Three Things to Know When Considering Permeable Asphalt for Your Driveway
When not properly managed, stormwater runoff can create huge drainage concerns within a property. In addition to causing damage to pavements and driveways, stormwater can pick up contaminants along the way to water sources. These pollutants can be dangerous to sea life and swimmers. The installation of permeable pavements facilitates environmental conservation while providing an efficient way of managing stormwater runoff on your property. Here are some of the things that you should know as you consider installing a permeable asphalt driveway in your home.
What is permeable asphalt?
Permeable asphalt, also known as porous asphalt refers to asphalt pavement that allows stormwater to penetrate into the ground or an open stormwater facility beneath the surface. During the manufacture of permeable asphalt, the small aggregates are omitted in the mixture. Instead, the mixture is made of large aggregates that give the material its porosity and permeability properties. An asphalt binder may also be added to the mix to make it strong and durable.
Permeable asphalt can be used on driveways, patios, walkways, and any other exterior surfaces that are usually exposed to stormwater runoff. It is made of a subsurface reservoir that holds the water as it penetrates the material and allows the water to drain back into the water table.
What are the benefits of permeable asphalt?
Installing permeable asphalt for your driveway has numerous advantages. Besides conserving the environment, it also prevents flooding and water stagnation, which can damage exterior surfaces and cause cracking over time. Other advantages include the following:
- It can help in preserving natural landscape features such as trees and grass
- It stabilizes the soil and controls soil erosion
- It reduces incidences of blocked drainage systems that occurs when stormwater carries debris, leaves, and sediment into the drains
Permeable asphalt is a durable and low-maintenance material which can be a worthwhile investment in your property. When properly maintained, it can last even longer than the conventional asphalt driveway.
How is permeable asphalt installed?
There are two ways in which you can install porous asphalt for your driveway. The first technique is the common one where the pavers are made completely flat to collect the water and direct it evenly into the ground. The water drains into the water table without being harvested. In the other technique, the pavers are installed in such a way that they redirect the water to a reservoir. This method not only eliminates stormwater runoff, but it also makes it possible to collect and reuse the water around the house. You can choose the most suitable technique depending on your needs.
Before you hire a paving company to install a permeable asphalt driveway, make sure that they have experience in dealing with the material for the best services.
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