Permeable Driveway Pavers

Permeable driveway pavers offer a practical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete pavers, asphalt or poured-in-place concrete. Unlike non-porous materials that direct water to storm drains, permeable driveway pavers are designed with special spacer bars and have a wider gap, facilitating groundwater replenishment by enabling water to pass through the joints and into the subsoil below. Additionally, they serve as effective filters, removing solids and pollutants as water percolates through their surface.

Permeable Driveway Pavers and Groundwater Preservation

Groundwater, an essential resource for drinking water and the vitality of plants and trees, is under threat due to the widespread use of impermeable materials in urban and suburban developments. Impermeable driveways, patios, and parking lots prevent rainwater from infiltrating the soil. These impermeable surfaces divert rainwater, carrying pollutants directly into storm sewers, which contaminates nearby rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Additionally, impermeable surfaces contribute to the notorious “heat island effect,” creating excessive heat buildup in urban areas. In contrast, permeable pavers offer a sustainable solution by facilitating the natural water cycle while mitigating pollution and preserving groundwater.

Advantages of Permeable Driveway Pavers

Permeable driveway pavers offer several advantages compared to traditional pavers, poured concrete, and asphalt, including:

Eco-Friendly

 
Permeable pavers are lauded for their eco-friendliness, as they facilitate natural water infiltration and minimize stormwater runoff, compared to traditional pavers. By allowing water to seep into the ground, they contribute to groundwater replenishment and reduce the strain on stormwater systems. This sustainable drainage solution helps mitigate flooding, erosion, and pollution of nearby rivers and ponds.

Efficient Drainage

 
One of the primary benefits of permeable pavers is their ability to manage water drainage. Permeable pavers allow water to infiltrate through the surface, reducing runoff and preventing water from puddling on driveways, patios, or walkways. This feature mitigates the potential for water to puddle around the home or other structures, reducing the risk of water damage.

Safety

Permeable pavers reduce the accumulation of water on the surface, which in turn results in fewer puddles and less ice formation during the winter months.

Durability

High-quality permeable driveway pavers are designed to withstand heavy loads, as well as resist against damage caused by salt, chlorine, and oil or gas spills.

Improved Comfort

Permeable driveway pavers offer a breathable design that allows air and water to pass through the surface. This feature helps dissipate heat quickly, making the walking surface cooler, particularly on hot summer days.

Design Versatility

These pavers come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing for various customization options. Additionally, homeowners can install rainwater collection systems beneath the pavers, ensuring water can be re-used for irrigation or other purposes.

Tax-Saving Benefits

Some municipalities are placing limits on the amount of impervious surface space you are allowed on your property. Some may even impose a stormwater tax, based on the amount of impervious surface you have. With permeable pavers, you can build a large patio, pool deck or driveway, and possibly even save money.

Top Unilock Permeable Driveway Pavers

If you’re looking to install a permeable driveway paver project, here are five popular permeable driveway pavers you should consider:

Eco-Optiloc

Eco-Optiloc™ is the permeable version of the high performance, heavy duty Optiloc™ paver system. Eco-Optiloc offers exceptional durability and strength, making it an ideal choice for driveways. Special spacer bars create a 12mm gap between units, resulting in excellent infiltration rates when installed on an open-graded base with fine stone chip between the joints. Its unique L-shaped, tri-axis locking principle offers one of the best solutions for permeable vehicular pavements. Eco-Optiloc provides both functionality and aesthetic appeal for any driveway project.

Tribeca Cobble

The dimensional accuracy of Tribeca Cobble™ gives this product a significant advantage over imported granite cobblestones. Granite, quartz and marble particles give Tribeca Cobble its unique surface appearance, and is designed with special spacer bars that create a 10mm gap between paver units for optimal water absorption.

Town Hall

Town Hall® is a permeable paver that with an authentic look modelled after North American clay street pavers, offering a warm, time-worn appearance. Town Hall textures were cast from a multitude of authentic surfaces and manufactured with up to four times the strength of poured-in-place concrete. Designed to accommodate both conventional and permeable installation methods, Town Hall is designed with special spacer bars that create a 9mm gap between paver units, offering a timeless permeable solution that will enhance the aesthetic beauty of your driveway and reduce the accumulation of water on the surface.

Eco-Priora

Eco-Priora™ features special spacer bars that create a 7mm gap to allow rainwater to percolate between the joints, addressing stormwater management. Available in a classic rectangular shape that boasts a smooth surface texture, Eco-Priora offers a budget-friendly alternative to Town Hall or Tribeca Cobble, enabling you to design a visually pleasing driveway.

Turfstone

Turfstone™ excels in erosion control and provides robust support for turf. Turfstone is ideal for emergency access areas, spillways, embankments, and environmentally sensitive parking spaces. Featuring a latticework design, this paver can be filled with grass or aggregates, tailored to suit the drainage requirements or aesthetic preferences of your project.

By incorporating permeable driveway pavers into your hardscape project, you will not only enhance your home’s curb appeal, but also contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly environment. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next driveway project, consider exploring our Catalog of Dreams for more options. In addition, you can get in touch with a Unilock Authorized Contractor, who has the expertise and knowledge to help you in making an informed decision.