Why a Mason Recommends Permeable Pavers for Driveways in Bristol, RI

Dealing with water runoff in your yard and from the downspouts after a very heavy storm can be most frustrating, especially if you experience runoff from your neighbor’s property as well. The water causes silt and mud to gather in low spots—and leads you to get wetter than you need to when you walk around your landscape. Part of the problem is preventable if your driveway is not made of permeable pavers. Here are reasons why a mason is likely to recommend permeable pavers for your driveway in Bristol, RI.

What Are Permeable Pavers?

Permeable pavers are part of an eco-friendly drainage system designed to reduce water runoff volume. Water goes through the spaces between the pavers, as well as the layers beneath the pavers. Traditional pavers and the mortar used to cement them cause water to run off the top of the stone, with small rivers running toward the lowest points. Permeable pavers, however, have tiny holes, which allow the water to seep through and return to groundwater.Related: Landscape Design and Installation Tips for Permeable Paver Driveways in Middletown, RI

Why Use Permeable Pavers?

There are three main reasons to consider using permeable pavers for your driveway surface. First, these pavers allow for natural filtration of pollutants and impurities that are carried by the water. This can naturally help to reduce the amount of pollution that finds its way into our ground and drinking water.Second, permeable pavers aid in the water overflow that causes flooding of rivers and streams. Because these pavers absorb the water instead of causing it to run off, the high volume of water from storms that invades nearby streams can be reduced. The absorption of the paving stones also eliminates those irritating puddles in the driveway low spots that always seem to be right where you exit the car.Third, permeable pavers are durable, engineered to withstand the freeze/thaw cycle with no peeling, flaking, or cracking. In the summer when paved surfaces heat up, permeable pavers allow the earth underneath to breathe, in effect, thereby reducing the heat on the surface.Related: Let a Mason Transform Your Front Entryway with Natural Stone Stairs and Pillars in Jamestown, RI

What Do Permeable Pavers Look Like?

Permeable paving stones look exactly like traditional pavers but have the earth-friendly advantage of eliminating standing water. There are many options available from Unilock such as a traditional brick paver, a gorgeous cobblestone, or even Turfstone, which allows grass to grow between to enhance the natural appearance. Colors vary from brick red to gray to earth-tone tan, with contrasting stones to add interesting borders.Many homeowners are concerned with doing their share to help with sustainability of materials in their homes and yards. Permeable paving stones can allow them to feel great about helping to harness the often dwindling water supply, since permeable pavers help to replenish groundwater. In fact, some cities have begun to offer incentives for installing sustainable landscapes and permeable paving.A Premier Landscape mason lays each brick to create a cohesive functioning driveway for your Bristol, RI, landscape that will last for years. As opposed to traditional asphalt driveways, paver driveways are easier to repair and maintain; if a paver becomes raised or loose, it’s a replacement of one paver—there’s no need to reseal the entire driveway on a regular basis. Since the pavers are permeable, the drainage from your property will be more efficient instead of dealing with runoff from an asphalt driveway.