What Is The Difference Between Permeable Paving and Permeable Concrete?

While the construction industry booms, there is a growing call for sustainable practices and environmentally friendly materials. Two materials that are meeting these needs are permeable concrete and permeable paving. But what is the difference between permeable paving and permeable concrete?

The usage of these two materials is growing as they reduce surface flooding, but there are several differences that dictate their usage and are important to understand.

At 2 Brothers Concrete & Pumping, we provide permeable concrete to domestic and commercial projects across the South Coast. We are experts in this material and know when to use it and when other options might be better suited. In this blog, we explain what the difference between permeable paving and permeable concrete is.

What Is Permeable Concrete?

The first thing to understand is what permeable concrete is. To those who don't know what it is, this phrase can seem like an oxymoron, as the idea that concrete (a solid surface) can be permeable seems strange.

However, it actually makes complete sense once you understand how it works.

This concrete mixture uses large aggregate stones and fewer finer stones. As the concrete is poured and cured, the larger stones sit next to each other, leaving gaps between them. When it rains or water is poured or sprayed over the concrete, the water is able to seep through the surface into these gaps, working its way down through the sub-base and into the soil.

Gaps in the surface prevent water from building up on the surface, mitigating surface or flash flooding.

Permeable concrete is often used in urban areas because it reduces the urban heat island effect as the water within the surface cools the ground temperatures. Plus, the concrete acts as a natural filter, cleaning the water as it seeps through the gaps and traps any pollutants so water reaching the soil is clean.

Because of this, this type of concrete is often used for public car parks, pavements or pathways and residential driveways.

What Is Permeable Paving?

The other popular permeable option is permeable paving.

This is a paving system designed to allow water to pass through the surface and drain into the ground below. Similar to permeable concrete, this means water doesn't pool on the surface, therefore, preventing surface and flash flooding.

Like the concrete alternative, permeable paving has gaps where the water can penetrate the surface and leak through the layers to reach the soil. Typically, the blocks used for paving aren't permeable. However, strategic gaps between each block and carefully thought through sub-base and materials in the gaps allow water to infiltrate the surface and make its way down into the soil.

You will often find that larger aggregate stones, such as limestone, and sand are used as a sub-base and sand is swept across a finished paved surface as these are highly permeable.

You will often find permeable paving used for garden paths, public and private walkways, car parks and patios.

What are the differences between Permeable Paving and Permeable Concrete?

With an understanding of the two permeable surfaces, we can move on to the differences between them.

Material Composition

The structure of these two surfaces is different because the materials used are different.

Permeable concrete is constructed of large aggregate stone, cement and water, whereas permeable paving is a more modular structure using sand and paving blocks.

Aesthetics and Design Flexibility

Permeable paving offers more design flexibility as there is a range of colours for the blocks, and you can use a variety of colours to create patterns and borders. This means permeable paving can have more of an aesthetic appeal than permeable concrete.

With this being said, permeable concrete offers a more uniform look as the batch will be a consistent colour.

Installation Process

Of course, the two surfaces have very different installation methods, as permeable concrete can be pumped or poured and then worked into space.

Meanwhile, permeable paving will require more manual installation, as each paving needs to be laid in a precise place to allow for the gaps that will capture water.

Maintenance Requirements

Permeable concrete does need regular maintenance to prevent the gaps between the stones from clogging up with debris and dirt. Power-washing is an easy way to deal with this.

Depending on traffic levels, you might need to clean your permeable concrete surface 2-4 times a year.

Additionally, permeable paving requires frequent maintenance to ensure joints between the paving blocks are free from debris and blockages so water can easily penetrate the surface and filter through to the ground. A pressure washer, vacuum sweeper or blower are suitable for this.

On top of this, over time, the aggregate between the paving blocks can get displaced or compacted, which will reduce the permeability of the surface. Therefore, you will need to replace the aggregate here periodically. You might need to clean these surfaces 2-3 times a year, depending on traffic.

While permeable concrete might require slightly more frequent maintenance, the length of time it will take to complete is less than the maintenance for permeable paving.

Not Sure Whether To Use Permeable Concrete Or Permeable Paving?

There are many differences between permeable concrete and permeable paving that make them suitable for different uses.

From the way they work and their structure to their maintenance, design flexibility and installation processes.

At 2 Brothers Concrete & Pumping, our team can help you decide which solution will be best for your needs.

Whether you are looking for a surface for a domestic or commercial project, we will get to understand the usage of the surface, the traffic and loads that it will experience and your design needs.

If you need permeable concrete, we can mix this on-site and pump it straight to your project site, providing an all-in-one service.

Call us today on 01489 552737 or complete our online contact form to get our advice or guidance and discover more about our services.