FAQ's
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  • Is it really concrete?
    Yes, it is.

    Pervious concrete is made with aggregate (rocks), portland cement and water, just like regular concrete. By leaving out the fine aggregate/sand and making very specific changes in the mix proportions, we are able to create a large quantity (approx. 20%) of interconnected voids. Compressive strengths are generally in the 2,500 psi range.
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  • How do I know my installer is qualified, is there a certification for pervious concrete?
    Yes, there is a certification, and it is important that you verify your installer is certified to ensure he has the education and training to do the job right. The National Ready Mix Council of America (NRMCA) is the certifying body. NRMCA issues a certificate of qualification to each individual who qualifies, be sure and ask your installer to see his certificate.

    In addition, ALWAYS ask for references (several) and go see the installations for yourself.

    Although it technically is concrete, pervious concrete has unique properties that cause it to behave very differently. As such it requires a completely different set skills and knowledge that can only be acquired through completion of the certification program and hands on experience with the product.
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  • How is it installed, same as regular concrete?
    No, not at all.

    The unique properties that allow water to pass through pervious concrete also make it behave quite different during transport, installation and curing. In fact, we do not even use the same tools used in traditional concrete. The ideal method of installation is with a very specialized piece of equipment called a hydraulic roller screed. No other method can match the level of compaction, density and finish.
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  • Where would it be used?
    Pervious concrete is used for parking lots, driveways, service roads, walkways, sidewalks, paths and secondary roads. It is suitable for light to medium vehicle traffic at low to moderate speeds. It is not suitable for highways or other high speed pavement.
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  • What is the expected lifespan?
    Same as traditional concrete, 30-50 years.
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  • What if the rain is coming down faster than the water can absorb into the soil?
    The layer of drain rock beneath the pervious concrete acts as a detention area, or buffer, to hold water untill it has a chance to soak in. The thickness of this base layer will vary according to your particular site and project requirements.
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  • Won't it clog? What about maintenance?
    A little bit of common sense site design can go a long way towards avoiding any clogging issues. Runoff from adjacent areas laden with sediment should not be directed onto the pervious. Short of that normal debris from traffic, trees and people have little effect on the ability of pervious to drain water. Given its ability to pass exceptionally large volumes of water, it could be more than 95% clogged and still handle more water than even the largest storm event.

    While it's true that little or no maintenance is typically needed, if the surface should ever clog, cleaning with a power washer and or vacuum/sweeper truck will restore the pervious to its original state.
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  • Can it be made in different colors?
    Yes it can. Please click here for color chart.
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  • Are there any rebates available for using pervious concrete?
    Yes, but only in the city of Palo Alto at the moment. Let's hope other areas follow suit.

    The current Palo Alto rebate is $1.50 sq/ft up to $1,000 for residential and up to $10,000 for commercial projects. Click here to download the     rebate application, You will also need a to submit a drawing with project details, which we will provide for you.
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  • Did we miss your question?
    Contact us, and send it in!