Permeable paving is essential in the prevention of flooding, especially in built-up areas. It allows water to pass through the surface and infiltrate the ground below. When surfaces aren’t permeable, rainwater runs off and can overwhelm drainage systems and cause flooding of the local area.
Some permeable surfaces are porous. This means that the surface course used in the creation of the area features tiny gaps that liquids can pass through. Others, like bricks, have gaps in between which allow for water infiltration.
What are the benefits of permeable paving?
Permeable paving is becoming increasingly popular. This is, in part, due to the fact that commonly used surfacing solutions in times gone-by did not provide sufficient infiltration, which has caused flooding in many urban areas. For property owners looking to have new driveways installed, surfacing used must be permeable by law.
Reduced Surface Runoff
Surface runoff happens when water runs off surfaces instead of being absorbed by them. This is not good, particularly in built up and urban areas and can lead to flooding, pollution, water ingress, and damp issues.
Permeable paving lets water infiltrate the surface and trickle down to the ground below. This utilises the natural drainage properties of the earth, which will divert the water away from the surface, thus preventing flooding and other damage by excess water.
Less Flooding
A lot of flooding in the UK is caused by drainage systems being overwhelmed by water. This often happens during storms or periods of heavy rain and can cause untold damage to homes, businesses and communities. In some cases, flooding can pose a very real risk to life.
With climate change causing more extreme weather conditions which subsequently lead to flooding, permeable paving offers part of a solution that will help water naturally drain away without overwhelming the drainage system.
Filtration Of Pollution
When water runs off a surface, on its journey towards the drains it can pick up foreign bodies and pollutants. When this happens, there is potential for these pollutants to enter the water cycle, which can be really damaging.
Permeable paving stops this from happening by providing a place for water to filtrate as it lands, avoiding pollutants, foreign bodies and bacteria.
NatraTex Porous
Traditionally, asphalt surface courses aren’t permeable, which as we have established is not good for the environment. However, at BituChem, we have developed NatraTex Porous and we are able to offer a SUDS compliant surfacing solution that delivers all the benefits of asphalt.
NatraTex Porous is designed to replicate the natural infiltration methods of water, reducing surface runoff and all the associated problems with it. To achieve this, NatraTex Porous is laid on a porous receiving layer that allows water to permeate through the surface and be absorbed into the ground. It is suitable for both pedestrian areas and light vehicular use such as car parks, footpaths, recreational parks, residential roads and driveways.
As well as this, NatraTex porous materials are laid as a monolithic surface which reduces the risk of trip hazards in comparison to other permeable paving solutions, especially those laid in blocks. The material is also smooth and boasts anti-slip properties which make it an ideal surface for school playgrounds and MUGAs.
Find Out More
We are incredibly proud to have created an innovative permeable asphalt surface that contributes to reducing the risk of flooding in urban areas. To learn more about NatraTex Porous and how it can be specified for your project, please contact us. Our team would be delighted to supply you with further information regarding the product and provide you with free samples to help you make a decision.
