Maintenance

Stormflow Surfacing is a unique material when compared to traditional surfacing materials such as Porous Concrete and Porous Asphalt.  Stormflow Surfacing, because it is flexible, moves when walked on or driven on and makes for a crack resistant driveway. This movement helps to work the fine particles thru the material and into the substrate. It also has a much large void space than other similar materials. Stormflow Surfacing has a typical void space of 29% allowing fines to pass through or to be vacuumed out quite easy.

Since Stormflow Surfacing is made from recycled rubber granules and aggregate it remains flexible in nature unlike the previously mentioned products which have a “fixed void” once they are cured. A “fixed void” is one that is hardened allowing pockets where sediment can become trapped and difficult to clean.

Recommended Cleaning

In the event that Stormflow Surfacing material becomes clogged with silt or sand one of two methods may be employed:

1. Large amounts of water can be applied at low pressure to wash the fines thru the Stormflow Surfacing into the sub base material.

2. A common shop vac can be used for smaller areas up to a street sweeper for large areas to extract the fines.

Testing has shown that the vacuum method can remove not only the sediment in the Stormflow Surfacing but actually can remove fines from the sub base as well. Since repeated washing of sediment into the sub base can cause it to become plugged over time, it is recommended that method #2 is used consistently or at least periodically in conjunction with method #1 to prevent build up in the sub base.

Other common maintenance include regularly blowing leaves, sticks, grass clippings and other debris from the surface of the Stormflow Surfacing. This will help prevent breakdown of this debris preventing it from becoming trapped within the Porous Pavement. This is most commonly done by traditional leaf blower type equipment.

Stormflow Surfacing that is installed adjacent to gravel drives or areas where stones will likely be carried onto the surface should have regular cleaning. This will prevent buildup of the aggregate which could cause excessive and premature wear on the surface of the Stormflow Surfacing from vehicle tires if not removed.

Stormflow Surfacing makes for a crack resistant driveway and other pavements so there is no need to worry about that.

Regular inspection and maintenance of the Stormflow Surfacing installations will help in prolonging both the porosity and the longevity of the installation.