Have you ever heard of Permeable Pavers? Imagine your old patio or driveway with legions of cracks and indentations, possibly due to intense rain or flood in your area. It doesn’t look good, right? This is where the all-effective permeable pavers come into action.
Permeable pavers are paving materials specifically designed to permit water to pass through them. They are crafted from concrete, fired clay, or brick. This type of paver has tiny gaps between units filled with crushed aggregate. The joints between units are more open and wider, allowing more water to get through the underground drain; hence, rainwater isn’t trapped on the surface. Also, although the designs may vary, the interlocking stones are built atop a gravel-only base. Transform your outdoor spaces with the experts at Paver Company Tampa!
Permeable Pavement
We Tampans are no strangers to frequent rain showers. There are times when heavy rain transforms our patios or driveways into mini rivers, which is quite troublesome. Knowing that, you’d agree that pervious pavers are necessary. This pavement with a high porosity that allows rainwater to pass through it into the ground, reduces the risk of flooding. Moreover, the collected water drained slowly underground helps replenish our aquifers.
More so, permeable pavement helps mitigate the intense heat of the Florida sun. By bouncing off heat from the surface, and dispersing the accumulated heat faster, it keeps the floor cooler to the touch. With the flooring and surrounding area cooler, you don’t have to keep the air conditioning system in full blast to keep your home cool, translating to less power consumption and lower electric bills.
Pervious vs Traditional Pavers: Who’s the Winner
While it is true that traditional ones look nice, they're not exactly eco-friendly. Here’s how pervious paver measures up against its less sustainable counterparts:
- Drainage Heroes: Permeable types are best at managing water flow, substantially reducing runoff and the risk of flooding compared to traditional pavements that block water.
- Water Guardians: Rainwater filtering through permeable pavers goes through a natural purification process before reaching the ground. On the contrary, pollutants from traditional pavers can flow directly into the drains.
- Reduce Water Demands: A lot of water is needed to keep lawns looking green and alive. However, drought and poor soil conditions can prevent you from showing off your green thumb. Permeable pavers can help. Since they allow water to drain slowly underground, they can direct water into garden beds and trees, keeping them well-watered.
- Long-Term Value: Although permeable paver costs more compared to other options, it offers long-term savings through reduced maintenance (single unit repairs and replacement), and avoided costs from storm damage— which is a smart investment over time.
- Less Mosquitoes: Pooled water is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. But since permeable paver collect and drain water on the spot, there is no place for pests to breed their brood of pesky, blood-sucking armies.
- Prevents Erosion: Pavers can help prevent erosion by stabilizing the soil, especially in areas with slopes or along roadways. This is done in two parts. First, a heavy gravel base is laid to weigh down the underlying soil. Second, with open joints and crushed aggregates in between units that collect water through slow and steady seepage underground. All these help ground the erosion-prone soils.
Disadvantages
We won’t lie about it. Although permeable paver has numerous advantages, it also presents a few drawbacks, including:
- Higher upfront installation costs compared to other paving materials like asphalt and poured concrete.
- Requires weeding to prevent clogging.
- Need regular joint maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Weeds and mold are the natural enemies of a pervious paver. They could cause clogging or damage to the pieces.
Why Do Need Permeable Pavers Now
Permeable pavers are a versatile solution for different outdoor structures in your Tampa home for various reasons. It is not only used for patios and driveways, but can be used for decks, walkways, and more.
Here are some of its main applications:
- For Walkways and Pool Decks: To reduce the risk of slippery surfaces, you may create a safe and stylish path around your house or pool deck with permeable pavers. It helps drain water faster and has slip-resistant and skid-resistant texture, making it safe for young kids and pets to run around on.
- For Public Plazas and Walkways: Permeable pavers are not only appropriate for high-traffic areas but are also necessary for safe strolls and walks. Imagine walking down Bayshore Boulevard or participating in an event at Curtis Hixon Park without permeable pavers and where water just runs off everywhere. Not a good thing, right?
- For Areas with Poor Drainage: To avoid turning your yard and other extended living space a mini river, permeable pavers are essential. It helps to soak up excess water, thus preventing water pooling that could lead to flooding.
Beyond Functionality: Permeable Paving and Tampa's Style
Permeable pavers aren't just about conserving the environment and establishing safety for your family. They can also improve your home’s curb appeal. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and textures to complement the Tampa Bay area surroundings.
- Modern Appeal: Explore modern appeal with sleek, contemporary permeable paver designs. These sophisticated pavers can enhance your pool deck, patio, or driveway, reflecting the vibrant energy of Tampa’s SoHo district.
- Natural Beauty: You can also opt for earthy tones and natural textures to seamlessly blend your outdoor space with the lush greenery of Tampa Bay’s natural parks, creating a backyard reminiscent of Hillsborough River State Park.
Cost Considerations for Permeable Paver in Tampa
In considering the cost of permeable pavers in Tampa, while they may be more expensive than traditional pavers, there are compelling reasons to view them as a smart financial choice:
- Long-Term Savings: Using permeable pavers is cost-effective because it is durable and last for decades. It is also great for draining stormwater, so you don’t have to worry about structural damage due to moisture. What’s more, replacement repairs or replacements are easier and cheaper. You just need to repair or replace the specific damaged units, not the entire structure.
- Flood Prevention: Permeable pavers can mitigate flooding, potentially saving significant repair costs and headaches.
