An impervious surface is a type of material that does not allow water or other liquids to penetrate through it. These surfaces are commonly used in construction and architecture to protect buildings from water damage caused by rain, snow, sleet, and ice. They can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, asphalt, brick, rock, and metal. One of the main benefits of impervious surfaces is their ability to reduce the risk of flooding. By preventing water from entering a building, these surfaces can help protect both the structure and its inhabitants from the potential dangers of flooding. Additionally, impervious surfaces can help reduce the amount of pollutants that are washed away into local water sources, which can have a positive impact on the environment. However, there are also some potential downsides to impervious surfaces. For example, they can contribute to the urban heat island effect, which is a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the absorption and retention of heat by impervious surfaces. This can have negative impacts on human health and the environment. Overall, impervious surfaces are an important component of modern construction and architecture, but they must be used carefully and in conjunction with other strategies to ensure that they do not have negative impacts on the environment or human health.
construction, architecture, water damage, flooding, pollutants, urban heat island effect
CITATION : "Timothy Anderson. 'Impervious Surface.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=269232 (Accessed on June 07, 2025)"
The term Impervious Surface is an architectural term used to describe a material that is not conducive to liquid penetration, such as a hard surface like concrete, asphalt, brick, rock, or metal. This material is used in order to protect both the environment and the structure from water damage caused by rain, snow, sleet, and ice. By preventing water from entering the structure, the impervious surface also helps protect the building and its inhabitants from the potential of flooding. Furthermore, the impervious surface can help reduce the amount of pollutants that are washed away into local water sources. In this way, the impervious surface can help to protect both the environment and the structure.
Surface sealing, runoff management, water retention, stormwater control, permeability.
Masonry is a construction material that has been used for centuries to build structures of all sizes. An impervious surface is a material which is resistant to penetration by water, and is thus capable of providing protection against moisture. Impervious surfaces are often used in masonry construction, as they can act as a barrier to water, preventing it from seeping into the stonework and causing structural damage. In architecture, impervious surfaces are often used to improve the aesthetic appeal and weatherproofing of a building, making it more durable and resilient to the elements. Furthermore, impervious surfaces can help reduce the risk of flooding, as they can provide a barrier to prevent water from entering the building and causing damage.
Waterproofing, Moistureproofing, Protection, Sealant, Weatherproofing.
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