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Why Kirkland Residents Prefer Permeable Concrete Driveways

Concrete Driveway Kirkland

Kirkland homeowners have a continuous search for products that can be both durable and environmentally conscious. In addition to a large amount of rainfall in the Pacific Northwest area, there is an emphasis on ecological preservation. Therefore, stormwater management is a vital issue when it comes to a homeowner in this area deciding which type of materials to use for his or her property. Because traditional, non-porous concrete causes such a high amount of runoff, it makes drainage difficult for the cities in the area and contributes to pollutants being introduced into Lake Washington. However, recent breakthroughs in material science present alternatives that meet the unique demands of this geographic area. For these reasons, many Kirkland homeowners have found that permeable concrete has become the ideal option for their next concrete driveway project, as they can connect their individual property renovations to the overall sustainability initiatives of the City of Kirkland.

concrete driveway kirkland wa

Why There Must Be Water Management in Kirkland

Kirkland has enough precipitation to create a constant source of surface water run-off, mostly in dense residential development. Unfortunately, standard concrete driveways inhibit water infiltration. They channel all of the rainwater into storm drains. These storm drains carry sediments, pollutants, and oils. Eventually, all of those contaminants affect the health of all of our natural water bodies. The City of Kirkland is committed to protecting its shoreline and wetlands. The City encourages all of its property owners to use green infrastructure to solve their stormwater issues. A green infrastructure solution using permeable concrete is a decentralized option for managing rainfall when the rain falls.

How Porous Driveway Systems Work

Porous concrete uses a very different mixture design than regular concrete. The mixture design significantly reduces or completely removes the fine aggregate (sand) in the mixture. Because of the reduction in fine aggregate, the concrete develops an interconnected network of voids throughout the material. When rain hits the top surface of a porous concrete driveway, instead of running off of it, the rainwater flows right through the driveway. The water then enters the specially engineered base layer of compacted stone aggregate located under the driveway. The stone base layer acts as a temporary reservoir for the water, and then allows the water to seep down into the soil below at a slow rate. Porous concrete performs two functions. It manages the amount of water coming onto the property. It also provides some level of filtration of the water as it leaves the property. That filtration action removes many pollutants from the water that would otherwise flow into the local streams and lakes. As a result of the use of porous concrete, homeowners are able to contribute to the larger ecological balance of the City.

Benefits of Using Porous Concrete Driveways in the Lakeside Community

There are many environmental benefits of choosing to install a porous concrete driveway, especially in a community that borders one of the largest lakes in the state. The first major benefit is reducing the amount of surface water run-off on the property. Reducing the amount of surface water run-off reduces the risk of localized flooding and erosion on the property. Additionally, the filtration action of the aggregate base removes many pollutants from the water before it leaves the property. Those pollutants include common pollutants such as oil, grease, sediment, and chemicals. This improved water quality enhances the health of the local aquatic ecosystems, including the many beautiful parks and beaches along Lake Washington. Choosing a porous concrete driveway is a tangible way for homeowners to contribute to maintaining the ecosystem around them.

Local Climate Challenges

The Pacific Northwest climate is characterized by frequent freeze/thaw events during the winter months. Freezing and thawing of water in traditional concrete slabs can cause the water to expand and contract. If there is enough water in the slab, it can cause the surface to crack or heave. One of the main advantages of using porous concrete is that it greatly reduces the risk of freeze/thaw damage. The reason is that the water in the slab drains quickly through the surface and the base. With no water left in the slab, there is little chance of ice forming in the slab’s matrix. As a result, a well-installed porous concrete driveway should last longer and perform better in freezing temperatures than a traditional concrete driveway.

Appearance and Code Compliance

Although porous concrete may have a slightly textured finish, it looks great and does not sacrifice appearance for function. Modern installation methods provide high-quality finishes that can be used in a variety of applications. Porous concrete can be used to complement the clean lines of modern architecture as well as the more rustic feel of Northwest traditional homes. For residents of Kirkland who live in areas that are subject to lot coverage or impervious surface restrictions established by local zoning ordinances, a porous concrete driveway can offer significant advantages. Installation of a porous concrete driveway can, in certain cases, eliminate the pavement from being counted against the lot coverage or impervious surface limit. That additional flexibility can make it easier to implement future landscape or construction projects on the property.

Value to Your Property

While the initial cost of installing a porous concrete driveway may be slightly higher than the cost of a traditional driveway, the long-term value of a porous concrete driveway is much higher. Installing a porous concrete driveway eliminates the need for expensive, large-scale drainage systems. Also, the increased durability of a porous concrete driveway compared to a traditional driveway translates to fewer maintenance needs and associated costs. As the demand for “green” products continues to grow, so too does the demand for homes with environmentally-friendly features. A homeowner who chooses to install a porous concrete driveway is taking a proactive step to protect the environment and improve the functionality of his/her property.

Working with a Local Specialist

Installing a porous concrete driveway is not something that a homeowner should attempt to do on their own. Successful installation of a porous concrete driveway requires specialized knowledge and skills. Preparation of the sub-base, selection of the proper material, and compaction of the material are all essential elements to the success of the system. Homeowners should choose concrete contractors who have experience with porous concrete systems, are familiar with the local soils, and are knowledgeable of the local ordinances regarding permeable surfaces. This ensures that the contractor is capable of designing and installing a system that will function as intended. Prior to hiring a contractor, ask if they have experience with permeable installations in the region. Ask what education or training they have received in regard to the installation of permeable concrete systems. Kirkland Concrete Concepts has a team of experts with years of experience in concrete work in the Kirkland area. We have a deep understanding of the specific demands of working with concrete in Kirkland, and we guarantee that every project we complete will meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

A homeowner who installs a porous concrete driveway is demonstrating a commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring that their home remains functional for generations to come. A porous concrete driveway not only helps to protect the environment, but also improves the appearance of a home and enhances the ability of a home to withstand the extreme weather conditions of the Pacific Northwest.

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