Permeable Driveway Options To Revamp Your Driveways

If you are looking to revamp your driveway with a permeable substitute, this guide gives you some permeable driveway ideas you can choose from.

What is a Permeable Driveway?

A permeable surface simply means that the system has the ability to allow water to drain directly through it into the ground. Water is therefore not channelled to the drains or sewage system but passes through the porous surface into the water bed.

It is very important that you consider permeable surfacing for your driveways as they are now the new normal. One of the reasons is that they are SUDS compliant which means they are very environmentally friendly. They help to trap environmental pollutants and are much more durable since you do not have to worry about water puddles on the surface which can weaken your drive overtime.

By installing a driveway which conforms with the Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, homeowners will now be able to transform their driveways from non-permeable ones to solutions which have porous surfaces. Here, you do not have to seek planning permission before you can lay your driveway.

A permeable driveway solution can help reduce drastically the amount of rainwater which obviously carries debris, pollutants, oil, fertiliser and other garbage from the streets into the water ways. This also reduces the workload on water treatment facilities. When you choose a permeable driveway solution, you make a choice for a healthier and cleaner environment.

Here are some permeable driveway options to revamp your existing driveway;

• Resin bound driveway
• Gravel driveway
• Reinforced Grass Driveways
• Wheel tracks
• Permeable Concrete and Asphalt
• Plastic Grid Systems
• Permeable Pavers

Resin Bound Driveway:

Resin driveways are of two types- the resin bonded and the resin bound driveways. Resin bound systems are known to have porous surfaces which allow water to seep through and back into the ground. Driveways laid in this form and on permeable bases are fully SUDS compliant. They help to prevent flash flooding after heavy rainfall and also trap pollutants onto the driveway surface rather than have them run off with rain water into waterways or drains where they may be harmful to wildlife and natural ecosystems.

Resin bound solutions are also very durable, very elegant and remain in top condition without fading as long as UV resistant resins are used in the installation. They are also low maintenance options and are quite easy and fast to install.

In addition, they have good grip qualities which makes them ideal for steep surfaces. The surface is also flexible which helps to minimise the risk of cracks appearing on it. The smoothness of the surface also makes them ideal for areas where you have children, accessible for ramps used by wheelchairs, buggies, etc.

Additionally, as with all other permeable surfaces, they do not require a planning permission to install.

Related Reading: Find out Why You Should Buy A Resin Bound Driveway?

Gravel Driveway

Another popular permeable driveway option you can consider for your driveway is the gravel or shingle driveway. They are also easy to install, cost effect and visually appealing. You can undertake the installation as a DIY project. All you need to do is apply the gravel over a subbase of weed mesh and within a few hours, your driveway is ready.

One advantage of using weed mesh is that it does not allow weeds from growing through which may eventually make the driveway unattractive over time. On the other hand, this driveway option is not recommended for steep surfaces as the water can force the gravel to come loose. Also, there is more tendency of having the stones scatter out of position requiring frequent shovelling back to keep the driveway in order.

Related Reading: 3 Steps to Install a DIY Resin Bound Gravel Driveway

Reinforced Grass Driveway

The use of reinforced grass is becoming quite common for homeowners. Most driveways originally are made of grass but overtime, the grass will wear away except in areas where there is low rainfall and dry weather.

However, for a long term solution, the grass can be reinforced while also maintaining its natural look. The way to do it is to lay two thin paving strips which could either be rubber, plastic or concrete mesh mats to provide a path for care tyres. Laying these strips is easy and also prevents your cars from creating unattractive marks on the grass. Reinforced grass is an excellent permeable driveway option you can consider.

Wheel Tracks

Wheel tracks are also another very cheap permeable driveway option you can consider for your driveway. It can be quite effective even if not as comprehensive as other driveway systems.

It simply involves you laying stones, flags or paving to create a path for your car tyres. All other areas can remain as gravel and you will not need to constantly shovel gravel back into position since your car doesn’t drive on them. They will however need some considerable amount of maintenance to keep them in good condition.

On the good side, as long as the paved area for your car tyres is less than 52 metres, you will not need to obtain a UK planning permission.

Permeable Concrete and Asphalt

Concrete and Asphalt can now be manipulated in some ways to allow water to permeate through them. These new systems of concrete and asphalt were introduced to allow for pavement-style driving surfaces especially where environmental regulations may not allow them.

An alternative way of tweaking concrete paving is with the use of open cell concrete blocks which are able to allow water to pass through around the edges of the surfaces while still being able to bear heavy vehicular traffic. The open cells are filled with grass or topsoil making the blocks difficult to differentiate.

Plastic Grid Systems

Recycled plastic grids and blocks are used to create a permeable but hard driveway surface. They are not a bad choice at all and you may consider them. These plastic grids not only allow water to pass through them easily, they are also very durable, quick and easy to install and require very little maintenance. Like with the permeable concrete and asphalt, you can fill the grids with gravel, topsoil or sand.

Permeable Driveway Experts

At YourResinDriveway.com, we work closely with specialists in resin bound surfacing and other permeable driveway installations. It is important that you choose a permeable solution for your driveway so that you can install your driveway without having to obtain a planning permission.

Permeable driveway options are also environmentally friendly, trapping pollutants in rainwater and helping to provide a cleaner and healthier environment.

If you have a driveway project coming up or you require expert opinion on how to transform your existing non permeable driveway into a permeable system, all you have to do is to call our helplines or fill out our online free enquiry form. We are always happy to help.

You need a trusted name for your driveway project so that you can be sure that you get the best for your outdoor home. Be it a resin driveway, pathway or patio, you can always trust us to deliver. We look forward to hearing from you.