Permeable pavers installation

Troy Johnson of Outdoor Escapes replies: The best way to green up a driveway is to install permeable pavers, which allow water to drain down through the gaps between them and into a bed of crushed stone. From there, it seeps gently into the soil.

Contrast that with a typical driveway, where water picks up oil and other chemicals as it washes into the street, overloading storm drains, polluting waterways, and increasing the chances of flooding from runoff. The pavers are made of brick, stone, or, like here, concrete, but they'll work only if laid over a properly installed base. For a job of this scale, hire a pro with permeable-paver experience; smaller projects, like a path or patio, are fair game for DIYers.

Either way, regular maintenance is a must: Plan on sweeping or vacuuming the joints at least once a year to prevent them from becoming clogged with leaves and debris and acting just like your old driveway. Shown: This driveway can absorb at least 10 inches of rain per hour, about twice the intensity of the heaviest year downpour in the U. First, call for an underground utilities check.

Next, do a percolation test to see how fast the soil absorbs water. Contact your local Cooperative Extension office for details. Reduce water demand by placing pavers over grassed areas Aid landscaping by reducing erosion that occurs when grass is dry or dead Eliminate standing water on the surface where mosquitos can breed. Contribute to environmental and stormwater management best practices, including LEED credits Lead to cost savings by vastly reducing or even eliminating storm water infrastructure components like pipes, detention basins and storm drains Subsurface water storage creates increased surface space on which to develop roads, driveways, parking areas, public spaces, houses and other revenue-generating structures.

Start designing your Belgard room. All water should be absorbed with zero run off. The pavers on the patio surrounding my pool are uneven in areas and some of the rock is low between the pavers. Did you use a geotextile fabric? If no, then adding more rock will just cover the issue for a while. Did the installer use sand? If yes, then the sand is washing away. Yes No. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2. Do the pavers have to be a specific type i.

TC Williams. Permeable pavers are made with a more porous concrete mixture so that water can soak through them easier than the hard mix or clay pavers. So, you do need that specific type. Not Helpful 8 Helpful 1.

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. You Might Also Like How to. How to. Co-authors: One of the greatest benefits of opting for a permeable stone interlocking system is the ease and convenience they provide for long-term maintenance. Another feature you might like about pavers is the variety of options available regarding color, size, shape, and architectural design.

Durability, cost-effectiveness, appearance, and more are critical issues to keep in mind when exploring your paver system options. 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.

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