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Permeable Paving: The Sustainable Option for Aussie Homeowners

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Michael Isaac

  • Category: Paving
Permeable Paving: The Sustainable Option for Aussie Homeowners

As an Aussie homeowner, you’re probably looking for ways to make your property eco-friendly while still looking great. One solution that’s become popular in recent years is permeable paving. This clever paving allows water to pass through the surface and into the ground below, which is good for your home and the environment surrounding it.

What is Permeable Paving

Permeable paving is a type of paving that uses permeable material like porous concrete, gravel, or grass pavers with gaps between them. Those gaps allow stormwater to seep into the layers below rather than run off the surface like traditional paving. That’s why permeable paving is eco-friendly for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

Permeable Paving Benefits for Stormwater Runoff

By choosing permeable concrete paving for your home, you can enjoy:

  1. Reduced stormwater runoff and flooding
  2. Replenished groundwater
  3. Pollutants filtered from stormwater
  4. Improved water quality by allowing water to infiltrate directly through the paving and be purified by the soil and plants
  5. Cooler local temperatures by absorbing less heat
  6. Design flexibility for driveways, walkways and patios
  7. Compliance with stormwater management regulations

In Australia, stormwater management is a big issue, especially in urban areas where heavy rainfall can cause flooding and waterways to become polluted. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average Australian household uses around 340 litres of water daily, with a large chunk of that being lost to stormwater runoff. Installing permeable paving can reduce that runoff and protect our water resources.

Where Can You Use Permeable Pavers? Garden Paths

Permeable paving is suitable for all residential outdoor areas:

  • Driveways
  • Walkways and paths
  • Side paths around the house
  • Patios and courtyards
  • Landscape features
  • Utility areas (under rubbish bins)
  • Car parks
  • Garden paths

Whether you’re looking to update your driveway, create a new patio, or just add some landscaping to your yard, permeable paving is the solution for various paved areas.

What Permeable Paving System to Choose

There are three types of permeable paving systems to choose from:

SystemDescription
Total FiltrationAllows water to infiltrate through the pavement and sub-base layers into the subgrade
Partial FiltrationUses outlet pipes to drain excess water that can’t be absorbed by the subgrade
No FiltrationCaptures water using an impermeable membrane to form a storage tank

The right system for your home will depend on your soil type, rainfall and the use of the paved area. A professional installer can advise you on which system is best for you.

Permeable Paving Materials

Permeable pavement can be made from different materials, each with its look and feel. Some options include:

  1. Brick pavers with gaps between each brick
  2. Crushed stone or gravel
  3. Dry-lay pavers on compacted sand or gravel
  4. Grass pavers with a porous surface
  5. Crushed rock for slip resistance and subgrade preparation
  6. Porous concrete for water permeability
  7. Recycled ceramic material for sustainability and strength

Your chosen material will be based on your style and practical considerations like durability and maintenance.

How The Cost Weighs Up

The biggest concern for homeowners is the cost. While permeable paving can be more expensive upfront than traditional paving, the long-term benefits and environmental impact make it worth it.

The cost of permeable paving will depend on the materials used, the complexity of the installation, and the size of the area being paved. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per square metre, depending on the system and materials chosen. At Trinity Landscape & Sports, we’ll assess your yard and give you a tailored quote to suit the circumstances.

But remember, permeable paving can also save you money in the long run by reducing the need for stormwater management infrastructure and potentially your water bills. The environmental benefits are priceless.

Get Permeable Paving Today

If you’re ready to make the move with permeable paving, the first step is to talk to our residential landscapers, who can assess your needs and recommend the best solution for your property. 

What is Permeable Paving

Key Takeaways

  • Water passes through the surface and into the ground, reducing stormwater runoff and recharging groundwater.
  • Permeable paving is good for Australian homeowners because it reduces flooding risk, filters pollutants, and offers design flexibility. It can transform any hard surface into a functional and eco-friendly area.
  • Permeable pavements can be used in residential outdoor areas, such as driveways, walkways, patios, and landscaping.
  • Three types of permeable paving systems exist: total, partial, and no filtration. Permeable paving helps reduce water pollution by allowing water to infiltrate directly into the ground.
  • Permeable paving can be made from brick, crushed stone, dry-lay, and grass pavers.
  • Permeable paving may cost more upfront than traditional paving, but the long-term benefits and environmental impact make it worth it.

FAQs

What exactly is permeable paving, and how does it work?

Permeable paving is a type of paving that allows water to pass through the surface and infiltrate into the ground below. It uses porous materials like concrete, gravel, or pavers with gaps between them. The water seeps through these gaps and voids into a specially designed sub-base layer that filters and slowly releases the water into the soil instead of letting it run off the surface into stormwater drains.

What are the main benefits of permeable paving for Australian homes?

Permeable paving offers several key benefits for Aussie homeowners:

  • Reduces stormwater runoff and flooding risks by allowing water to absorb into the ground
  • It helps replenish groundwater supplies by allowing infiltration
  • Filters pollutants and improves the quality of water entering our waterways
  • Reduces local temperatures by absorbing less heat than traditional paving
  • Provides design flexibility for driveways, patios, paths and landscaping
  • Complies with increasingly strict stormwater management regulations

With Australia’s frequent heavy rains and focus on preserving our environment, permeable paving is becoming popular.

What are the different types of permeable paving systems?

Three main types of permeable paving systems can be used residentially:

  1. Total Filtration – water passes through the pavement surface and sub-base directly into the soil below
  2. Partial Filtration – uses pipes to drain water that can’t be absorbed by the soil while still allowing some infiltration
  3. No Filtration – captures water in a tank-like system below the surface for harvesting or slow release in areas where soil absorption is not the best.

The right system depends on soil type, rainfall, and the intended use of the paved area. Professional installers can determine the best option for each site.

What materials are used to make permeable pavement?

Permeable pavement can be made from a variety of materials, each with a unique look, including:

  • Concrete or brick pavers with gaps between them for water to pass through
  • Crushed stone or gravel with no fines to allow infiltration
  • Grass or turf pavers with a porous backing
  • Specially designed porous asphalt or concrete mixes
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74 Responses

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