Permeable driveways are a brilliant choice for managing rainwater. These nifty driveways let water flow through the gaps and filter back into the ecosystem, avoiding the issues that come with traditional paved driveways and heavy rainfall. They’re durable and come in all sorts of styles and colors to suit your home. To keep your permeable driveway looking its best, regular maintenance is a must. Although they’re less high-maintenance than other options, there are still some tasks you need to stay on top of throughout the year. These maintenance tips will help keep your permeable driveway looking great and working smoothly for years to come.
8 Easy Tricks To Keep Your Porous Driveway Looking Fantastic For Ages
Check for ponding
Even though permeable pavers are designed to let water pass through, ponding can still happen, making your driveway look yucky. Ponding also means there’s an issue with the paving if it keeps happening. Check for ponding after storms, and if you see it, measure how deep it is. If it’s more than one nickel deep, you’ll need to do some work, like brushing or vacuuming the joints to clear out any debris.
Sweep regularly
Leaves, dirt, and debris can build up on your permeable driveway, messing with its appearance and ability to filter water. Sweeping with a hand broom as soon as you see a buildup helps you stay on top of maintenance and avoid issues down the line. This can also help prevent weeds from growing in the joints and break up any crusty buildup.
Use a vacuum once a year
Regular sweeping keeps your permeable driveway looking fresh, but it’s also a good idea to give it a deep clean with a vacuum once a year. This lets you really suck up any debris that’s built up in the gaps between pavers and ensure everything’s clear so your driveway can drain properly. Using a vacuum is especially helpful if you have a large driveway – it makes the big clean a breeze.
Light pressure wash once a year
You can also give your permeable driveway a light pressure wash once a year to keep it looking fresh. This’ll improve the color and remove any built-up grime and dirt. Just be sure to use the lightest pressure washer setting – high pressure can actually damage the pavers. After washing, check the jointing material and top it up if any was removed during the cleaning.
Remove weeds regularly
If weeds start popping up between the pavers, make sure to pull them out as soon as you see them. Keeping on top of weeds helps keep your driveway looking neat and avoids drainage issues. However, weeds can be persistent in permeable driveways, so you may need to sweep the gaps more often with a stiff brush to prevent them from coming back.
Refill joining material when needed
Keeping the joints between your permeable pavers filled with the right material is key to maintaining a neat, tidy driveway. The joints should be filled to the top to avoid debris buildup. When you need to, make sure to use the right jointing material and apply it properly. Aim to completely replenish each joint about every ten years.
Control moss or algae growth
Permeable driveways are less prone to moss and algae growth, but you’ll still want to keep an eye out for it, especially if your driveway is in a shady or damp spot. Moss and algae can make your pavement look dingy and cause drainage issues, so remove any you see with a stiff broom or weeding tool as soon as it appears.
Replace damaged blocks
Over time, you may find some of the blocks in your permeable paving get damaged. To keep your driveway looking its best and working properly, you’ll need to replace or reset any cracked, gapped, or rutted pavers you spot. Staying on top of block repairs is key – it’ll help maintain the structure and integrity of your driveway and prevent bigger issues down the line.
Deice in the winter months
Ice is less likely to form on permeable driveways than traditional ones, but you’ll still want to watch out for it over the winter. Use rock salt at temps above 20°F, or calcium chloride for colder weather. Just don’t go overboard – too much deicing can actually damage the pavers, so only use as much as you need and sweep up once the ice melts.
Apply a coating every three years
Applying a protective coating to your permeable driveway every 3 years helps shield it from staining and damage. It also stabilizes the joints and keeps weeds at bay. The coating allows water to drain freely without pooling. When applying a protectant, make sure it’s specifically formulate
