Transform Your Nashville Driveway into a Stormwater Solution with Eco-Friendly Permeable Paving

Nashville homeowners face a growing challenge that’s literally falling from the sky. The annual precipitation in Nashville, TN is projected to increase from about 50.4″ to about 53.2″, and the share of precipitation during the biggest downpours in Nashville is projected to increase. A downpour for Nashville, TN is a two-day rainfall total over 1.1 inches. Around 1990, about 40.0% of precipitation fell during these downpours. In 2050, this is projected to be about 44.0%. With Nashville averages around 47 inches of rain annually and increasing urbanization creating more impervious surfaces, traditional driveways are contributing to flooding and water quality issues throughout Middle Tennessee.

The solution lies beneath your wheels: permeable paving systems that work with nature rather than against it. These innovative driveway solutions are transforming how Nashville residents manage stormwater while creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.

Understanding Nashville’s Stormwater Challenge

Stormwater, also referred to as runoff, surface water, or wet weather flow, is rain or snow that falls on streets, parking areas, rooftops and other hard surfaces. It then either flows directly into nearby streams or travels there through drainage systems, such as curbs and gutters, inlets, ditches, pipes, storm sewers, and detention ponds. The flows are then discharged directly into our waterways. As the stormwater runs across the surfaces, it picks up pollutants or contaminants such as litter, debris, oils and antifreeze from cars, soil, pet waste, fertilizers, etc. As it picks up these contaminants, it becomes polluted. Unlike our wastewater collection and treatment system, stormwater receives no treatment before it is released into the environment.

Nashville/Davidson and the rest of Middle Tennessee has seen increased urbanization resulting in radical changes to the topography, ground cover, and minor stormwater management systems, adversely affecting building stormwater planning. These urbanization changes have adverse effects on the environment, primarily through the subsequent increase in stormwater runoff quantity (flooding) and pollution.

What Are Permeable Paving Solutions?

Permeable pavers, also known as permeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICP), are installed with layers of varying-sized stone or aggregate underneath that filter and direct stormwater to underground aquifers. Belgard permeable pavers mimic the way natural land absorbs water. Permeable pavers differ from traditional concrete pavements because they contain more gaps to allow stormwater runoff to drain more effectively.

Permeable paving allows water to pass through into the soil and gravel layers. It uses unique products with grids or patterns filled with gravel or grass. These robust and durable products can withstand heavy loads and traffic while also maintaining permeability. They are an eco-friendly paving solution that can enhance the landscape’s aesthetic appeal.

Environmental Benefits for Nashville Properties

The environmental advantages of permeable paving are particularly relevant for Nashville’s climate challenges:

• Stormwater Management: With permeable concrete pavers and permeable grass pavers, any rain that falls on your patio, walkway or driveway seeps back into the ground, reducing the burden on storm drains.
• Pollution Prevention: By weighing down the soil underneath them, permeable pavers offer good erosion control that prevents debris from getting into local rivers or other bodies of water. Other eco-friendly features include the prevention of pooling water and pollutants.
• Groundwater Recharge: Permeable pavers help recharge local groundwater supplies and filter pollutants. This contributes to cleaner water entering natural waterways making it a eco-friendly addition to your outdoor space.
• Flood Reduction: Porous concrete pavers significantly decrease surface runoff by allowing water to infiltrate the ground. This reduces the risk of flooding during heavy rain storms.

Types of Permeable Paving Options

Nashville homeowners have several permeable paving options to choose from:

• Permeable Interlocking Pavers: This material can be used to create a porous surface with the aesthetic appeal of brick, stone, or other interlocking paving materials. Just use sand in the joints instead of mortar. They are most often used for driveways, entryways, walkways, or terraces to achieve a more traditional, formal appearance.
• Grass Pavers: Grass pavement offers an attractive and eco-friendly option for your driveway, allowing for natural infiltration of rainwater. This unique approach helps reduce soil erosion and maintains the integrity of the water table, which is vital for preserving local ecosystems.
• Gravel Systems: Yes, that’s right, plain old gravel. Lots of driveways used to be surfaced with it. Some types look beautifully elegant. Some just do the job. But talk about pervious. So in the right application gravel is the greenest choice.

Durability and Performance

Contrary to common misconceptions, permeable paving systems are built to last. With uncompromised durability, permeable pavers are great for areas with high foot or vehicle traffic such as residential driveways and patios. While your residential project may function well with conventional paving, you’ll find that permeable concrete offers many benefits for smaller home spaces.

Permeable pavers are highly durable and capable of withstanding heavy loads and strong weather conditions. They often have a long lifespan, and if needed, individual pavers can be easily replaced without disrupting the entire surface.

Professional Installation Matters

The success of any permeable paving project depends heavily on proper installation. Installing pervious concrete or asphalt is generally the same as its impervious counterpart. Not surprisingly, the biggest difference is the substrate materials — the layer below the paving — that must be designed to handle the water.

For Nashville residents seeking professional driveway paving Nashville, TN services, working with experienced contractors is essential. Get reliable asphalt paving services from a trusted family-owned business in Wilson County, TN. Contact us today for quality and affordable solutions! In business for more than 50 years, our paving company is ready to cater to your residential and commercial asphalt paving needs. Whether you need driveway resurfacing in Wilson County, TN or need a new driveway installed, you can rely on our reliable and effective services.

Cost-Effective Long-Term Investment

Permeable pavers managing stormwater onsite reduces the need for expensive drainage infrastructure. This not only cuts initial construction costs but also lowers long-term maintenance costs associated with traditional stormwater management. Additionally, many municipalities offer incentives for sustainable stormwater management practices, potentially reducing your overall project costs.

Making the Switch to Sustainable Driveways

As Nashville continues to grow and climate patterns intensify, the need for sustainable infrastructure solutions becomes more critical. At Permeable Pavers, we are deeply committed to championing sustainable hardscaping solutions that redefine outdoor design. Our specialty, permeable pavers, represents a pioneering approach to sustainability. By allowing water to naturally infiltrate the ground, these pavers mitigate stormwater runoff, prevent flooding, and facilitate groundwater recharge.

Permeable paving solutions offer Nashville homeowners an opportunity to address local environmental challenges while creating beautiful, functional driveways. With proper professional installation and the right materials, these systems provide decades of reliable performance while contributing to the health of our local waterways and reducing flood risks in our communities.

Whether you’re building a new home or replacing an existing driveway, consider how permeable paving can transform your property into part of the solution for Nashville’s stormwater management challenges. The investment in eco-friendly paving today creates benefits that extend far beyond your property lines, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient Nashville for generations to come.