Permeable Pavers VS PurePave? Claims and data
- Taylor Davis
- Feb 18, 2025
- 3 min read
This is what a 100% permeable system looks like:
Now enter Permeable Brick Pavers:
Permeable paver bricks aren’t actually permeable ? A Closer Look and Why PurePave systems are the Real Deal
Permeable paving is gaining popularity among developers, urban planners, and environmentalists, as it aligns with the push to create sponge cities—urban areas designed to absorb and manage rainfall naturally. With the growing demand for sustainable solutions, the term "permeable" has become a buzzword in the paving industry, with companies quickly attaching it to their products to appeal to eco-conscious buyers. But are all of these so-called "permeable" pavers truly living up to the promise? When we examine certain products, the reality may surprise you.
Permeable Paver Bricks
On their websites, paver suppliers explain their version of a permeable paver:
"The real difference between the two paver types is the joint width. On a permeable paver, the joints are significantly wider... To be permeable, the rainwater must flow through these openings or joints for the system to work."
The system relies solely on the gaps between the bricks to drain water. That typically leaves 4-9% of total infiltration area over an entire surface. This is a problem in permeable paving because that's not enough room to filter all runoff and evenly distribute sediment. TLDR: they clog and underperform.
What about the infiltration rate?
The infiltration rates advertised (300-1000 inches per hour) are referring to the joint material only. Not the permeable system overall (say for a 10x10 foot area). The infiltration rate advertised is specifically for the 3-9% of total surface area of the gravel between bricks. Furthermore, those numbers drop drastically over time.
The actual paver isn't doing the work. Since all the water infiltration happens through the narrow spaces between the bricks, they are susceptible to clogging over time as they represent a low overall surface area of the total pavement.
Once these gaps are filled with dirt, debris, or organic material, the system stops being permeable, and you're left with a non-functioning, waterlogged surface. The numbers on the specification sheet may therefore lead some to believe they’re getting a fully permeable system, but in reality, they’re just buying bricks with wider joints. True permeability is about much more than just a few millimeters of extra space!
PurePave: A Truly Permeable Solution for all climates
Unlike the "permeable" brick systems, PurePave offers a fully permeable surface. The entire structure is designed to manage water effectively, without relying on small gaps that are prone to clogging. PurePave can infiltrate 38,000 liters of water per square meter/hr across the entire surface area. This is true permeability that lasts for decades, and unlock stormwater management capabilities and eventually… sponge cities.
What sets PurePave apart from other options is that its permeability only decreases slightly with time, maintaining infiltration rates 30x that of brick paver systems. The product is built to handle all kinds of weather, and its performance won’t be compromised by debris or dirt build-up, as sediment remains in the top 1-4mm of the surface and can be removed with standard maintenance if needed.
With a remarkable lifespan and 6x the strength of asphalt, PurePave is not only more durable but far more effective than traditional brick systems.
Tested and Proven
To highlight the difference, PurePave conducted tests on permeable brick systems installed in Ottawa Canada, showing water infiltration between small joints, results in very different overall infiltration rates than what are advertised by manufacturers. The results were clear—these bricks are not truly permeable. Meanwhile, PurePave's system continues to function under extreme weather conditions and heavy water flow without compromise.
The Verdict: PurePave or Permeable Brick?
While permeable brick paver suppliers offer partial solutions, the reality is their products aren’t capable of eliminating all runoff from a site, and they are prone to clogging and inefficiency over time. On the other hand, PurePave offers a comprehensive solution—a permeable surface that lasts, remains functional, more affordable and manages water far more effectively than its competitors.
With a 38,000 liters per square meter per hour infiltration rate, PurePave unlocks the ability for cities to develop water strategies to alleviate stormwater burden, reduce flooding and save money for taxpayers and developers alike.
Comments