Permeable Pavers prevent tree root upheaval

One of the most common issues encountered with any type of cementitious paving surface is the damage that growing tree roots can cause. Upheaval is a common problem in any city that places trees in sidewalks.

Photo gathered from: lancaster.unl.edu

Trees depend on water and nutrients to reach their root tips and in a natural setting, the roots grow in such a way as to collect those nutrients. In a concrete area, they must accomplish the same goals, but the concrete can prevent much of the water and many nutrients from reaching the root system. So the tree roots pop up, causing major damage to walkways.

Pavingstones have long been a way to reduce the costs of damage that trees can cause, since you can pull out individual units, trim the roots, reset the base and replace the pavers. Otherwise you would need to cut out the concrete, or have a grinding tool.

But what if you didn't have to do any of that sort of maintenance? Is there a way to have a safe walking surface and be able to get water to the roots?

Permeable Pavers can be a great solution to this problem. Permeable pavers allow a hardscape surface to act more like a natural surface by allowing water to penetrate to the roots.

Below is an example of a project using Hydro-Flo Technology Permeable Pavers for a specific area. The homeowners really liked this tree, and wanted to keep it where it was, but they were also interested in having paved access to the back of the property. As a result, they chose Hydro-Flo Permeable pavers to negate the impacts of paving over the roots.

You can see how some areas are absorbing water to be passed to the subsoil and to the roots. This installation required minimal destruction of the roots as well. There you have it...you CAN have the best of both worlds!

Eco-Friendly Luxury

It always seems like there is a compromise between products out there. Is it really possible to have something do what it says it is going to do?

For a long time, we have settled for "permeable" pavers that depend solely on aggregate in gaps to allow water through. It works, but it is no longer the best solution. Gap-style pavers need a unique mold in order to give them the extra space between the pavers, so usually you are pretty limited in the styles you can use for your project.

Since permeability is dependent on the gaps in-between the stones, maintenance of the aggregate is of the utmost importance. Maintenance usually requires a special vacuum that can suck up the dirt and debris that collects in the gap, while leaving the majority of the aggregate behind.

While gap-style pavers do prevent puddling, the stones themselves remain individually wet on the surface so they can still be slippery. The gaps also present a safety issue for handicapped people or high heels.

Hydro-Flo Technology eliminates most of these issues by changing the mix (not the mold) that goes into the pavers. They meet all the requirements ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) sets forth, while allowing water to go directly through the surface of the pavers. This means any of our styles can be used while still choosing an eco-friendly paving surface, so it can match the style that you are trying to create.

Because permeability is independent of holes or gaps, you don't have to do the same sort of maintenance. Usually keeping the surface free from excess dirt is all that is necessary to maintain permeability.

Safety and luxury come with this product. Not only does it meet (or exceed) all standards, but it looks great and it works!

Something to be thankful for: Monterey County renews Water Conservation Rebates

With funding from California American Water and the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, water conservation rebates are back! These rebates include more efficient toilets and water heaters, but they also include landscaping rebates. If you are planning to take out an area of grass, contact this group first! They need to evaluate the site before you take out the turf.

Once you go through an application process, you can qualify for up to $1.00 off your new landscaping. This rebate is good for areas replaced with drought resistant plants or permeable pavement. Join the two types together to create your dream backyard. There are even additional rebates if you use Smart Irrigation Systems, new sprinkler heads, and rain water holding tanks! Contact us if you're looking for a contractor in your area!

Take a look at this website for more info about the rebates: http://www.montereywaterinfo.org/rebatesNEW.html

Santa Clara University in the rain

It has been about 2 years since Hydro-Flo Technology pavers were installed on the Santa Clara University Campus. They are one of the first groups that saw the benefits of using Hydro-Flo Technology. During the downpour on Friday, we captured some images of the project that show how well Hydro-Flo Technology continues to work.

 

This picture goes to show how sometime the pavers can function more effectively than a natural substance (disintegrated granite)!

Hydro-Flo Pavers and Permeable Concrete at the Gilroy Library

The bold colors of B4 Textured Estates create an excellent focal piece

Hydro-Flo Technology Pavers have now been installed at the Gilroy Library for months. In addition to beautifying the landscape, they were installed as a functional tool. Designed to take 3 inches of water per hour, Hydro-Flo pavers are proving themselves to be more slip-resistant and a better environmental alternative.


Hydro-Flo Pavers thrive where normal concrete fails

Take a look and see how puddling can occur on the surface of normal concrete. We've all seen and experienced this. Imagine not having to dodge puddles to get anywhere after a rainstorm! That makes Hydro-Flo an improvement even on natural surfaces!



Permeable concrete also helps keep water off surface

There are alternatives out there. For instance, the library also decided to use permeable concrete for the parking area. The regular concrete still had some puddling on it, while the permeable concrete does not. It has served that purpose very well.



Close-up of "permeable" concrete

I would like to address some of the differences between permeable concrete and Hydro-Flo Pavers. As you can see, "permeable" concrete depends on holes for its permeability. As such, the permeability can be reduced by dirt, leaves and debris collecting in the open spaces. This fault makes you choose between constant maintenance and a clogged system.

Bits of permeable concrete aggregate have broken off

Also, upon arriving, it was clear to me that the concrete was disintegrating. Because permeable concrete is more loosely held together with cement, some of the bits and pieces were breaking apart under the pressure from cars. Now in this application, Hydro-Flo Technology was not used in the parking area, so there is no direct comparison. However, all of Pacific Interlock Pavingstone's pavers (including Hydro-Flo) must meet ASTM and ICPI standards for strength and durability, even under freezing conditions!


In the above picture, there are four options of surfaces. One is the natural planting area. They can look great, and act as great places to keep water on-site. However, they cannot be driven on or walked on after rain (at least for those who don't want to be covered in mud!). Regular concrete is another option. It has proved its usefulness time and time again, though it just isn't permeable. It matches the old mindset of getting the water somewhere else as fast as possible. Permeable concrete has already been discussed, but can be a viable solution. The last option is Hydro-Flo Technology by Pacific Interlock Pavingstone. This offers the strength of concrete, with the permeability of "permeable" concrete, and it mimics a more natural infiltration system. It offers many other benefits as well, but the one I want to mention is the design possibilities! It can come in nearly any color and many shapes and sizes. This option is the icing to the cake for architects and designers. Not only do you have a functional product, but you do not have to sacrifice style to do it.

Hydro-Flo Pavers Expand Use in Santa Barbara

One of the largest installations of Hydro-Flo Pavers is the ongoing project at different areas around the University of California-Santa Barbara campus. As a part of the overall project, Hydro-Flo was recognized as an influencial part in helping the rennovation to recieve a Gold "STARS" Award from the UC Environmental Rating system.

UCSB has been constantly installing the pavers in new areas, with the most recent project being in front of Carillo Dining Commons. Continuing to use the SB Tan color, this area incorporates a pattern of 6x12 and 6x6 Estate series Pavers.

 

 

 

The great thing now is that projects in the area have seen what Hydro-Flo Pavers have done on the UCSB campus and are now beginning to use these unique permeable pavers to serve other sites around the city of Santa Barbara. The IV Loop and Santa Ynez apartment complexes have chosen to do just that.

With the one decision to incorporate Hydro-Flo Pavers into their extensive plaza and walkways, these apartment complexes are committing to "green" their previously impervious walking surfaces. These pavers will impact the community for many years to come as they have the potential to return millions of gallons of water to aquifers over the course of their lifetime. In addition, there will be some hidden benefits as well, such as reducing the slip hazard present on hardscape surfaces.
The IV Loop Project even features our new 8x16 Pavillion Paver in our Grey/Charcoal Color. Keep your eyes open for More Hydro-Flo Projects on the way! You'll really have to watch closely, since you can hardly tell our standard pavers from Hydro-Flo!



Closter Park Remodeled

The Rotary Club has been known to be the catalyst for many great changes in neighborhoods around the United States. That legacy has certainly continued in Salinas this year.

Closter Park is located in East Salinas and has been the location of many violent incidents in the past few years. Surrounded by low income housing, the park is also the main place for young children to play. In an attempt to bring about neighborhood pride, the Rotary Club gathered donations and unified a work force to go out and make changes to the park.

Pacific Interlock Pavingstone saw the good that the Rotary Club was trying to do and hopped on board, supplying 10,000 square feet of Hydro-Flo Pavingstones to promote responsible water management and the positive growth of Salinas Youth.

If you get a chance, go and explore the park. Take a look at the sponsors and be sure to thank them for their efforts!

Mission Playground Renovation- San Francisco

The Mission Playground has served as a refuge in the City of San Francisco for many years now. Recently, the park has been undergoing renovations to revamp the park with new fields, play structures and open spaces. The first part of the park has reopened, and what a beautiful start to the project.

 Hydro-Flo Technology Pavers are being used for the park's many walkways and promenades. Since this park maintains a water-park component, these stones will offer the vital safety that children will need when running around.

In addition to the invaluable safety benefits, these pavers have the potential to keep MILLIONS of gallons of water from flooding the streets, while replenishing groundwater sources.

Gilroy Library Gains Approval of the Community with help from Hydro-Flo Pavers

 


Photo by Lora Schraft/Gilroy Dispatch.

For some time, Gilroy realized a new library was needed in order to meet the growing needs of the community. The city was backed in 2008 by the overwhelming support of voters who passed the bond measure with a 70% margin, despite a lack of state funding. The city took the lead with a focus on stewardship as they began construction of the facility.  The city acted as excellent caretakers of the public money as the job finished $3 million under the anticipated budget. Additionally, the city had resolved that all their new construction would try to meet environmental standards established by LEED. Those careful efforts of the city have been clearly seen throughout the entire process, including their selection of Hydro-Flo Permeable Pavers from Pacific Interlock Pavingstone.

Photo by Lora Schraft/Gilroy Dispatch.

The Library should serve as a source of pride for Gilroy as it truly makes the community a better place. The library houses over 150,000 pieces of literature, poetry, music and movies, with plenty of space to study in comfort. However, it is not only its functionality that makes it such a wonderful place. It is also a very beautiful space. Hidden among the architecture and landscaping is the commitment to the environment. The project is slated to reach Gold in the LEED Rating system (after a 1 year evaluation period). This rating depends on many different environmentally conscious avenues, from lighting to power generation to water conservation. With most of the exterior elements designed by Karen Aitken (http://aitkenlandscapes.com/), the library creates both as architectural beauty while being a space that is beneficial to the environment. Take note of the Hydro-Flo paving stones. While they provide a beautiful outdoor space, they subtly serve a very important function. The 25,000+ square feet of pavers are truly surface permeable. That means, whenever it rains, or the landscape irrigation overshoots, the water will not run off into a storm sewer system, but will rather stay on site after travelling through the Hydro-Flo Pavers. This will also help to maintain public safety by reducing the amount of slippery surfaces. The Hydro-Flo Technology can help projects qualify for up to 5 LEED credits, including water conservation, stormwater management, and heat island reduction (SRI).


Hydro-Flo Pavers create a beautiful patio that helps the environment in a variety of ways.

This weekend marked the first time the Gilroy library was open to the public. There was standing room only at the opening ceremonies as more than 500 people occupied all available outdoor seating while a variety of local leaders spoke about the brand new building. Over 6000 people travelled through the doors of the facility on Saturday. The community quickly established the space as their own as kids flopped on the new furniture, eagerly listening to stories read by their families. Adults and children both marvelled at the brand new space that they helped bring about, and with good reason. Pacific Interlock Pavingstone is proud to have our Hydro-Flo pavers installed in such a beautiful and important public venue.

Palo Alto Offers Rebate for Installing Hydro-Flo Hybrid(TM) Permeable Pavers

The city of Palo Alto, in order to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff, have begun to encourage homeowners and businesses to invest in permeable driving surfaces. The City of Palo Alto is offering $1.50 rebate per square foot (up to $1000 residential, $10,000 commercial), which makes these paving products fiscally competitive with normal paving methods.

There are three primary classes of permeable paving products; porous asphalt, pervious concrete, and permeable interlocking concrete pavers. All these products depend on one principle: holes. The holes weaken the final product and can also pose trip hazards. Also, there are maintenance costs since the holes can be plugged with debris.

A courtyard at Gunn High School in Palo Alto, with Hydro-Flo(TM) Pavers installed

The Hydro-Flo Pavingstone is in a class all its own. Its percolation system does not depend on holes for drainage, so it does not have any of these drawbacks. It looks exactly like our regular pavingstones, but it has been modified with our Hydro-Flo Technology to enable over 3 inches of water per hour to pass through.

Take advantage of this rebate offer. Using permeable pavers can help you to take advantage of LEED points as well. There are many other benefits to this product. For more information on our product, please visit our website: www.hydro-flotechnology.com. For more information on the potential for rebates, visit: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/, or your local city website to see if similar rebates are available.

First Net Zero Energy House in CA utilizes Hydro-Flo Hybrid (TM) Permeable Pavingstones

Who imagined that a 3200 sq.ft. luxury house, with all modern conveniences would be able to offset its energy costs? One Sky Homes is nearing completion of just such a project. The house on Cottle will be the first Net Zero Energy house in California. The term "Net Zero" refers to a house's ability to offset the amount of energy used with the amount produced by the house. As you can imagine, the house itself depends on an entirely new thought process.

First of all, the house is focused on reducing the need for power. Heating and cooling systems are among the biggest energy consumers. With that in mind, insulation and air tightness become major factors. The house has some incredible innovations to prevent the transfer of heat, either in or out. The house can actually heat itself with a hair dryer, though the hair dryer is less efficient than the house's own heating system. These systems reduce the need for energy, which can thereby reduce the amount of energy that the house must obtain.

The size of the solar panels can be reduced (if needed) or the extra power can be sent back to the grid. The house has many incredible features, including an electric car charger, triple paned windows and a combination solar/gas water heater. We encourage you to check out more information on the home at oneskyhomes.com.

We are excited to see so many creative ideas in the construction industry right now. Further showing their commitment to protecting the environment, One Sky Homes is using our Hydro-Flo pavers for the driveway. It will be constructed using our Canyon Rock series stones, which feature a tumbled, earthy appearence that blend in with the natural stone accents surrounding the house. These pavingstones will prevent runoff that can carry pollutants and will reduce the strain on the sewer system. Furthermore, the water will instead be returned to underground aquifers.

These things are only a small step toward the future, but the thought process is headed in the right direction. If there is one thing we can learn from this house, it is that you can create a lasting beautiful space, that will respect the environment.

Gilroy's Library and Carmel's Del Mar Projects Resume Intallation of Hydro-Flo Pavers

Welcome to another week of beautiful weather in the Monterey Bay area! With the sun shining so constantly, construction crews are working on a variety of projects.

Installation of Hydro-Flo pavers nearing completion

Gilroy's library is undergoing its rennovation and expansion and has begun installing Pacific Interlock's Hydro-Flo Permeable Paver (For more information on this project, please view our previous blog post). These pavingstones allow for water retention and prevention of runoff, two criteria examined for LEED certified  projects.  One great feature is that the water kept on-site reduces the need for large drainage systems. Our beautiful Hydro-Flo pavers act as a drainage system, operating as nature intended!

The library selected the Textured Estate 6x6 pavers for their project

In additon to the Gilroy Library, construction has begun in Carmel on Ocean Avenue as a part of the larger Del Mar Project. For those seeking beach access, you may have to walk a bit further for the time being, but once this project is complete, the Hydro-Flo pavers will complete the view and make your experience much more incredible.

In order to be approved for this project, the Hydro-Flo paver had to recieve recognition from many environmental groups concerned specifically with water conservation. The Hydro-Flo paver is  building a reputation of safety with approval from organizations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), in addition to State and Regional Water Control Boards. We cannot wait to see this project completed. What a beautiful addition to California's already gorgeous Central Coast!

Construction begins on Ocean Avenue, where Hydro-Flo pavers will be installed

Patent Extends Beyond USA

The Hydro-Flo Pavingstone is a unique addition to the world of outdoor landscaping. As the first fully permeable Pavingstone that does not rely on any sort of gap, the Hydro-Flo has capabilities above and beyond the present state of so called "permeable" pavers. The exclusive technology that makes the Hydro-Flo strong enough for commercial traffic, yet able to prevent significant amounts of water from running off has been approved as a separate and unique technology in the United States, and yesterday was approved for a patent in Canada.

Hydro-Flo pavers retain water within the stone to slowly release into the soil, while water remains on the surface of concrete surfaces, increasing hazards and runoff

Newcomb Avenue Model Block Benefits from Hydro-Flo Pavers

At the end of last year, Pacific Interlock was involved in the very exciting Model Block project in San Fransisco. The Model Block program on Newcomb Avenue sought to create an "innovative synthesis of community stewardship, agency collaboration, public realm enhancement, and environmental benefit in one of San Francisco’s most environmentally challenged neighborhoods" (See the quote here) We think this project was a success!

Newcomb Ave residents enjoying the new space (Photo: SFDPW/Flickr)

One of the largest environmental concerns for this project was water runoff. Water runoff can create hazardous road conditions, overburdened sewer systems and dangerous flooding. To address these issues, the Newcomb Avenue Model Block project incorporated Hydro-Flo Permeable pavers for its driveways and parking lanes.

Pavingstones serving as durable (and puddle-free) parking lanes.

Roughly a month after Mayor Ed Lee announced the grand opening of the project, our Hydro-Flo was put to the test. With approximately 2 inches of rain falling on San Fransisco in one night, the Hydro-Flo had the potential to retain over 21,000 gallons of water on-site, thus reducing runoff into the sewers and slippery conditions. The decision to use the Hydro-Flo will reap benefits for years to come!

Hydro-Flo Pavers in foreground are already drying out, whereas the asphalt maintains a puddle

If you have any questions or comments about Hydro-Flo or traditional pavers, please connect with us. We're on Facebook, Twitter, and pacinterlock.com (in addition to this blog, of course!).