Product-Guide

Storm-Water Solutions: Permeable Pavers

What is Permeable Pavement

The Problem

Storm water run-off is one of the biggest threats to our environment. During a recent study of the water condition in the Lowcountry, it was stated that with as little as ten-percent impervious cover, we can expect to see an increase in unhealthy water quality and a reduction in the shrimp and shellfish population. With twenty-percent impervious cover, we can expect to see unsafe water conditions and toxicity to shrimp and shellfish. Gravel, "crush and run", used in parking lots is non-permeable, unsightly, high maintenance and contributes to flooding.

The Solution

Lowcountry Paver Permeable-Pavers work by allowing storm water to pass through voids between the pavers. An open-graded bedding layer and aggregate base allows storm water to filter through, trapping pollutants and contaminants on the way. Water is then returned to the ground where it is purified before entering underground water sources. This is a better solution than dumping contaminated water into our ponds, rivers, marshes and ocean.

Why use Pavers

Cost Effective

With site engineering and design considerations, Lowcountry Paver Permeable-Pavers may actually lower the overall cost of the project allowing for significant cost savings due to the reduction or elimination of storm water infrastructure requirements. Because Lowcountry Paver Permeable-Pavers are up to 100% permeable, the need for storm sewers and associated underground piping, as well as detention and retention basins, is often greatly reduced or eliminated.

Attractive

You will agree that Lowcountry Paver Permeable-Pavers are more attractive than concrete or asphalt. With our wide selection of shapes, styles and colors, Lowcountry Paver Permeable-Pavers can compliment any structure or style, contemporary or traditional subtle or bold.

Strength

Lowcountry Paver Permeable-Pavers are 80mm thick with a compression-strength guaranteed to exceed 8000psi. No asphalt or poured concrete can compare to the strength of any Lowcountry Paver Concrete-Pavers. Lowcountry Paver Permeable-Pavers in particular, are strong enough for virtually an commercial application.

Repairs Alterations and Underground Access

Two major advantages of Lowcountry Paver Permeable-Pavers are aesthetics and cost. After a few years, underground access is frequently required beneath many roads and parking lots for any number of reasons. In most circumstances this requires saw cutting and patching of the existing concrete or asphalt. When done, the patched pavement will never match the original. Because Lowcountry Pavers are individual units, they can simply be "unzipped" for access, work can be performed and the paver reinstalled as if they were never touched. It is that simple! Repairs are less expensive, require no cutting, curing time, and the pavement appears undisturbed after the fact.

Value

Aside from Lowcountry Paver Permeable-Pavers' significant benefits to the ecology, they will increase the value of a property by their aesthetic appeal. Overall maintenance cost will be significantly less than that of asphalt, concrete or gravel.

Lowcountry Paver: Permeable Concrete Pavers

Watershed Pavers

The right environmental choice for those opportunities to reduce storm water run-off and maximize ground water recharge. A great way to help protect our trees, rivers, marshes, ponds, and ocean, WaterShed's unique shape offers superior lock-up and permeability, along with great curb appeal.

To learn more about WaterShed Permeable Pavers and their benefit to the environment read the article 'Paving The WAY' in our News section.

Also be sure to visit the WaterShed Product-Details page.

RIMA

An old favorite, SF-Rima is an 8 1/2" interlocking square. It is laid with a small gap between each paver to allow for permeability.

Learn more about SF-Rima on the Rima Product-Details page.

Turf-Block

Turf-Block is a very simple lattice-shaped paver to provide ultra-permeability in light-traffic areas.

To learn more about Turf-Block visit the Turf-Block Product-Details page.

Suggested Applications

Roads and Parking Lots

Strategically located Lowcountry Paver Permeable-Paver parking spaces capture and filter storm water run-off before it returns to the ecosystem. Excess storm water not captured by the permeable-paver sections enters the storm sewer at the low-end of the parking lot.

See our Shapes & Specifications page for more details on all of these products.

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