Permeable Paving Options for Residential Driveways
After years of wear and tear, you may need to repave your driveway. In your online research travels, you may have come across the eco-friendly benefits of permeable pavement options. You should consider landscaping options that are better for the environment before all else.
The great thing about permeable pavement is the wide variety of types you can choose. No matter your budget, there is an eco-friendly pavement option for you. To help you make your final decision, find out what permeable pavement does and some of the types that are commonly available.
What is Permeable Pavement?
For pavement to be considered permeable, it has to allow stormwater runoff infiltration. They can also filter out certain pollutants that contaminate the water supply. If you are looking for eco-friendly driveway pavement, permeable pavement is a fantastic option.
Permeable Paving Options
One of the best things about permeable pavement is that you have a lot of types to choose from. No matter the look you are going for, you can find a permeable option to match. Here are three of those options.
Permeable Concrete
The great thing about some modern concrete mixtures is that they allow water to seep through.
Concrete comes in a multitude of colors. If you are turned off by the traditional black or tan, no worries, you can find them in a wide range of earthy tones.
Stone and Gravel
It comes as no surprise that loose stone or gravel is a terrific permeable pavement option. The free and open style of this option allows for water to seep through with ease. The only downside to loose pavements, such as stone or gravel, is they can trail off into other parts of your property.
You can find loose stone and gravel in a multitude of colors and combinations.
Permeable Pavers
Permeable pavers are typically made from open-cell concrete. To keep the permeable quality throughout the driveway, you would use stone chip to fill in the gaps.
DIY or Professional Installation
The answer to this question depends on your skill level and which pavement option you choose. If you are looking for a do it yourself option, loose gravel, stone, permeable pavers are the best choices. They are the easiest to lay down without any prior paving experience.
If you choose a more solid option such as concrete, it will be best to hire a professional. More skill is involved in the process of laying these types of permeable pavements. A quick google search will help you find a local contractor who can do the job for you.
Last but certainly not least, assess your area and zoning laws to choose which option is best for you. Both of these steps are crucial when opting to embark on an outdoor home improvement project. You can find out more information about your local zoning laws by contacting your local town office officials. After that is all said, you can begin paving your permeable driveway.