If you’ve been planning on constructing or resurfacing a driveway, parking lot, walkway, etc., you’ve probably heard at least some mention about permeable pavers. Throughout the past few years, permeable pavers have grown in popularity in the Northeast.
But what is it that makes these pavers so special, and are they really worth looking into? To answer these questions, here’s a closer look at what permeable paving stones are, the benefits that they have to offer and factors that may influence the cost of your project.
What are Permeable Pavers?
The majority of paved services are impervious to water, which can quickly lead to problems like flash-flooding or contamination during heavy rainstorms. Permeable paving stones, on the other hand, have the opposite effect. As the name might suggest, a permeable paver is designed in such a way that liquid runoff is easily able to pass between the joints of the pavers. The base layer of the paving system works to delay, filter and clean any runoff before it is able to move into either the ground water table, or into a storm drainage system.
Benefits of Permeable Pavers
Choosing permeable pavers over more traditional surfacing materials like asphalt, concrete and impervious paving stones comes with its benefits. Those who make the decision to work with a permeable paving stone material will enjoy perks like:
- Improved surface water management – Here in New Jersey, we are no stranger to extreme weather conditions. Heavy summer rainfall and tropical storms can both lead to an excess of groundwater, and often, to flooding. During times like this, your local sewer system can quickly become overwhelmed by the volume of water. At the same time, the ground reaps very little benefit of the natural irrigation. Permeable paving stones resolve these issues by capturing water runoff, absorbing it and cleaning it.
- Reduced overall irrigation demand – When your paving stones are able to allow water to naturally seep into the ground, both the immediate and surrounding areas will require far fewer man-made irrigation systems. Ultimately, this can help you to cut back on costs, and reduce the overall amount of water that your property demands for everyday irrigation needs.
- Localized temperature control – Because water is able to filtrate into the ground, both the ground’s surface and the area surrounding it will experience temperatures that are cooler than with a hard, impervious surface. This effect can be further improved by utilizing permeable pavers that are light in color. By helping to reflect sun and heat, local ambient temperatures will be reduced even more, improving air quality, and boosting the health of local vegetation.
- Overall aesthetic – Permeable pavers appear cleaner, more attractive and far more unique than many other surfacing materials. This is especially important for homeowners and private property owners who are hoping to stand apart from the crowd. Permeable paving materials are available in a wide variety of styles in order to help you to achieve the look you desire.
Photo is Courtesy of Belgard
Determining the Cost of Permeable Pavers
There are several key factors than can affect the cost of your project with permeable pavers. First, consider where you plan to buy the pavers. Buying from a big box retailer will be more expensive than purchasing from a direct supplier, and many larger stores don’t offer bulk prices.
Of course, the size of your project will also impact cost. If you plan to pave a large surface, it’s best to buy from a company that offers competitive bulk costs, and can deliver the pavers to your location.
