Impervious vs. Impermeable: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed & Hifza Nasir || Updated on March 6, 2024
Impervious surfaces resist penetration by water without absorption, while impermeable materials block both water and vapor entirely.
Key Differences
Impervious surfaces, such as concrete, are designed to resist water penetration due to their dense structure. On the other hand, impermeable materials, like rubber, not only resist penetration but also prevent the passage of water vapor, making them ideal for waterproofing.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
While impervious surfaces can prevent water from passing through, they may still allow for the transmission of vapor to some degree. Impermeable materials, however, offer a complete barrier against both liquid and gaseous forms of water, ensuring a higher level of protection.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
In construction, impervious surfaces are commonly used in areas where water runoff is managed, such as driveways and parking lots. Conversely, impermeable barriers are employed in situations requiring total moisture control, like in the construction of dams and foundations.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
The environmental impact of impervious surfaces includes increased runoff and reduced groundwater recharge. In contrast, impermeable materials, while providing excellent moisture control, can also contribute to similar environmental issues if not properly managed in their application.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
The choice between impervious and impermeable materials often depends on the specific needs of a project, including cost, environmental considerations, and the degree of water or vapor resistance required. While impervious surfaces are adequate for many construction needs, impermeable materials are necessary for projects demanding complete moisture isolation.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Water Resistance
High, but allows some vapor passage
Absolute, blocking both liquid & vapor
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
Common Uses
Driveways, sidewalks, parking lots
Foundations, dams, waterproof liners
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
Environmental Impact
Increases runoff, affects recharge
Similar, but with enhanced moisture control
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
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Impervious and Impermeable Definitions
Impervious
Not allowing fluid to pass through.
The impervious layer of the roof kept the interior dry.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
Impermeable
Blocking substances from passing through.
The impermeable barrier prevented contaminants from entering the area.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
Impervious
Impermeable to water under specific conditions.
The impervious coating on the fabric protects against rain.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
Impermeable
Completely resistant to water and air.
The jacket's impermeable fabric keeps you dry and warm.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
Impervious
Unable to be penetrated by water.
The impervious surface of the patio prevented puddles from forming.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
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Impermeable
Unaffected by external influences.
The safe was impermeable to any attempts at opening.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
Impervious
Resistant to being influenced.
He remained impervious to their criticisms.
Dua Fatima
Mar 06, 2024
Impermeable
Offering complete protection against moisture.
The impermeable gloves are essential for chemical handling.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
Impervious
Unaffected by pain or distress.
She seemed impervious to the cold.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
Impermeable
Not permitting passage, especially of fluids.
The impermeable membrane ensured no water leakage.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
Impermeable
Impossible to permeate
An impermeable membrane.
An impermeable border.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Impervious
Unaffected or unable to be affected by something.
The man was completely impervious to the deception we were trying.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Impervious
Preventive of any penetration; impenetrable, impermeable, particularly of water.
Although patchworked and sagging, the roof proved impervious to the weather.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Impermeable
Not permeable; not permitting passage, as of a fluid. through its substance; impervious; impenetrable; as, India rubber is impermeable to water and to air.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Impervious
Immune to damage or effect.
The old car seemed to be impervious to the wear and tear of age.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Impermeable
Preventing especially liquids to pass or diffuse through;
Impermeable stone
An impermeable layer of scum
A coat impermeable to rain
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Impervious
Not pervious; not admitting of entrance or passage through; as, a substance impervious to water or air.
This gulf impassable, impervious.
The minds of these zealots were absolutely impervious.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Impervious
Not admitting of passage or capable of being affected;
A material impervious to water
Someone impervious to argument
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are all impervious surfaces also impermeable?
Not necessarily; impervious surfaces resist water penetration but may not block vapor completely.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
What does impervious mean?
Impervious surfaces are those that water cannot penetrate, though they may allow some vapor transmission.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
How does cost compare between impervious and impermeable materials?
Impermeable materials tend to be more expensive due to their comprehensive protection capabilities.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
Can impervious materials contribute to flooding?
Yes, by preventing water from soaking into the ground, they can increase surface runoff.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
Is asphalt impervious or impermeable?
Asphalt is generally considered impervious, as it prevents water penetration but not necessarily vapor.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
What does impermeable mean?
Impermeable materials prevent the passage of both water and vapor, offering a complete barrier.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
Why use impermeable materials in construction?
They provide total moisture control, essential in foundations, dams, and waterproofing applications.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
Are there environmental benefits to using impermeable materials?
While they control moisture effectively, improper use can lead to similar environmental challenges as impervious surfaces.
Dua Fatima
Mar 06, 2024
What makes a material impermeable?
The structure and composition that block both liquid water and water vapor.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
How do impervious surfaces impact groundwater?
They limit groundwater recharge by preventing water from infiltrating the soil.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
Can impervious surfaces cause environmental issues?
Yes, they can increase runoff and reduce groundwater recharge, affecting local water cycles.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
Do impervious surfaces affect urban heat?
Yes, they can contribute to the urban heat island effect by absorbing and retaining heat.
Dua Fatima
Mar 06, 2024
Is plastic impervious or impermeable?
Most plastics are impermeable, blocking the passage of both water and air.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
What's the best way to manage water runoff from impervious surfaces?
Integrating green infrastructure, like rain gardens and permeable pavements, can help mitigate runoff effects.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
Can impermeable materials breathe?
No, impermeable materials do not allow for the passage of air or vapor, providing a complete seal.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Co-written by
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
