Permeable Paving Installation Questions

No. Standard block paving sheds water across the surface. Permeable paving uses porous blocks or open joint gaps, a crushed stone sub-base, and a geotextile membrane so water passes down through the system rather than running off.

Usually not if the existing surface is failing or drainage needs to change. A proper installation requires full excavation so the sub-base and membrane layers can do their drainage work. An overlay over a compromised base will not perform correctly.

A cracked or poorly draining surface directs water toward the house foundations or into the garden. Over time this can undermine the existing base further, increasing excavation depth and cost when the work is eventually done.

It can reduce surface runoff significantly, but it is not a cure-all. Soil type, slope, and the wider drainage setup all affect the outcome. The site assessment checks these factors before a system is specified.

It can if fine debris fills the joint gaps. Keeping the surface clear of silt and leaf debris maintains drainage. The geotextile membrane prevents soil migration from below, which is the more common cause of long-term blockage.

Excavation, sub-base, geotextile membrane, edging restraints, and the paving surface are each quoted as separate line items. You see the cost of each stage before agreeing to proceed.