How Permeable Paving Can Improve Drainage and Reduce Flooding Risks


These specialised pavers are unique because they allow water to flow through them rather than over them, providing you with plenty of safety and eco-friendly benefits.
Permeable paving is more than just an attractive paving choice. These specialised pavers are unique because they allow water to flow through them rather than over them, providing you with plenty of safety and eco-friendly benefits.

Featured Products: London Permeable Paver in Charcoal and Carbon Black   |   Photography Hamish Storey

What Is Permeable Paving?

These pavers are a unique type of block that allows water to pass through its surfaces, whereas standard paving surfaces such as concrete and asphalt are completely solid and let water flow over them. Without properly designed drainage, standard paving systems can result in water pooling and contributing to water runoff and flooding. 

Permeable pavers are created in a way so that there are many ‘voids’ in the paving surface, allowing water to run through. They can be used for patios, walkways, parking lots, public areas and more. 

Why You Should Consider Permeable Pavers For Your Property

Why consider our permeable pavers? Here are a few reasons why eco-conscious Kiwis choose these pavers for their properties:

Improved Stormwater Runoff Management. One major benefit of this modern pavement is that it can reduce stormwater runoff. Water runoff can cause flooding and erosion, which can introduce contaminants to local waterwaters. When stormwater flows from urban areas to rivers and ponds it might bring pollutants to the water and threaten the safety of the ecosystem. 

Because permeable pavers let water penetrate their surfaces, the water will flow through and return to groundwater stores instead of running into waterways or pooling on your property. This protects your property from flood damage and helps keep New Zealand ecosystems clean and healthy. 

Storm drains and other stormwater management infrastructure features can become overwhelmed during heavy rain and harsh storms. Permeable pavers help to bear some of the burden of the water, preventing excess water from flowing into storm drains.

Filtering Out Dangerous Pollutants. The voids in permeable pavers act as filters, filtering the stormwater as it runs through the pavement. This means these pavers can ‘clean’ water as it passes through, catching suspended solids, heavy metals and other pollutants.

Filtering the water before it returns to waterways or groundwater means that those contaminants won’t return to the water. Local ecosystems won’t be threatened by the introduced pollutants, making the environment cleaner for everyone. 

Reducing Flooding Risks. Flooding is incredibly dangerous and damaging. Floodwaters can introduce illness-causing contaminants to areas, making homes dangerous to inhabit until they’ve been professionally cleaned. Flooding can also cause serious water damage that’s both dangerous and expensive to fix. 

So, any measure to prevent flooding is a good one. Permeable paving helps to reduce flooding by preventing water from pooling. This way, permeable pavers slow down the rate at which water enters drainage systems, preventing sudden surges and allowing stormwater to be reabsorbed into the ground. 

Promoting Sustainable Land Use. Permeable pavement encourages groundwater recharge, prevents soil erosion and supports local ecosystems. Overall, permeable pavers are a sustainable choice that helps people meet their eco-friendly goals while adding aesthetics, durability and longevity to your property. 

Sustainable building choices are very important for many reasons. When you choose to use stormwater managing pavers or renewable resources, you’re choosing to support a greener tomorrow. 

Additional Benefits Of Permeable Pavers

What else should you know about our permeable pavement?

  • Advanced Durability. These blocks are highly resistant to damage and long-lasting. They’re suitable for both high-traffic commercial spaces and calmer residential spaces, being able to withstand constant use without cracking. Add to your space’s longevity and eco-friendliness with permeable pavers. 
  • Aesthetic Appeal. Well-crafted permeable pavers can add to your property’s visual appeal. These blocks are available in a range of colours and finishes, so you can pick what fits your property’s design the most. Choose classic natural concrete, a popular charcoal or more earth colours such as Clyde or Bannockburn. Along with colours and finishes, the blocks themselves can be arranged to fit your overall style. 
  • Improved Property Value. The addition of durable, beautiful and long-lasting permeable pavers can add to your property’s value. If you plan on selling your residential property, then these blocks can make your house more appealing while increasing its price. If you are using your pavers for your commercial space, then you can make your property more appealing to guests and customers. Plus, choosing sustainable solutions can improve your reputation and draw eco-conscious Kiwis to your business.
Choose Permeable Paving To Enhance Stormwater Management, Reduce Flooding And More

Visit our page on permeable pavers to learn more about these innovative pavers. At Viblock, we specialise in creating high-quality, long-lasting and visually pleasing veneers and blocks for New Zealand projects.

To reach our team, please feel free to call us on 0800 842 562 or get in touch through our website.

Viblock: Make your property safer with modern masonry solutions

Project by Mike Newman Builders  |   Featured Products: London Permeable Grey   |   Photography Hamish Storey