When contemplating the best pavers material for your driveway, usually asphalt and concrete are the first things that come to mind. However, these aren’t the most attractive materials to use when you are looking for a more natural, sustainable finish for your driveway pavers or landscape paving project.
Concrete and asphalt aren’t the most eco-friendly materials either. Several pavement companies have little interest in disclosing environmental information. But in today’s climate we believe it is vital to take sustainability into consideration. Different materials have different pros and cons that might suit you best. In our article, we will be comparing concrete, rubber, plastic, brick, and wooden permeable pavers that can be made of sustainable wood materials such as Black Locust, by the three dimensions of durability, sustainability and permeability & heat island effect.
Which are the most durable driveway pavers materials?
Nowadays, it’s not enough to have a basic concrete driveway. A lot of homeowners are turning away from concrete as a means of paving their driveways. The reason behind this is mainly in its durability. Concrete is affected by freeze-thaw and movements in the ground which will cause it to crack over time.
ProFlow Permeable Pavers™ have a life span greater than 50 years in comparison to standard asphalt or concrete.
Black Locust Lumber’s ProFlow Permeable Pavers™ is made of sustainable Black Locust wood that can withstand severe weather conditions. ProFlow Permeable Pavers™ also have a life span greater than 50 years in comparison to standard asphalt or concrete. And just how strong can a natural wood paver surface be? ProFlow Permeable Pavers™️ provides a highly permeable, durable surface that will last for decades. Even when driving a 60-ton crane over it, it can withstand the pressure.
Though rubber pavers are very durable, their environmental impact is high since their production causes severe air pollution.
In search of sustainable, eco-friendly driveway pavers
Though some rubber pavers are made from recycled content, they have a high carbon footprint as they are made out of petroleum. Recycled content is created with the use of a lot of energy. The same goes to concrete, brick and plastic, which all require lots of energy during production and therefore have high embedded carbon content.
A private residence in Brooklyn NY with ProFlow Permeable Pavers™ made of sustainable Black Locust wood.
The best driveway pavers option when looking at sustainability, is Black Locust wood pavers, as it has a minimum carbon footprint. Black Locust is becoming very popular for exterior use in landscaping. It is the perfect type of wood for pavements due to its natural longevity of 50+ years and water-resistant, rot-resistant, and anti-fungal properties. All without the help of any toxic chemicals. No oils, stains, or paint are necessary to maintain its beauty and its carbon footprint is way lower than any manmade product available. We have found that this makes Black Locust Lumber a perfect type of wood for sustainable architecture. Learn more about what makes ProFlow Permeable Pavers™ a truly zero-waste pavers product.
Permeable driveway pavements to reduce heat islands
Research shows that concrete pavements can reach peak summertime temperatures of 145*F. Which is so hot you might actually be able to cook an egg on concrete. On hot summer days, rubber can reach an unbearable temperature of 170*F, giving it a lower resistance to heat than concrete or asphalt.
Black Locust hardwood driveway pavers surface is softer and cooler on the feet compared to concrete. Google, Assembly at North First, San José, CA
Cool paving materials reflect more solar energy, enhance water evaporation, or have been otherwise modified to remain cooler than conventional pavements. Black Locust ProFlow Permeable Pavers™ has multiple benefits such as storm-water management. Permeable pavements made of sustainable Black Locust wood are emerging as a cool pavement and thus a solution for climate change. These pavements allow air, water, and water vapor into the voids of the pavement.
ProFlow Permeable Pavers™ can lower temperatures through evaporative cooling. The water passes into the soil or supporting materials below. Moisture within the pavement structure evaporates as the surface heats, thus creating a cooling effect.
Final thoughts on driveway pavers
While there are several other factors that come into play when choosing your driveway pavers material, it’s crucial to rule out the options that will simply be too hot to walk on during July and August. Taking all pros and cons into account, the most sustainable, durable option that is cool on the feet is Black Locust Lumber’s ProFlow Permeable Pavers™. Overall, it's important to choose the driveway pavers material that works well for your durability and practical needs so you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.
