Buyer's Guide: Choosing Stormflow Surfacing Over Traditional Pavement Options

When selecting pavement options for your project, it's crucial to consider factors like durability, environmental impact, maintenance requirements, and cost-effectiveness. Below is a comparison between Stormflow Surfacing and traditional pavement options such as asphalt, concrete, and paving stones:‍

1. Stormflow Surfacing:

• Material: Stormflow Surfacing is composed of aggregate and recycled tire crumb materials bound together in a porous matrix, allowing water to infiltrate through the surface.
• Durability: Stormflow Surfacing offers excellent durability, capable of withstanding traffic loads and harsh weather conditions without cracking or deteriorating.
• Environmental Benefits: Using recycled tires to create surfacing helps reduce this waste product. By promoting water infiltration and reducing stormwater runoff, Stormflow Surfacing helps mitigate flooding, replenish groundwater supplies, and minimize the impact of urban development on local ecosystems.
• Versatility: Stormflow Surfacing can be used in various applications, including driveways, walkways, parking drainage, bike lanes and recreational areas, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing solution for both residential and commercial projects.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional pavement options, saving time and money over the lifespan of the surface.

2. Asphalt:

• Material: Asphalt consists of a mixture of aggregates and bitumen, providing a smooth and flexible pavement surface.
• Durability: While asphalt is durable and can withstand heavy traffic, it may develop cracks and potholes over time, requiring regular maintenance and repairs.
• Environmental Impact: Asphalt production and maintenance contribute to air and water pollution, and its impermeable surface exacerbates stormwater runoff and urban heat island effects.
• Maintenance Requirements: Asphalt surfaces require regular sealcoating, crack filling, and periodic resurfacing to maintain performance and appearance.
• Cost: Initial installation costs for asphalt may be lower than some alternatives, but ongoing maintenance expenses can add up over time.

3. Concrete:

• Material: Concrete is made from a mixture of cement, aggregates, and water, providing a rigid and durable pavement surface.
• Durability: Concrete offers excellent durability and can withstand heavy loads, but it is prone to cracking and heavign, especially in freeze-thaw climates.
• Environmental Impact: Concrete production is energy-intensive and contributes to carbon emissions, and its impermeable surface increases stormwater runoff and heat retention.
• Maintenance Requirements: Concrete surfaces require sealing, joint filling, and periodic repairs to prevent deterioration and maintain appearance.
• Cost: Initial installation costs for concrete may be higher than asphalt, but its longevity and lower maintenance requirements can provide cost savings over time.‍

4. Paving Stones:

• Material: Paving stones, also known as pavers, are typically made from concrete, or natural stone, offering a decorative pavement option.
• Durability: Paving stones are durable and resistant to cracking, but they may shift or settle over time, especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles or heavy traffic.
• Environmental Impact: While permeable pavers allow water infiltration, traditional paving stones contribute to stormwater runoff and may require additional drainage solutions.
• Maintenance Requirements: Paving stones require occasional resetting and joint maintenance to prevent shifting and weed growth between pavers.
• Cost: Paving stone installations can be more expensive than asphalt, concrete  and Stormflow Surfacing due to material costs and labor-intensive installation processes.

In summary, Stormflow Surfacing emerges as the top choice for pavement due to its superior durability, environmental benefits, versatility, and low maintenance requirements compared to traditional options like asphalt, concrete, and paving stones. Whether you're prioritizing sustainability, longevity, or cost-effectiveness, Stormflow Surfacing provides a reliable solution for a wide range of applications.

Check out our comparison chart for more details.

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