Say Goodbye to Stormwater Runoff with Pervious Concrete

By Editorial Team

Updated on July 2, 2024

pervious concrete brick

Are you looking for ways to limit flooding while simultaneously revamping your backyard? Are you familiar with pervious concrete at all? Picture an exterior surface that not only looks good, but one that’s highly functional. Said porous material was designed to facilitate water infiltration, limiting the risks of flooding while also improving stormwater control. Furthermore, it has several aesthetic options, blending perfectly with a range of designs and styles. Learn how pervious concrete can revamp your front or backyard. 

What Is Pervious Concrete?

pervious concrete brick

Pervious concrete, also known as pervious pavement or porous pavement, is a building material designed to allow water to seep through its configuration. Unlike traditional concrete, pervious concrete is made with a void structure, which facilitates water drainage, thereby limiting the risks of flooding and fostering stormwater control. 

What Permeable Paving Is Made Of and How to Make It

To make pervious pavement, you first have to use high-quality materials. The mixture must contain:

  • Cement

  • Water

  • Coarse aggregates (gap-graded)

  • Specific adjuvants 

Pervious concrete doesn't typically contain sand, which allows for the creation of voids in the concrete structures, which, in turn, facilitates water infiltration. The adjuvants used play a crucial part in improving the material’s adhesion, pressure resistance, and durability. To obtain a homogeneous and effective mixture, properly dosing every component is paramount. 

What Is the Aggregate’s Role?

The type of aggregate used to make pervious concrete is essential to ensure its performance. The gap-graded aggregate creates voids in the structure, facilitating water drainage. The type of aggregate used is thus paramount for ensuring the concrete structure has effective drainage. Coarse aggregate, such as gravel, is best to maximize permeability. The aggregate used must be clean and devoid of dust to prevent obstructing the concrete.

What Is Its Life Expectancy?

The life expectancy of permeable concrete can vary based on several factors, including the quality of the materials used, the installation process, and the maintenance practices followed. Generally, permeable paving can last between 20 to 40 years.

For What Reason Is Pervious Concrete Used?

pervious concrete

The main goal behind pervious concrete is to manage rainwater effectively. By facilitating the permeability of stormwater through the concrete structure and directing it to the saturated zone, this process reduces flooding risks and helps manage surface runoff. This type of concrete is also used to revamp front or backyard aesthetics, resulting in a functional appealing way to manage stormwater. 

How Does Pervious Concrete Foster Water Infiltration?

The goal behind pervious concrete pavement is to achieve a porous structure, allowing water to filter through the material freely. High porosity is made possible by the lack of sand in the mixture used, and instead coarse aggregate is used to create voids. These characteristics make it so that a concrete structure can drain water quickly, therefore preventing build-ups and floods. 

The Benefits/Advantages of Pervious Pavements

  • Water management: Reduces flood risks by allowing water to filter through the material quickly.

  • Aesthetic: Available in a range of colours and textures; can be used for various applications, such as alleyways, patios, and pool coping.

  • Durable: Withstands bad weather and requires little upkeep.

  • Eco-friendly: Promotes the replenishing of saturated zones and limits surface runoff.

Installation Steps for a Slab of Porous Concrete

laying a pervious concrete slab

Preliminary Steps

Before installing pervious  pavement, it’s important to make sure the ground in question is well-prepared. This includes grading and compacting the land to ensure the installation bed is as stable as possible. A soil separator or drainage fabric can also be used to separate the soil from the aggregate. 

Grading and Compacting Techniques

Proper land grading is crucial to ensure that the permeable concrete can fulfill its role. Use levelling tools to ensure the surface in question is uniform. The compacting step must be carried out with care to prevent air pockets from forming. 

What Thickness Ensures Efficiency and Durability of the Pavement?

Ultimately, the pavement thickness depends on its subsequent use. In areas with little motor vehicle traffic, such as bike paths, 10 to 15 cm thick is plenty. For areas with heavy traffic, such as parking lots, 15 to 20 cm thick is best. 

Where Is Pervious Pavement Used?

laying a pervious concrete slab

Alleyways/Sidewalks

Pervious concrete is ideal for walkways or streets, functioning as both a functional and aesthetic feature. It ensures proper stormwater management and is an aesthetically pleasing asset. 

Patio Floor

When it comes to patios, pervious concrete is a great option since it prevents rainwater buildup, lessening the risks of falls. Furthermore, such a pavement type can be personalized using different colours to better suit your backyard's aesthetic.

Pool Coping

Pervious concrete is especially effective around pool perimeters, acting as pool coping to prevent water from pooling around the sides, making for a non-slip surface. The material’s permeability also helps maintain a clean pool area. 

Parking Lots

Permeable concrete is used in parking lots to reduce stormwater runoff and alleviate flooding by allowing water to infiltrate into the ground, thereby helping to recharge groundwater and mitigate pollution of nearby water bodies.

How to Maintain Pervious Concrete

pervious concrete

Regular maintenance is paramount to maintain the aesthetics and efficiency of pervious concrete. This includes removing debris and fallen leaves that might obstruct the gap-graded concrete. 

Cleaning permeable concrete can be done with a pressure washer to eliminate encrusted dirt and grime. Preventative maintenance, such as a routine sweep, can help maintain the concrete’s performance.

The Efficient and Aesthetic Side of Pervious Concrete

Pervious concrete pavement is a versatile and efficient solution for managing rainwater while adding a bit of flair to your front or backyard. Whether used for walkways, patios, or around a pool’s perimeter, said material has a plethora of practical and aesthetic advantages.

Want to learn more about concrete? Check out our articles:


Get 3 quotes for your exterior renovation or landscaping project

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your exterior renovation project. When you submit your project, we’ll put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes) and receive quotes from companies specializing in home renovations.

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?


Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

6 min read

Editorial Team

20 Sep 2024

Between Pergolas and Gazebos: The Essentials for an Informed Choice

You're torn between a gazebo and a pergola for your outdoor space? This guide will help you make the best choice. Both structures have their advantages: the gazebo, with its closed roofs, offers superior protection, while the pergola, with its open design, allows for sun exposure. Whether made of wood or metal, to enhance a spa or simply for design pleasure, you'll find all the necessary information here to make an informed choice.

Landscaping
5 min read

Karine Dutemple

15 May 2025

The Cost of Sod – How much will you need to pay in 2025?

You’re looking at your yard with disappointment? Sod patches can quickly give a fresh new look to that tired lawn that’s been getting you down.

Landscaping
4 min read

Karine Dutemple

02 Jun 2025

10 Outdoor Patio Designs and Ideas for a Unique and Inviting Space

Summer is just around the corner, and for many, that means it’s time to start working on landscaping. If you’ve been searching for inspiration for several years to design the perfect yard, this could be the year your dreams finally come true.

4 min read

Léa Plourde-Archer

13 Dec 2024

Cleaning Ventilation Ducts: How-to Guide

Are your ventilation ducts due for a cleaning? Wondering how to get the job done? RenoQuotes.com has exactly what you need to effectively maintain your home’s ventilation system. 

6 min read

Editorial Team

06 Aug 2024

The Pros and Cons of Home Automation Systems

The digital realm has evolved exponentially over the years, and home automation systems are following suit. A home automation system allows you to remotely control a myriad of devices and equipment in your home thanks to technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). However, while these systems offer unprecedented connectivity, they also present some downsides.


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!