Pavers can add aesthetics and function to any Atlanta commercial property. They are low-maintenance, durable and add a lot of value and property appeal. They can be used in many construction applications, including parking lots, streets, sidewalks, driveways, trails, plazas and walkways.
But by using permeable pavers, or those that filter storm-water runoff and boost water quality, a commercial property manager can have all of the above benefits, in addition to a host of others.
Understanding permeable pavers
Permeable pavers combine an innovative mixture of aggregates, water and cement-like materials sealed with a paste. Since there is no sand, the particles are bound together creating a system of interconnected voids, so they can drain quickly.
In that sense, permeable pavers allow water to pass through them. They are also self-draining, meaning they filter the water that passes through them and then drain it through their voids to the underlying soil or underground drainage system.
Permeable pavers are built on an eight to twelve inch layer of subgrade gravel that holds and drains this water. They can help slow the release of water from a site during storm surges and help prevent flooding and erosion, while replenishing groundwater.
Ultimately, by storing water on site and releasing it at a slower rate, permeable pavers also improve water quality and reduce the urban heat island effect. All of these qualities make permeable pavers good for the environment.
Regular or impervious pavers, on the other hand, do not have voids. Instead of filtering water, water flows off of the surface into nearby storm sewers and waterways.
Permeable pavers make sense for commercial properties
Developed for the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) uses a point rating system to recognize sustainable site and building design. LEED is growing in use by landscape design and commercial building professionals.
Permeable pavers can help commercial properties qualify for these LEED credits because they help better manage stormwater. In fact, for stormwater management, a credit can be earned for sites where impervious area is greater than fifty percent.
Also, other LEED credits can be earned if runoff rate and quantity are reduced by at least twenty-five percent. Permeable pavers can reduce runoff to zero for most frequent storms, according to the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute.
Maintain to gain with permeable pavers
Because permeable pavers have voids, HighGrove’s professionals maintain them using commercial-grade vacuums to ensure the pavers aren’t clogging from filtered debris and can continue to do their jobs filtering water. Most experts say professionally installed and well-maintained permeable pavement can last just as long, if not longer, than regular pavers.
As hardscape experts, HighGrove can answer all of your permeable paving questions. If your Atlanta commercial property is seeking LEED credits or is planning a new hardscape installation, HighGrove Partners can present you with all of your hardscape options.
Call us at (678)298-0550 or use our simple contact form.
