What Is Permeable Concrete? AquaPave’s Answer To Your Concrete Needs
Are you interested in improving your driveway? Permeable concrete is an innovative and eco-friendly solution that can help meet your personal environmental goals while still enjoying all of the amazing benefits of strong, smooth, reliable concrete surface.
Permeable concrete, also known as porous or pervious concrete, is a very durable pavement material that is designed to allow water to flow through a series of tiny interconnected spaces. What sets it apart from standard concrete is that it contains no sand, resulting in its unique open-cell structure. Water can then pass through these cells, rather than pool on the surface, and naturally move back into the environment. This cool pavement prevents the urban frying pan effect, it feeds adjacent trees water and air so that their roots don’t crack the surface in search of nutrients, and it prevents the damaging sand mining operations that are required for conventional concrete manufacture.
Our permeable concrete will also filter out contaminants like motor oil and heavy metals, which contributes to a cleaner environment for all. If you’re interested in green infrastructure and sustainable practices, then permeable concrete is a great option.
Why Choose Permeable Concrete For Your NZ Driveway?
Why should you choose AquaPave’s permeable concrete over alternative options?
Eco-Friendly. Permeable concrete is a sustainable paving solution because it supports green infrastructure initiatives and qualifies for credits in green construction rating systems. Our permeable concrete:
- Prevents surface runoff and absorbs harmful contaminants
- Virtually eliminates black ice and the need for de-icing salts
- Improves water and oxygen transfer to urban trees
- Recharges groundwater resources with filtered water
- Improves wet-weather visibility by reducing tyre spray and hydroplaning
- Quiets traffic by absorbing tyre noise
- Reduces the cost and maintenance of underground city stormwater mains
- Improves earthquake resilience through independence from conventional stormwater pipes
Aesthetic Appeal. AquaPave permeable concrete is available in a range of aggregate sizes, colours, and types, so you can choose the concrete look that works best for your personal tastes and your space. Our ultrafine permeable concrete blend is great for residential driveways, footpaths, and patios, because it looks more like coarse sand than the chunky rice bubbles offered by other companies. Would you like a decorative exposed look? We can polish the surface of our permeable concrete, revealing the gorgeous natural colour of each stone while providing a buttery smooth surface that doesn’t become slippery when wet. Interested in a specific colour or tint for your concrete? Our wide range of integral oxide colours provide you with custom colour matching that lasts for the life of the concrete, because the colour is contained within the cement paste itself rather than sprayed on top as a coating. We’re happy to explore our range of pavers and permeable pavement designs with you to find attractive permeable options that suit your needs.
Permeable paving may also increase your property’s value and make it more appealing to potential buyers if you ever choose to sell. Investing in permeable concrete installations now can benefit you down the track, even if you don't plan on selling your property soon.
Long-Term Durability. Some might wonder if the open cells and voids in permeable concrete make it weaker or more susceptible to cracking and damage. You should know that when installed correctly, permeable concrete, especially high-quality porous concrete like ours, is as strong and reliable as traditional concrete. It can withstand the impact of heavy vehicles and the wear and tear of everyday life. Our NRMCA certified AquaPave team will take care to install your new concrete correctly to maximise durability and longevity.
Cost-Neutral. Permeable concrete’s long-term benefits can make it a cost-effective and valuable choice. Permeable driveways can reduce the need for expensive sumps, kerb and channel, strip drains, and paying someone to hydro-excavate drainage connections to city stormwater mains. In most cases, while the concrete itself costs more per square metre, by avoiding these hidden costs of conventional drainage, our AquaPave system ends up being cost neutral. In some developments, cost analysis shows that it’s less expensive than both asphalt and conventional concrete. Furthermore, the lower lifecycle maintenance costs can make it a smart investment to prevent potential flood damage over time.
Reduces Surface Runoff. Traditional driveways that don’t allow water to infiltrate contribute to surface runoff, which carries harmful pollutants into waterways at high velocity and temperature, resulting in erosion and toxic aquatic environments. On the other hand, permeable concrete driveways significantly reduce surface runoff by allowing water to soak into the ground. This can also prevent pooling, flooding, and the incidence of damaging erosion on your property. Overall, permeable concrete is a good choice if you want better stormwater management for your NZ property.
Natural Groundwater Contribution. Porous concrete allows water to naturally seep into the ground, replenishing local groundwater supplies. This concrete is designed to allow water to naturally percolate back into the soil.
Is A Permeable Concrete Driveway Right For You? Contact AquaPave Today
Are you considering a permeable concrete driveway for your property? Our concrete may be the perfect option for you, and we at AquaPave are here to help you discover the right choices for your space. For personalised assistance, please feel free to contact our friendly team today.