Our lifestyle activities have an impact on the environment, which is why it’s important to seek opportunities to make a positive difference. Let’s explore practical ways to contribute and create a greener future together. This includes areas we might not normally think about, such as our driveways.
The traditional materials used for driveways, such as asphalt, concrete, and brick pavers, are popular but can cause more problems than they solve. Now homeowners and commercial spaces have a superior alternative: permeable driveway pavers. This article will consider the drawbacks of traditional paving materials and why permeable pavers are a more environmentally-friendly alternative.
Traditional Driveway Materials: A Comparative Analysis
Asphalt
Asphalt is a popular choice because of its low cost and durability, but is susceptible to damage from freeze-thaw cycles and chemical exposure. Asphalt requires sealcoating and striping regularly.
Brick Pavers
Brick pavers are aesthetically pleasing and offer a unique look. Unfortunately, brick is neither permeable nor particularly durable, and requires frequent maintenance and resealing to prevent water intrusion. The average lifespan of a brick driveway is approximately 25 years with diligent upkeep.
Concrete
Concrete, both solid and as pavers, is another popular choice due to its relative strength and longevity. Like asphalt, however, concrete creates an impermeable surface that can contribute to water runoff issues. Concrete driveways also require regular sealing to prevent accelerated deterioration.
The Downside of Traditional Driveway Materials
These traditional materials, while commonly used, also have numerous drawbacks that can lead to negative consequences.
Because surfaces cannot naturally absorb water, they often direct runoff to faraway integrated drainage systems. This poses a risk to local water supplies, which can necessitate expensive and energy-intensive measures to locate new water sources or drill additional wells.
Asphalt and concrete surfaces trap pollutants such as oil, fuel, and other automotive chemicals. The next rain event sends the pollutants downstream where they contaminate natural and man-made water systems. Treating this water for reuse can be costly and have environmental implications.
Manufacturing asphalt and concrete involves high energy consumption and substantial carbon emissions. These materials rely on petroleum products, sand, aggregate, and cement. Additionally, the production and installation processes require heavy machinery and extensive transportation, which creates significant energy consumption and expenses.
Asphalt emits other pollutants during the manufacturing and installation process. Concrete also has the potential to leach chemicals into the environment over time.
Choosing permeable pavers is a practical solution to mitigate these issues and promote a healthier environment.
A Better Option: Permeable Driveway Pavers
Given the challenges posed by traditional driveway materials, a new generation of driveway options has emerged, among which permeable pavers are prominent. Permeable pavers offer many benefits, including:
Durability
Durability and environmental friendliness, thanks to their unique design that allows for efficient water control.
Effective Water Management
Permeable pavers are a smart solution to address water runoff issues. They are designed to let water pass through, which is especially beneficial in areas with heavy rainfall. By reducing runoff, these pavers help prevent environmental and infrastructural problems. Embrace the power of permeable pavers to manage water effectively!
Strength
One of the greatest advantages of permeable pavers is their strength. Despite being permeable, they retain the robustness of standard materials, if not surpassing them. This means that they can withstand the weight of vehicles without compromising their water management abilities.
Embracing A Green Aesthetic with TRUEGRID® Pavers
When considering permeable driveway pavers, TRUEGRID® stands out as an industry leader, by offering a range of pavers suitable for both commercial and residential applications. One of the unique aspects of TRUEGRID® offerings is the option to create a green aesthetic with its products.
TRUEGRID® permeable pavers can be filled with gravel for a traditional look or with grass for a more natural, greener aesthetic. The TRUEGRID® ROOT®, for instance, allows homeowners to convert their existing grass lawn into a fully functional, permeable driveway, to retain the lawn’s natural look while enhancing its functionality.
TRUEGRID® PRO LITE
TRUEGRID® PRO LITE pavers are a versatile, durable, and eco-friendly paving solution primarily used for residential applications such as driveways, pathways, parking pads, and storage areas. In addition:
- They are environmentally friendly and made of 100% recycled materials.
- They provide stability in various temperatures and have a high load capacity.
- The easy-to-install pavers can be filled with grass or gravel.
They are a 100%-permeable paving solution that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
TRUEGRID® PRO PLUS®
TRUEGRID® PRO PLUS® pavers are designed for commercial use and are suitable for heavy-load environments like parking lots. The PRO PLUS® pavers feature a patented design that yields ultimate hoop strength, with circular elements providing multi-directional crush and shear strength.
The pavers are:
- Constructed from recycled high-density polyethylene
- Black with a UV stabilizer
- Non-toxic, harmless to plants, animals, and microorganisms, and are groundwater neutral.
TRUEGRID® ROOT®
TRUEGRID® ROOT® pavers are eco-friendly, and made from 100% post-consumer Recycled High-Density Polyethylene. They are non-toxic, safe for plants and animals, and improve water quality compared to asphalt or concrete. They have UV stabilizers to resist sun damage and remain dimensionally stable in extreme temperatures. ROOT® pavers are highly resistant to oils, acids, and other substances, for durability and longevity. Their patented design ensures strength and flexibility, to allow for expansion and contraction without cracking.
What sets TRUEGRID® pavers apart is their ability to provide instant grass paving without the hassle of excavation or permits, which makes them extremely user-friendly. They can be effortlessly installed on existing grass for immediate use, and their full permeability ensures efficient water drainage.
Embrace the Power of TRUEGRID for an Eco-Friendly Driveway
TRUEGRID® permeable pavers are the future of driveways and parking lots. Our pavers offer unmatched durability, an eco-friendly design, and the ability to retain a beautiful aesthetic. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to enhance the functionality of your outdoor space, or a business seeking an environmentally responsible parking solution, TRUEGRID® has an option for you.
Contact us today for more information!
