Permeable Pavers: The Answer to Your Runoff Problems
Do you worry about runoff on your patio, driveway, or walkway whenever it rains in Houston? Do you live in a municipal area where pesticides and other contaminants have been found in local waterways because of rainwater runoff? Permeable pavers are helping Houston homeowners with flood control one yard at a time.
Permeable pavers are designed to be installed so that rainwater passes through the joints of the stones to a layer of stone or aggregate, then into the ground table soil underneath. If you’re looking for a popular residential option to install a pathway, driveway, or patio that doesn’t puddle or cause stormwater runoff, permeable pavers might be the perfect choice for you!
What Are Permeable Pavers?
Let’s compare standard paver stones to cutting-edge permeable pavers installed by Pavertime.
– A standard paver stone typically has narrow joints that are anywhere from 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide. Whereas, permeable interlocking pavers have joints that are wider, up to 1/2 inch.
– In a standard paver stone, sand fills the joints, whereas permeable pavers for driveways or patios have joints containing very fine grains of crushed gravel.
- The grains of crushed gravel allow the water to pass through.
- The water passes to a holding area to retain the water until it is absorbed.
- The water eventually drains into the soil underground and is absorbed.
Some types of permeable pavers may drain as much as six to eight inches of water per hour!
A property assessment can help you determine what sized joints would be best for your paver project. The average amount of precipitation in your area and any existing drainage issues are factors to consider when choosing how wide the joints in between pavers should be. In short, the more precipitation you tend to get, the wider the joints you’ll need.
Our paver experts at Pavertime can help you with your permeable lot calculation for the required city permits and flood mitigation. We work with both residential and commercial developers to identify the right solution for your home.
Permeable Pavements Go Easy on the Environment
If you’re wondering whether you should choose a type of permeable paver stone over concrete brick, you’ll want to know that permeable stone is the more eco-friendly choice.
As mentioned earlier, a permeable application can help you avoid run-off, which often disrupts natural waterways and poses risk for flooding. Plus, when you install pavers as a patio, RV pad, pet area, driveway, or sidewalk, it helps avoid a heat island effect, which ultimately keeps temperatures cooler in your space during hot summer months.
Use Permeable Pavers to Satisfy Local Drainage Requirements
Many residents in Houston have to work through requirements from local municipalities to support drainage issues. For lots larger than 15,000 sq. ft. in Houston, you have to allow for drainage. Permeable pavers can help your situation by reducing the amount of “covered surface” that is factored into the calculation.
This way, you don’t need as much space set aside for retention ponds on or near your property. Permeable pavers are a great tool to help you with floodwater storage by addressing these types of issues:
- How big of a retention pond do we need to install?
- Should we incorporate rain barrels?
- What other flooding elements do we need to consider?
You'll Love the Low Maintenance of Interlocking Pavers
One of the greatest benefits of opting for a permeable stone interlocking system is the ease and convenience they provide for long-term maintenance.
- Replace a single paver at a time, as needed.
- Permeable pavers offer a variety of options such as color, size, shape, and architectural design.
It’s truly possible to create a one-of-a-kind style that complements your existing hardscape surroundings and suits your preference, whether you like plain and simple or a more intricate and lavish design.
I’m so happy with the customer service and workmanship! Brian was quick to supply an estimate and overall schedule for the job. His team was quick, efficient, and CLEAN! They accommodated a last-minute change and talked us through any questions we had. Highly recommend!
Margaret Misera
Spruce Up Your Hardscape Design With Permeable Pavers
Depending on your existing drainage situation and the characteristics of the underlying soil at the project site, our highly-skilled designers and installation team can determine how deep excavation needs to go to prepare for your paver application.
We’ll work closely with you to develop a pattern you’ll love while keeping in mind issues such as durability, cost-effectiveness, and appearance. Whether your goal is to increase flat, usable space in your backyard or create a walkway leading to your pool or tiered garden area, the versatility of permeable stones can help you accomplish your outdoor hardscape goals.
Talk to Pavertime today about your project and see how we can help bring your vision to life!
