With intense rainfall becoming more frequent across Quebec, stormwater management has turned into a real concern for many homeowners in Laval and on the North Shore. Water pooling on driveways and patios, overloaded sewer systems, and poor drainage around foundations are all signs that a traditional surface is not doing enough.
At Paysagement Duguay, we design permeable paving systems tailored to the actual conditions of each site, so water is managed at the source rather than pushed elsewhere.
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A standard installation rests on a compacted granular base designed to provide stability and durability through freeze-thaw cycles. The joints are filled with polymeric sand, which limits how much water can pass through vertically. Water management relies primarily on:
• Surface slope
• Perimeter drainage
• Municipal infrastructure
This solution works perfectly well when the property already drains effectively and the soil offers good water dispersal. It is not the wrong choice, just a different one.
Permeable paving stones operate on a different logic. The surface itself becomes an active part of the drainage system rather than an obstacle to it.
The structure includes:
• A clean crushed stone foundation with no fine particles
• A draining granular reservoir that holds water temporarily
• Pavers designed with wider joints
• 1/8″ clear stone joint fill to allow infiltration
Water passes through the surface, collects temporarily in the draining foundation or a dry well, and then gradually infiltrates into the natural soil below. This is no longer just a surface, it is a complete stormwater management system built right into the ground.
At Paysagement Duguay, we have installed permeable paving in several areas where water accumulation after heavy rain was a recurring problem. The difference shows up as soon as the system is in place.
Permeable paving stones are worth considering when:
• The property has recurring water pooling after rain
• Heavy storms cause runoff that is hard to control
• Reducing pressure on the municipal sewer system is a priority
• The project is guided by a sustainable or environmentally responsible approach
Permeable paving can also help reduce surface ice in winter by allowing water to drain away before it has a chance to freeze.
Step 1: Design and planning
We start by designing the full system: paver selection, drainage layout, and surface grading all work together to deliver both a clean finish and strong stormwater performance.
Step 2: Excavation and subgrade preparation
We adjust grades and remove any unsuitable soil. This step is especially important on clay-heavy ground, where saturation is a real concern without proper preparation.
Step 3: Draining foundation
We install geotextile fabric, clean crushed stone, and carefully controlled compaction to build a foundation that can handle infiltration and water storage over time.
Step 4: Permeable paving stone installation
Each paver is set evenly with the spacing needed to let water flow through the joints and reach the draining layer below.
Step 5: Finishing
Joint filling, light compaction, and edge restraint installation lock everything in place. We verify drainage performance as part of the final walkthrough.
15 years of experience on the North Shore and in Montreal
Our hands-on track record means we know how to design permeable paving systems that fit the local terrain and address the specific stormwater challenges found in this region.
Service that makes a difference
We take a close look at your property and your needs before proposing a solution that is genuinely tailored to your space.
Methods that meet industry standards
Every permeable paving installation follows recognized practices for drainage performance and structural stability.
Full liability insurance
All work is fully covered from start to finish, giving you complete peace of mind throughout the project.
Carefully selected materials
We choose materials based on their drainage performance, resistance to our climate, and long-term durability.
A written warranty on our work
A clear commitment to the quality and reliability of every installation we complete.
Choosing Paysagement Duguay means working with a team that takes the job seriously, thinks about how the system will perform over time, and builds it to last.
Dealing with standing water after rain or looking for a smarter way to manage runoff around your property? Permeable paving stones are a durable, long-term solution that tackles the problem at the source.
Our team will guide you through the design and installation of a permeable paving system built around your terrain, your needs, and the actual conditions on site.
Contact us now to plan your project!
Yes. Permeable paving stones are designed to carry residential loads, including driveways. They manage stormwater directly at the surface by letting it infiltrate rather than run off toward the street or sewer system.
Not when the system is properly installed. The 1/8″ clear stone fill stays in place and continues to drain effectively. Some light maintenance may be needed over the years, but there is no significant upkeep under normal conditions.
Yes. By draining water away before it has a chance to freeze at the surface, permeable paving actually reduces the ice-related stress that leads to cracking and shifting. It tends to perform particularly well on clay soils, which are common throughout Laval and the North Shore.
Not always. Permeable paving works as a complementary system that manages water at the source. Depending on the project, it can significantly reduce the need for more complex drainage infrastructure, but it is rarely positioned as a total replacement.