for and how much water runoff you are trying to catch.
Permeable pavement uses different layers of clean aggregate to help collect and clean the water as it seeps into the ground. Here are some diagrams of a typical patio vs a permeable patio. Notice how much more excavation and rock is used for the permeable patio? This rock is what help filter the water and keeps the storm water from running off.
Some things to consider when you are choosing what is right for your project or even if permeable pavement is right for you are:
1.Choosing the correct pavement for the task and location for permeable pavement.
Materials for permeable pavement include:
Porous Asphalt
This can be used in driveways and parking areas and is installed the same way as regular asphalt. The difference between regular asphalt and porous asphalt is that the porous asphalt is manufactured without the fine materials, leaving open spaces that allows water to filter through.
Pervious Concrete
This can be used in driveways, parking areas, sidewalks, and patios. Pervious concrete is made from materials that create voids when it is dry, this allows water to drain through.
Permeable Pavers
This material can be used on driveways, sidewalks, patios, and parking areas. Permeable pavers are precast concrete or brick they are made in many sizes and shapes and are laid with a drainage base and permeable joint material, allowing water to slowly seep into the ground. There are many color options and patterns to choose from allowing for a more elegant look to fit any style or project.
Open Celled Pavers
Open celled pavers are unique as they can be filled with different materials to make them stand out or almost disappear. You can use these for overflow parking (grass filled) patios, pathways, and driveways.
Porous Pave recycled rubber
Porous pave is made with recycled tires, this versatile product can be used in everything from driveways, patios and walkways to playground areas for kids. Its slip resistant and comes in many colors.
Your landscape designer can help you choose which material is right for your area and budget. Other factors in choosing a material are as follows:
Frost heave can happen in cold climates, the potential for frost heave may be a concern...Some people recommend excavating the base course to below the frost line, but this may not be necessary in rapidly permeable soils. In also the dead air and void spaces in the base course provide insulation so that the frost line is closer to the surface”
Heavy Loads Permeable pavement should not be used where it will be subject to heavy axle loads.
Site Slope should be considered where permeable paving is being placed. Permeable paving can only be used on gentle slopes (<5%)
2.Planning the base material per area and soil types
The Base material needed and the excavation required will be highly dependent on your soil types and water run off requirements. There are soil tests and equations used to determine these things that our design team will take care of for the project.
3.Proper installation.
Make sure your installer knows what they are doing. Proper installation is key to the success of the project. All Around Town Outdoor services is ICPI trained and PICP trained. We have successfully installed many permeable projects in the area and pride ouselves with being on the leading edge of technology, sience and best practices in the green industry. To learn more about ICPI training visit https://www.icpi.org/certification/CCPI.
4.Understand and commit to maintenance requirements.
To maintain a permeable pavement, it is important to not allow sediment to accumulate on the pavement. Never use sand one a permeable surface in winter because the sand may clog the surface of the material use chip rock instead. Periodic maintenance is critical and surfaces should be cleaned with a vacuum sweeper twice a year. This prevents clogging of the porous pavement. If clogging occurs the surface infiltration rate is reduced lower than the rainfall rate. If there is clogging, then water will pond or runoff will be produced. Keeping your landscape areas well-maintained will prevent soil from being transported onto the pavement. Monitor your permeable pavement during rainfall to ensure that the paving surface drains properly after storms, do not reseal or repave with impermeable materials. Inspect the surface annually for deterioration. Doing these things will give you many years of enjoyment and functionality from your permeable pavement.
So why should a homeowner choose permeable pavement? The answer is easy!
To prevent or help with erosion on property
To minimize excessive pooling in low lying areas due to runoff
To retain water on property which will
○ Benefit plants on property
○ Return water to the water table on property
○ Contribute to the improvement of the environment by
■ Diminishing storm water contaminants in streams, and rivers
■ Providing groundwater recharge and reducing storm water runoff volume
■ Preserving and preventing erosion of stream beds and river banks if property drains directly into a stream.
Permeable pavement projects in conjunction with other conservation practices in Scott County qualify for the URBAN INITIATIVE COST SHARE PROGRAM. For mor information on the cost share program visit http://scottcountysoilandwater.org/programs/.