Do you know that ugly, wet mess of a driveway that forms every time it rains? Or that pesky puddle on your patio that takes ages to dry? The solution to these problems might be laying right beneath your feet – permeable block paving. Read on to find out why this innovative option is the ultimate choice for homeowners and trade professionals alike.

The state of our environment is more important than ever, and many of us are looking for ways to make our homes and outdoor spaces more eco-friendly. However, few people realise that the type of paving they choose has a massive impact on the environment. That's where permeable block paving comes in – offering a sustainable and long-lasting solution.

In this blog post, we'll explain what permeable block paving is, why you should consider it for your next project, and how it stacks up against traditional block paving. So, whether you are a conscientious homeowner or a forward-thinking trade professional, it's high time to learn why permeable block paving is the future of landscaping.

What is Permeable Block Paving?

Permeable block paving, also known as porous or permeable paving, is a type of surface material designed to allow rainwater to infiltrate and permeate through it and into the ground below. Instead of water pooling on the surface, or running off into drains, it is guided into layers of specially-designed aggregates and then into the ground, replenishing the groundwater, and reducing the risk of surface flooding.

Key Benefits of Permeable Block Paving

  • Environmentally Friendly: Permeable block paving can help manage stormwater runoff, reduce pollution, and replenish groundwater supplies. This is because the water is filtered as it passes through the layers of aggregates, helping to remove pollutants and improve water quality.
  • Reduced Flooding Risk: By allowing water to infiltrate the ground rather than running directly into stormwater drains, permeable block paving can reduce the risk of surface flooding and overburdened drainage systems.
  • Low Maintenance: Permeable block paving systems require little maintenance, as there are no unsightly weeds to contend with and no need for on-going resealing.
  • Adaptable: Permeable block paving is available in various colours, shapes, and sizes, meaning that you can tailor your paving to suit your specific aesthetic and functional needs.

Permeable vs Traditional Block Paving: The Key Differences

While visually similar, there are some fundamental differences between permeable and traditional block paving:

  1. Water Management: Traditional block paving does not allow water to penetrate through the surface and can lead to standing water on your driveway or patio. In contrast, permeable block paving helps manage water by allowing it to infiltrate into the ground.
  2. Eco-Friendliness: Traditional block paving can contribute to surface runoff, which may end up in rivers and seas along with the pollutants it carries. On the other hand, permeable block paving mitigates these issues by filtering out pollutants and reducing the overall runoff volume.
  3. SuDS Compliance: Updated government regulations in the UK require new driveway and parking areas to incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), which permeable block paving can fulfil.