Porous pavers are interlocking blocks that are used to pave a variety of areas. These types of pavers have holes in them, for the very specific purpose of draining away rain water or runoff water. Some pavers have more open grids in which various grasses and vegetation may be planted. Porous pavers have also been called environmentally-friendly pavers as they lower the temperature by absorbing heat and also filter and cool the water that they drain; regular pavements, on the other hand, tend to reflect the heat and add to rising temperatures.
Different types of porous pavers are available in the market. These include porous stone pavers, porous asphalt pavers, and porous concrete pavers. All of these pavers are quite sturdy and capable of withstanding heavy vertical, horizontal, and rotational loads.
These types of pavers can be used in parking lots, driveways, busy lanes and pathways. Porous pavers are ideal for use along river sides and embankments, where they may often be installed as an erosion control method. These eco-pavers are a popular option in landscaping as they allow for ground cover to be planted in areas that might otherwise have looked bare and wasted, and as they can also be placed around trees without hampering tree growth in any way.
Installing porous pavers can be a simple enough task, but it is important to ensure that there is an appropriate base under the pavers. The soil beneath the pavers has to be easily permeable to allow for quick water drainage. Without this ability, the whole point of having the porous pavers in the first place would be lost.
Two major drawbacks with porous pavers include the fact that they are difficult to install over a sandy ground and that they tend to get dislodged in frosty conditions. In the first case, the sand can get into the holes in the pavers and interfere with the free flow of water through them. The second frost-related issue may be resolved by using pavers with a more adaptable design.
Once installed, these pavers are rather easy to maintain. They can be cleaned using regular street cleaning equipment, either a sweep or a vacuum, and they can be quickly repaired when required; any damaged units can be replaced without affecting or displacing the adjoining units. With regular maintenance, porous pavers can be expected to last for a long time.