Permeable pavements gain interest in North America
North Americans are more aware than ever of the crucial need to review our traditional ways of handling stormwater. We need to better protect the environment, our infrastructures and own properties. Techo-Bloc has been a pioneer and strong advocate of permeable pavements for the last 10 years and we are proud to see that segmental permeable pavements (using pavers and slabs) are now becoming part of legislation.
For example, many states and cities like California, Connecticut and Minnesota encourage sustainable water management and have already begun enforcing by-laws that require segmental permeable pavements. Ellicot City in Maryland had flooding and pollution issues, which they solved by implementing rain gardens, permeable pavers and bio-retention cells. In Allentown, Pennsylvania, an individual will receive a discount on his/her stormwater fee by installing a storm water management system.
In Canada, provinces like Ontario and Prince Edward Island give federal funding dollars to sustainable projects. Prince Edward Island will receive $366 million over the next decade for green infrastructure implementation.
Many others are moving quickly to follow these new urban planning practices which could also result in billions of cost savings. This has and will continue to affect by-laws for public and residential landscapes in the very near future.
What are permeable pavers?
Permeable pavers mimic the natural process that occurs on the ground’s surface. The role of a segmental permeable pavement system is to allow water to pass through the paving stones joints and seep into the ground naturally or to be retained in the base/subbase structure rather than turning into runoff headed directly into the sewer system. It also filters out suspended solids and pollutants, keeping them from polluting the water stream.
Permeable pavement has many applications, for instance :
- Residential roads and driveways.
- Sidewalks
- Parking lots
- Low-water bridges
- Patios
- Walls (including load- bearing walls)
- Swimming pool decks
Permeability Simplified
Designed with larger joint space to allow storm water to percolate through.
Filters out contaminants & debris from the rainwater.
Transition layer that further filters out pollutants.
Reservoir layer for rainwater harvesting & the evacuation of excess water through a drain pipe.
Designed with larger joint space to allow storm water to percolate through.
Filters out contaminants & debris from the rainwater.
Transition layer that further filters out pollutants.
Reservoir layer for rainwater harvesting & the evacuation of excess water through a drain pipe.
In addition, permeable paving provides the following benefits to homeowners and the community:
Environmental benefits
- Reduces surface runoff
- Traps suspended solids, which filters pollutants from stormwater.
- Recharges the groundwater table
- Reduces erosion and flooding risks associated with high runoff volumes
- Absorbs less heat than asphalt in summer because of its lighter colours, thus cooling and humidifying the ambient air.Financial benefits
- Reduces wastewater treatment costs.
- Reduces the construction of infrastructure to collect and manage stormwater, such as retention basins
- Installation simplified and accelerated by the use of clean stone, which does not require compaction.
- No movement of the paving stones even during a change of season, if the installation is done correctly.
- Increases the value of a home
- Lasts longer than asphalt.
- Less ice formation and puddling since the water does not accumulate on the surface.Therefore, less chance of slipping resulting in injuries, and less de-icing salts are required.
Forget about floods, puddles and other water accumulation problems. Our permeable paving stones are as elegant as they are ecological, and you’ll be sure to comply with the laws! Isn't peace of mind wonderful?
Options
PERMEABLE BY DESIGN
Permeable pavement:
The future of urban planning
Permeable Pavers Toolbox
In order for landscape supply centers to address homeowners’ growing concerns and changing by-laws, we’ve created our permeable paver toolbox for you to consult. It will help you be aware of permeable pavement options and learn more about their installation.
Permeable pavement is recognized worldwide as a solution and best management practice for stormwater management. Learn why it works and how Techo-Bloc can help.
A compilation of our videos on the topic of permeable pavement construction.
Construction details for segmental permeable pavement construction.
