Permeable Pavement
What do they do?
Permeable pavement allows water to flow through tiny, connected holes into the gravel substrata beneath the pavement surface, then into the soil.
How does it work?
1. Surface layer or cover- The surface layer provides a solid surface over which people and vehicles move
2. Gravel or aggregate layer- This base layer is immediately below the surface layer. It supports traffic on the surface layer and stores water during and right after a storm.
3. Sub-base layer- The sub-base, aka situ soil or underlying soil, is the solid just below the gravel layer. It filters water and removes pollutants.
What's the cost?
For an average yard of about 200 sq. ft.
A basic installation is between $1,750-$2,500
A better installation is between $2,500-$3,328
The best installation is between $3,175-$4,250
To figure out your specific cost, you can use the estimator listed here.
Concerns with Permeable Pavement
The cost is clearly of concern. Many people do not wish to spend that much.
Benefits to Permeable Pavement
- Permecocrete is made with Eco-Cements that set by absorbing CO2 and can use recycled aggregates. (Doesn't get any Greener!)
- Freedom from water restrictions - forever!
- Pure fresh water from your own block
- Filtration through Permecocrete and water feature in garden will keep water pure and fresh
- Cooler house and garden (cycle under slab for house cooling/heating option)
- Lower infrastructure costs for local council
Why install it?
Fresh water is a precious resource.
Widespread use of impervious pavement contributes to water pollution.
Polluted water runoff damages natural environments.
Runoff into our waterways increases flooding.
It may cost a pretty penny now, but in the long run you end up saving more.
