Let’s talk pavers. If you have been thinking about adding onto your outdoor living area with a paver patio or walkway – you may want to hear about the new GREEN approach that the PROS are using by installing permeable pavers rather than your traditional paver.

Per-me-a-ble: allowing liquids, air, and/or gasses to pass through it. Composed of a layer of concrete or fired brick clay these types of pavers are separated by joints filled with crushed aggregate. Utilizing a permeable paver has many environmentally beneficial practices.

Permeable pavers are often utilized in urban environments where major flooding occurs because they are able to help in stormwater control. When installed using varying-sized stone or aggregate stormwater is filtered through the aggregate and replenishes the underground aquifer. Essentially, permeable pavers mimic the way natural land absorbs water; water that lands on the surface of the paver is filtered and seeps back into the ground – rather than flowing to the nearest storm drain or stream.

Installation of permeable pavers: similar to construction of a regular pavement however using a different type of aggregate. When installing permeable pavers an open graded aggregate is used which allows space for water and high flow rates as well as permeability. The permeable pavers are placed allowing for a quarter to half inch openings then swept with a highly permeable aggregate (rocks, builder’s sand, etc) to fill the joints.

What are the benefits?

• Removal of pooling water from the ground’s surface
• No need for drainage systems
• Keep ice from forming on the top of the pavers during winter
• Less de-icing treatments (protecting the environment)
• Ease of maintenance
• Allow for easy repair, removal (no mortar)

What are the negatives?

• Price (adding more aggregate to the base than traditional pavers)
• Potential for clogging which can result in reduced effectiveness