Benefits of Installing a Permeable Paver System
If you’re planning a hardscape project — a patio, walkway, driveway — for your property, you’ll need to decide on the type of surface to install. Choose wisely because the health of the lakes and streams in your area may depend on it. What’s more, one method can improve hard-to-drain areas around your home, while another surface can compound existing problems.
Rock Solid hardscape contractors understand the best design techniques and paver patio installation processes, ensuring your landscaping is done right. Our hardscape services include walkways, driveways, and patio installation, all created with permeable pavers.
Installing a permeable paver system for your project checks off a number of boxes in the positive column.
- Resists cracking brought on by the freeze and thaw cycle common to Minnesota winters, unlike a concrete or asphalt surface
- Controls storm water runoff by absorbing water deep into the ground and away from a home’s foundation
- Acts as a filtration system, keeping pollutants like salt, fertilizer, gas, and oil from flowing directly into storm sewers that feed into lakes and streams
- Reduces soil erosion, especially in urban areas where it’s more difficult to grow turf
- Increases curb appeal and property value
- Dedicates space for outdoor gatherings (and less grass to mow!)
How a permeable paver system works
A healthy lawn is one way to manage storm runoff — water naturally soaks into the ground to hydrate roots. But a patio created with permeable pavers can have an even greater absorption effect.
Rock Solid co-president Jim Metzger explains that it’s not the paver itself, but the way it’s installed that makes it permeable and more advantageous for the environment. Unlike the typical paver surface with a layer of sand underneath, a permeable paver system requires a much deeper hole to be dug, followed by several layers of rock chips. This allows the surface to soak up more storm runoff, with the deep layers filtering out pollutants before they reach the watershed.
This same absorption method also prevents storm runoff from pooling near a foundation, and improves drainage in a low spot in the yard.
Jim says he’s convinced, “If more people understood the advantage of permeable pavers, they’d be the first choice for hardscapes.”
When’s the best time for hardscape installation?
Permeable paver hardscapes can be installed anytime there is no ground frost, generally from April to November in the Upper Midwest. The first step is to make an appointment with the Rock Solid hardscape contractors to discuss your vision and address any drainage problems on the property. Once a design is approved and materials ordered, work could be completed before the snow flies, or lined up for next spring.
Contact Rock Solid to learn how permeable pavers can enhance a walkway, driveway, and patio on your property. Remember, we take care of all your landscape and lawn care needs.
Call us today at 763-398-0739.
