What You Need To Know About Installing Permeable Concrete on Driveways
Are you tired of dealing with standing water or drainage? Do you want to use a more efficient construction material that is low maintenance? If you need to install a new or replace your driveway, pathway, or patio in your home or office building and want to incorporate a more modern concrete driveway design, you might want to consider using permeable concrete to build your driveway.
Permeable concrete, also known as porous or pervious concrete, is a specialised type of concrete designed to allow water to pass through its surface. The composition typically includes a reduced amount of fine aggregate, resulting in interconnected voids that create permeability. This unique characteristic distinguishes it from traditional impervious concrete, which prevents water from passing through.
Benefits of Permeable Concrete
Minimal Runoff
Permeable concrete allows water to flow into the soil rather than into the stormwater drains. This can be particularly helpful in areas where there are no proper drainage systems that can get overwhelmed by rainfall.
Reduced Pollution
Permeable concrete often doesn’t require sealers or bonders like traditional concrete resulting in fewer contaminants in stormwater runoff, which offers a major environmental benefit.
Reduced Need for Drainage Systems
In some cases, drainage systems are required in or around driveways, patios, and parking lots. Since permeable concrete drains water naturally, it often doesn’t need any additional system installed, which means lower installation costs in some cases.
Cooler Surface
Traditional concrete driveways can contribute to the urban heat island effect by absorbing and radiating heat. Permeable concrete doesn’t trap heat as readily as traditional concrete because of the voids in its material. This means a more comfortable walking surface in warmer weather.
Lower Risk of Freezing
Permeable concrete won’t trap water on top of it, which means there’s minimal risk of rain or snow freezing and becoming a slipping hazard.
Enhanced Safety
Permeable surfaces have better traction compared to impervious ones which reduces any risks of slipping, especially in rainy or icy conditions.
Low Maintenance
Permeable concrete driveways often require less maintenance than traditional ones. As mentioned earlier, since it doesn’t freeze as much as traditional concrete, the minimal standing water contributes to a longer lifespan of the driveway.
Drawbacks to Permeable Concrete
Weaker Compared to Traditional Concrete
Since permeable concrete does not use fine aggregates such as traditional concrete, it’s not as strong. They are not recommended for use on heavily trafficked surfaces like roadways, construction sites, or home foundations.
Can Be Challenging for Non-Pros to Install
Permeable concrete is more challenging to use in larger applications than traditional concrete. While it may not be impossible to install permeable concrete on your own, it requires more planning and research on how to get the mixture right.
Not Ideal on Expansive Soil
If the soil beneath permeable concrete is expansive, the draining runoff through the concrete can be problematic since it can weaken the concrete above and lead to cracking.
Considerations for Permeable Concrete Driveways
Professional Installation: The installation of permeable concrete driveways is a specialised process that requires professional expertise because they can ensure a good job and make your concrete driveway functional and have a pleasant finish.
Local Regulations: Before opting for a permeable driveway, it’s essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits. Some areas may have specific guidelines for the use of permeable surfaces in driveways.
Maintenance Practices: While permeable driveways require less maintenance than traditional ones, maintenance is still a must. For example, to prevent the pores from clogging up from the dirt, dust, and debris, it’s best to clean them so any liquid material will still be absorbed by the concrete. This ensures the longevity of the driveway.
Cost Considerations: Permeable concrete driveways may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional concrete. However, many homeowners find the long-term benefits and environmental impact justify the initial investment.
