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With proper maintenance, permeable pavement can last for over 20 years. Bi-annual vacuuming prevents clogs from debris and sediment, extends the pavement’s lifespan, and helps you avoid costly driveway repairs. Permeable pavement often has a shorter lifespan in areas with heavy traffic or harsh weather conditions.

Pervious and porous usually refer to pouring asphalt or concrete—which is a single massive object—but with enough small holes to allow for even drainage. This is also sometimes called thirsty concrete. Permeable concrete pavers are precast concrete designed to also allow for drainage. Permeable grass pavers allow grass to grow through them and provide drainage. 

Pervious, porous, and permeable pavers are similar because they make it easier for rain or snow to drain or absorb into the ground rather than overload the storm or sewer systems. 

The most significant benefit of water-permeable pavement is that it helps precipitation absorb better (and slower) into the ground, which avoids overloading sewers and causing overflows and backups. It also helps recharge the groundwater and prevent agricultural runoff from lawns.

If you’ve ever seen water rushing into a storm drain, permeable pavement prevents that. Instead of water running off a steep driveway, a good amount of it “soaks” directly underneath the pavement.

Topmix permeable concrete costs $8 to $16 per square foot, including all installation costs. However, they give out estimates on a project-by-project basis. However, Tarmac, the company that made the product, no longer produces Topmix.

Ecoraster is a brand that offers many different permeable paving options in North America. Prices vary depending on the product and project. They’ll give estimates for each individual project. While not actual pavers, these grids serve a similar function. Ecoraster grids come in various styles and allow for similar drainage compared to permeable pavers or porous paving.

Permeable driveways may cost slightly more than a traditional paving type, but they reduce or eliminate the need to install any other type of drainage system. Drainage systems cost $2,000 to $6,500 to install. They also reduce stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, and help eliminate urban agriculture runoff, which can pollute waterways.