Will the system stay permeable forever?

As a permeable system the Gravel-Lok bonded pavement is full of voids which allow water to pass through. Like any other permeable pavement those same voids will eventually get clogged with dirt, dust, debris and this will reduce permeability over time . There are vacuum services specifically designed for porous pavements which are becoming increasingly popular. Recommended cleaning depends on site conditions and the amount of sediments the system is exposed to. Without maintenance, typical permeable systems become completely clogged within 5 - 7 years.

What type of maintenance can I expect with the Gravel-Lok pavement?

Gravel-Lok is relatively maintenance-free and no annual treatment is necessary. If the system is being used for vehicular traffic some loose stones may occur depending on the type of stone used and degree of abuse. Typically, you can expect about 1% of stones to dislodge or become loose in about a 5 year period. If desired, a disturbed area can be treated with more Gravel-Lok.

Will snow plowing affect the pavement? What about salt?

Snow plowing has the potential to damage the pavement but this can be minimized if you use a rubber blade on the plow and exercise caution. Obviously, the type of stones will make a difference too. Harder stones such as marble and granite will be more durable. Softer stones are going to be more vulnerable. A snowblower would be a safe machine to use. Additionally, it is completely safe to apply salt for melting ice and snow.

How does Gravel-Lok perform under freeze/thaw cycles?

If installed properly, with adequate base materials that allow for drainage, Gravel-Lok will withstand freeze/thaw cycles. If freeze/thaw cycles are a concern then we suggest creating expansion joints (saw cut) at appropriate intervals.

What type of maintenance can I expect with the Gravel-Lok pavement?

Gravel-Lok is designed to be maintenance-free and no annual treatment is necessary. If the system is being used for vehicular traffic some loose stones may occur depending on the type of stone used and degree of abuse. Typically, you can expect about 1% of stones to break off or become loose in about a 5 year period. If desired, a disturbed area can be treated with more Gravel-Lok.

How long will it last?

If installed properly the Gravel-Lok pavement will have the same lifespan as other forms of pavement such as concrete or asphalt.

How strong is Gravel-Lok?

Gravel-Lok is a system. The top layer of bonded aggregates has the structural integrity of asphalt. The key to any pavement surface is the foundation it is built on. Below the bonded aggregates is Cell Tek's Geocellular Confinement System which constrains open-graded aggregates. The passive resistance of the infilled cells prevents lateral movement and distributes the load over a wider area. The system also reduces the impact on the subgrade up to 28% while reducing the amount of base material required.