Eco Pavers™ are a specially designed type of interlocking brick developed by the manufacturing company EP Henry®. These bricks are known as a type of permeable paver. These allow rainwater to drain between the bricks and reach the soil beneath. The water may then filter through the soil and recirculate safely into the local water supply.
One of the primary goals of Eco Pavers™ is to allow businesses and residential homeowners to pave patios, driveways, and sidewalks in an environmentally-friendly manner. Water tends to flow directly over concrete and asphalt, which prevent it from seeping into the ground. Stormwater needs to be absorbed into the ground as part of a complete water cycle. The earth naturally filters this water before returning it to streams and lakes, which may be used as municipal drinking water. Eco Pavers™ maintain a high level of water seepage into the soil and help meet government water runoff regulations.
Standard bricks are traditionally laid side by side and held in place by densely compacted sand or mortar, which prevents water from draining easily between them. Eco Pavers™ are designed to lock together through stone protrusions on their sides. These protrusions fit together like puzzle pieces and create empty spaces between the pavers. The spaces are then filled with a coarse gravel, which allows water to pass easily through to the subsoil beneath.
These environmentally-friendly bricks are typically just over 3 inches (about 7 cm) in thickness. They are 9 inches (22.9 cm) long, and weigh slightly more than 14 lbs (around 6 kg). They are generally installed over two layers of crushed stone of varying sizes and densities. The first layer, directly beneath the pavers, is the smallest and is usually compacted to between 1 and 3 inches (about 2 to 7 cm) below the surface.
Water drains through the Eco Pavers™ to collect in a stone reservoir, which is the name given to the second layer of crushed stone. These stones are slightly larger than the first layer, and may be compacted beneath the surface, to between 6 and 12 inches (15 and 30 cm). The depth of this layer of stone is determined by the amount of weight that will be regularly placed on the pavers — such as patio furniture or a car — and the amount of rainwater the area typically receives. Water is allowed to collect in this reservoir and percolate into the surrounding soil.
EP Henry® designs and sells many types of hardscaping materials. In addition to Eco Pavers™, the company also carries standard pavers and wall bricks. It offers to connect purchasers with a certified local contractor who can install the pavers professionally. Individuals may also choose to complete the project themselves by purchasing the bricks directly from the company's website, and following a downloadable step-by-step guide.