Improve Stormwater Drainage with Water Permeable Pavers for Driveways, Patios & Walkways

Permeable pavers, also known as permeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICP), are installed with layers of varying-sized stone or aggregate underneath that filter and direct stormwater to underground aquifers. Belgard permeable pavers mimic the way natural land absorbs water.

Permeable pavers differ from traditional concrete pavements because they contain more gaps to allow stormwater runoff to drain more effectively. They come in a wide variety of materials which are cut into square or rectangular shapes. 

With permeable concrete pavers and permeable grass pavers, any rain that falls on your patio, walkway or driveway seeps back into the ground, reducing the burden on storm drains. A permeable paver system can even be designed to harvest and recycle rainwater.

With uncompromised durability, permeable pavers are great for areas with high foot or vehicle traffic such as residential driveways and patios. While your residential project may function well with conventional paving, you’ll find that permeable concrete offers many benefits for smaller home spaces.

Aside from improved drainage, you can benefit from installing heating elements under permeable pavers, which can help melt snow during the winter months.

Benefits of Permeable Pavers for Homeowners, Builders & Your Community Beyond Stormwater

The primary design element of permeable pavers that helps improve drainage is their porous material. This reduces water runoff and decreases the chances of unwanted localized flooding. Additionally, the weight of each panel can weigh the soil underneath down, which can prevent soil erosion. This can further aid drainage by reducing the amount of soil runoff that may clog the flow of water.  

In addition to storm water management benefits, professionally installed permeable pavers provide multiple benefits for homeowners, builders and the community at large.

Permeable pavers benefit Homeowners by helping build sustainable landscapes that reduce erosion that occurs when grass is dry or dead, as well as eliminating standing water on the surface where mosquitos can breed. Builders who install concrete permeable pavers may be eligible for LEED credits for contributing to stormwater management.

Permeable pavement systems are an environmentally friendly solution for homes. By weighing down the soil underneath them, permeable pavers offer good erosion control that prevents debris from getting into local rivers or other bodies of water.

Other eco-friendly features include the prevention of pooling water and pollutants. Pooled-up water can be toxic if left to stand for too long. By promoting water flow, pollutants have fewer opportunities to contaminate water. As an effective drainage solution, permeable pavements are a great way to support local rainwater recycling programs.

The community as a whole benefits from pervious pavers because they help maintain base flows in rivers that ensure streams and ecosystems are self-sustaining.