Patio, walkway, and driveway construction has changed significantly in the past 20 years. Concrete paver industry standards have shifted from recommending a compactible sand and gravel base, to using an open-graded, free-draining permeable base. This is good news for homeowners and landscape contractors alike.
Permeable Pavers in New Home Construction
New Hampshire Lakes Region properties are perhaps the greatest beneficiary of permeable pavers in new home construction projects. Building codes from the town and the State of NH-DES State limit the area that non-pervious surfaces can take up on these small lakefront building lots. Replacing an asphalt driveway with a permeable paver driveway can allow for a larger footprint for the home.
Better for the Environment
Permeable pavers are better for the environment because they reduce surface runoff that can lead to erosion and transferring petroleum residues into storm water runoff areas. Instead, surface water drains through the pavement into the gravel base, cleaning out the impurities and returning water to the ground.
Better for Patio Installers in New Hampshire
Permeable paver construction is better for patio installers in New Hampshire because this type of paver base can be built throughout the winter months, unlike the traditional sand and gravel mixture which is subject to freezing. That means your walkway or patio installation doesn’t have to wait until spring!
Permeable base construction provides far superior compaction and stability and is less likely to be subject to freeze thaw cycles – meaning less callbacks for the paver installer.
Permeable Paver Driveway Installation Options at Groundhog Landscaping
At Groundhog Landscaping, our concrete paver patio, walkway and driveway installation process with the same permeable stone base. We do, however, provide an option of using either a permeable or non-permeable paving stone.
Salt-sand cannot be used on permeable paver driveways, as the joints of permeable pavers are subject to clogging over time. For seasonal Lakes Region residents this isn’t generally a problem; however, if a permeable design is required, year-round residents may wish to consider having our paver construction crew install a heated paver driveway as an option to using salt-sand in order to keep the driveway ice-free.
Are you planning a home building project on a lakefront property? Schedule a consultation with Groundhog Landscaping to discover how permeable pavers can make the most of your new property!
