Top Permeable Driveway Options For All Kinds Of Homes
Permeable driveway options are some of the most popular for homeowners across the UK, and they continue to be a premier solution.
These driveways offer excellent drainage, as they are made from porous materials or aggregates which help absorb water. This absorption can offer a range of benefits to your home and local ecosystems. With changing building regulations taking place across many countries, permeable driveways are becoming increasingly valuable.
At Ideal Building & Landscapes, we specialise in driveway installation and offer several permeable driveway options to our clients. To help you make the best decision for your home, we are sharing everything you need to know about these driveways, as well as highlighting the best permeable driveway options available.
Why Choose Permeable Driveway Options? The Top Benefits
Permeable driveway options offer a range of benefits for your home and local ecosystems, which is why they are so popular. These driveways are designed to offer water run-off and excellent drainage, which can help your home remain compliant and within building regulations, as well as offering additional benefits such as:
Sustainable Drainage And Flood Prevention
The main appeal of permeable driveway options is the fact that they prevent flooding through their porous materials. These surfaces are designed to provide excellent drainage, preventing standing water and flooding during rain and storms.
Permeable driveway options align with sustainable drainage regulations across the UK. SUDs compliant driveways, such as those offered by Ideal Buildings & Landscapes, provide excellent water runoff by following natural drainage patterns, where water flows into central systems and main drains from your driveway.
No Planning Permission Needed
When installed by professionals and created in line with SUDs regulations, there is no need for planning permission when choosing permeable driveway options. These driveways align with the current regulations for sustainable building and can align with the environmental goals of local counties, making them an excellent option for homeowners and businesses alike.
As planning permission is not needed, there is no delay in getting your permeable driveway options installed, and you can experience the benefits of a new driveway within days.
Low Maintenance And Long Lasting
Many permeable driveway options, such as resin driveways, are low-maintenance as they do not require constant cleaning, repairs or sealing to look their best. As permeable driveways are also incredibly durable and hard-wearing, they are a long-term investment to make for your home.
Over the years, you can continue to experience the benefits of excellent drainage and an attractive driveway, without needing expensive repairs or treatments in most cases.
Attractive Driveways For Enhanced Kerb Appeal
Permeable driveways are not just functional, but highly attractive. When upgrading your outdoor space, you want to create an environment that supports your lifestyle and looks good while doing it. With a variety of permeable driveway options, and each providing their own colour and design customisations, you can create a uniquely attractive entrance to your home.
The Most Popular Permeable Driveway Options
Now that you understand the benefits of permeable driveways, it is time to consider your options. At Ideal Building & Landscapes, we specialise in driveway installation and offer a variety of permeable driveway options to align with all needs, styles and budgets.
Based on your home style and your budget, you can choose from the following permeable driveway options:
Permeable Block Paving Driveways
Permeable block paving driveways are made from specially designed surfaces which support SUDs regulations. They can either be designed with larger gaps in between each block or made using more porous paving blocks to allow better drainage.
These driveways allow water to run off and drain through the joints between paving slabs into the sub-base. This prevents flooding and standing water, keeping your driveway and the surrounding landscapes safe. Like all other kinds of block paving driveways, these permeable driveway options are highly customisable with a range of paving slab colours and designs available.
With bespoke designs, these permeable driveway options are ideal for all kinds of property types and can complement both traditional and contemporary kerb appeal.
Gravel Driveways
Gravel is one of the most affordable permeable driveway options and offers a classic, natural appearance to your home or business. These driveways offer drainage as water can flow freely through the loose stones, avoiding flooding and related issues.
Like block paving, there are options to customise your gravel driveway based on the size and colour of stones used. However, it is important to note that gravel driveways require additional installation alongside the main surface. To keep your driveway neat, edging is required around the perimeter, and the stones will likely need to be topped up over time.
Those seeking a traditional appearance to their driveway and who want to remain SUDs compliant can benefit from gravel driveways.
Resin-Bound Driveways
Resin driveways are one of the most popular solutions for those seeking a modern refresh or permeable driveway options. These are sleek, modern surfaces which can be customised through aggregate colour and bespoke designs.
As well as being a popular upgrade for driveways, these are incredibly permeable and offer excellent water runoff. The smooth surface allows water to drain through the stones and aggregates, preventing flooding without compromising the visual appeal of your driveway.
These surfaces should always be installed by professionals, like our team, and can offer additional benefits such as being UV stable, to avoid fading over time, as well as slip-resistance to keep your family safe.
Permeable Tarmac And Concrete Driveways
Tarmac driveways are incredibly popular for large car parks and public-accessed roads, but can be a great solution for homeowners too. This is a cost-effective driveway solution that can provide water runoff based on the installation.
With the right subbase, water can drain through the asphalt and into the lower layers to prevent flooding and standing water. These driveways offer fewer customisation options, but the seamless appearance can complement contemporary homes or properties.
Do I Need Planning Permission For A New Driveway?
Permeable driveway options do not require planning permission, as being SUDs compliant is a main concern for local authorities. However, you may require planning permission if you do not choose one of these permeable driveway options and your new surface is set to be over 5m².
Based on the driveway you choose, additional drainage may be required, which leads to the planning permission. This is why, if you are choosing permeable driveway options, permission is not always needed, as they bypass the requirements of additional drainage.
Working with professional installers, like Ideal Building & Landscapes, is a great way to ensure your new driveway is in line with regulations. We can support your application for any permissions needed and deliver a seamless, lasting installation of your new driveway.
How To Maintain Permeable Driveway Options
Most permeable driveway options are low-maintenance, which means they do not require constant upkeep. This does not mean that no work is needed, however, but there are easy ways to keep your permeable driveway looking its best and providing excellent drainage over time.
- Clear Debris: Ensure that you are regularly cleaning debris from your permeable driveway, such as rubbish or leaves, to keep the drainage functional. This is especially important for driveways such as resin and block paving, as debris may hinder the water run off.
- Weed and Relevel: Over time, you may see weeds growing in between the stones of block paving or gravel driveways, and these should be removed. Not only do they ruin the appearance of your driveway, but they can also impact the drainage. For gravel driveways, ensure that the stones are refilled and levelled biannually or more frequently, if required.
- Occasional Power Washing: For smooth and seamless driveways, such as resin, tarmac or block paving, washing with a hose pipe or power washer may be required seasonally. This can help lift any debris or ground-in dirt, as well as remove stains so your driveway looks brand-new.
Conclusion
Permeable driveways are a popular option for both homeowners and businesses. Not only are these driveways attractive and long-lasting, but they also offer excellent drainage to prevent flooding.
Many local authorities have regulations regarding drainage, and most permeable driveway options are SUDs compliant, which means they do not require planning permission to be installed. There are various options for permeable driveways to ensure your new surface complements your home and lifestyle.
Ideal Building & Landscapes are a premier driveway installer that can offer permeable driveway options to homeowners across the region. We will work with you to deliver a bespoke installation and create custom designs to adorn your home.
Contact Us Today
To learn more about our permeable driveway options or to request a quote, please contact the team today.
