Exact Stormwater Management

Permeable pavements are a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pavement. Traditional pavements, like concrete and asphalt, are impermeable. When it rains, water can't penetrate these surfaces and runs off the pavements into a drainage system where it can cause flooding and erosion, as well as carry pollutants into our waterways.

Permeable pavers are specially designed to allow water to pass directly through the surface and infiltrate into the ground below. They can take several forms, from permeable asphalt or concrete to permeable pavers, which look just like regular pavers, but they have spaces between them, allowing water to flow through.

When rainwater falls onto a permeable pavement, instead of running off, it flows off the surface through the openings or pores in the pavement. Beneath the surface, there's a layer of stone that acts as a water reservoir. This reservoir stores water temporarily, allowing it to slowly infiltrate into the soil below.

Permeable pavers reduce stormwater runoff, minimizing the risk of flooding and improving water quality by filtering out pollutants as water passes through the layers. Additionally, they can help reduce the urban heat island effect, reducing the temperatures in our cities, making them more sustainable and comfortable. By choosing permeable pavers, we can contribute to creating more resilient and eco-friendly communities.

Permeable pavement is a simple solution for eco-friendly, sustainable stormwater management. But, to ensure it works effectively, regular inspections are essential.

The first step is a visual inspection. Walk across the permeable surface and look for any visible damage, like cracks, uneven settling, or displaced pavers. These issues can compromise the system's efficiency.

Next, check for debris or signs of clogging on the surface. Sediment, mulch from landscaped areas, as well as leaves and dirt cany accumulate and block the permeable openings, leading to puddles and problem spots. Also, check for cracks, deterioration, and other damage to the pavers.

It can be useful to inspect the pavement after it rains, looking for areas of standing water. You can also perform an infiltration test by pouring water onto the pavement using up to five gallons of water. If it isn't draining within a reasonable time, there might be a problem.

If you find problem areas in a permeable paver system, you might try to remove a block and inspect the underside of the system. Look for solid sediment or issues with the stone base. If you can’t access the underside, a professional can inspect and test it for you.

If you’re seeing lots of standing water or there are unusual changes or damage to the above-ground parts of the system, consider calling a stormwater professional to do an inspection and some investigation. They can help determine what is going on and come up with a plan to remedy any problems you’re having.

Regular inspections and maintenance ensure your permeable pavement continues to function optimally, minimizing flooding, preventing runoff, and contributing to a healthy watershed.

Permeable pavement is a fantastic solution for sustainable stormwater management, but it requires proper maintenance to ensure it stays effective.

If you’ve done an inspection – or had one done for you – that has identified some problems that need attention, or if you’re seeing standing water on the pavement after it rains, Exact can help. There are several different types of permeable pavements, and each one requires a different technique and equipment to clean it correctly. The key is to get the pavement clean without causing damage to the system.

Exact is your go-to partner for your stormwater management needs. With our innovation & expertise in stormwater management, let's work together to make a lasting impact.

There are several different types of permeable pavement, and the exact installation process for each will vary from one system to the next. There are, however, several components that are pretty common.

The first step usually includes excavating the installation area and till the soil beneath the system to encourage infiltration. The depth of the excavation should include the height of the paver and the depth of the stone base. All permeable pavements rely on a structural base to help support the weight of people or vehicles, so the heavier the load, the more depth will be needed. The stone also serves as a reservoir for the runoff that soaks through the pavers, so most systems rely on a washed stone that’s free of sediment.

Some permeable pavement systems will include a high flow fabric between the soil and the stone base. Stone is place on the fabric (or native soil) and compacted. Compacting the stone is important to make sure it’s stable and doesn’t settle over time, which can make the pavers look uneven.

With the base prepared, the permeable pavers are carefully laid according to the predetermined design. Multiple colors can be mixed to create patterns, and edge blocks often have to be cut to account for curves or special edging designs.

Some systems will require small chip stones to be swept into the joints between pavers, helping to stabilize the blocks. Finally, check the surrounding area to ensure all the areas contributing runoff onto the pavement are stabilized with good vegetation or mulch, as you don’t want any erosion and sediment to prematurely clog up your new permeable pavement.