What is an Eco Driveway and do you Want One?

You might have heard people talking about having an eco driveway, but do you know what it is?

An eco driveway is a driveway that is permeable, allowing water pass through its surface. This allows the water to continue its journey in the water cycle.

So should you get an eco driveway? We’ll try to help you make the decision here.

What’s wrong with standard driveways?

Most driveways are made from concrete or blacktop, so they are strong and durable. This makes them perfect for heavy cars. But they can’t absorb water, meaning that it all ends up in storm drains and sewers.

You might notice if you live in an urban area that it quickly gets flooded when you have heavy rain. This is because the water has nowhere to drain, and sewage can end up in rivers and streams.

The amount of water that builds up from concrete driveways certainly has an impact on the environment. So if more people switched to eco driveways, it would help continue the water cycle and keep it on its natural journey.

So what kinds of eco driveway are available?

Grass eco driveway

Although grass is certainly better for the environment, you might wonder how it will function as a driveway. When it rains, you’ll just get puddles and muddy tyres that get stuck in the ground.

But you can lay porous paving down, which is like a grid that allows grass and plants to go through it. It’s very strong and prevents compaction, so you’ll still have a perfect surface for your driveway. It’s great for water because it will soak right through your driveway.

Gravel

Even if you’re not concerned about the environment, gravel driveways with the permeable grid below them are easier to maintain and will look better for longer.

In a normal gravel driveway, over time the gravel compacts into the sub-base layer as you drive your car over it. But with the grid-like layer underneath, this problem is resolved.

Resin bound eco driveways

Resin bound driveways are quite new in the UK, but are a fantastic solution as they are resistant to weeds and need very little maintenance. A resin bound driveway is made up of decorative gravel glued to a solid surface. You can now buy resin bound driveways that are porous to allow water to drain through them.

Whichever type of driveway you choose, be sure to investigate eco options – your rivers and streams will thank you!

Emily Rivers

Emily Rivers is the Customer Experience Manager at Quotatis. She informs customers of the latest developments in a range of products so they can make the best choice for their homes and ensures they get the best out of our service.