What is Permeable Driveway and How is it Useful?

February 13, 2020

Permeable Driveway, also known as the permeable pavement is a specific type of pervious pavement which has highly porous in nature. It is made out of porous concrete which allows rainwater to pass through it into the ground below easily. These driveways are specifically designed to mimic the natural process where rain water gets soaked into the surface of the ground. As this movement helps in reducing water runoff by returning the water back into the underground aquifers, permeable pavements are considered as an amazing choice these days.

What makes Permeable Concrete an Appropriate Option?

Everyone wants to have own durable and long-lasting walkways, driveways, patios and roads which make their property look more engrossing and attractive. Usually, concrete is used in the construction of these spaces. However, a large amount of energy is used in the production of concrete. Concrete bring along a number of cons too. The rain and the water runoff become incapable of getting soaked back into the concrete ground. This results in the disruption of the natural water cycle.

The impetuous journey of water through the impervious concrete surface leads to unwanted problems over time. Thus, to solve to this issue, permeable driveways come up as an outstanding solution. They are considered as an excellent alternative to the solid foundation because it allows water to get soaked back into the ground easily.
Permeable Driveway


How is Pervious Concrete made?

The permeable driveway is made out of specially prepared pervious concrete which is made out of stones and concrete. It is a porous material which stands quite similar to the look of a concrete mixture but unlike are allows water to pass through it. The permeable or pervious concrete does not make use of sand or gravel as the sub base during the installation. It can be directly installed on the ground. The features of these concrete makes it the most ideal choice for the people who are looking for permeable and environmental friendly solution to the traditional impermeable concrete sidewalks and driveways.

While installing these permeable driveways, it is important to keep the point of maintenance into consideration. These permeable driveways need occasional cleaning to avoid the accumulation of sediments in the pores. It is because when too much accumulation takes place, it reaches deep inside, making it quite difficult to clean or repair. In such conditions, the only option which comes up is replacement. It is because over time and accumulation of sediments, the surface of the pervious concrete tends to become impermeable, thus requiring replacement.

Applications of Permeable Driveway

Apart from helping in the natural process of returning the rainwater back to the underground source, these pavements play an amazing role in trapping suspended solid particulate matter and various pollutants. They keep away the polluting agents from reaching out the water stream and causing unwanted blockage.

Due to this nature, these permeable driveways are commonly used in a number of applications. Some of the common applications of pervious concrete include:
  • In construction of the low-volume pavements
  • In residential roads and driveways
  • As sidewalks
  • As the floors of parking lots
  • In low-water bridges
  • For patios
  • As the linings of a well
  • For all types of walls, including the load-bearing walls
  • The deck region of a swimming pool
However, before building driveway, sidewalk, patio or parking lot using pervious concrete, you need to keep a note of the point that these permeable pavements often allows grass to grow and prosper through them. In order to keep them away, regular maintenance becomes important. These permeable driveways are a great and eco-friendly option which helps in keeping the risk of disturbing the water ground water balance away. These permeable options serve best to reduce heat accumulation around the building and keeping your property clean and tidy.

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