In the pavement industry, crocodile cracking or alligatoring refers to a specific damage pattern that has an appearance similar to the skin on an alligator’s back. The pattern is comprised of multiple, interlaced geometric shapes, normally irregular square, rectangular or pentagonal shapes. Alligator cracking is a serious problem that can threaten an extremely large area of asphalt pavement, as the alligatoring will normally continue to expand. MH Greeson specializes in asphalt repair in Atlanta, and we are happy to explain the problem.
Once asphalt has alligatored, it is usually beyond a simple repair, and filling the cracks or applying a top patch are at best temporary measures to buy a little more time. True remediation will almost always require a full replacement of the damaged asphalt, which often includes replacing or repairing the foundation as well.
Usually, alligatoring is preventable. The most important defense is to have cracks filled as soon as they appear. This prevents moisture from reaching the foundation and destabilizing it. If the foundation can be kept stable and strong, the asphalt will have the support it needs to bear traffic. Strong, flexible asphalt atop a strong, stable foundation will seldom alligator.
However, if the asphalt paving is subjected to far greater loads than it was meant to bear, alligatoring may not be preventable. This is a relatively rare occurrence, but it can happen if the paved area undergoes a transformation in usage. For instance, the parking lot for an apartment complex may not bear up to a new life as a storage site for heavy construction equipment. Also, if the initial install was of inferior quality, the alligatoring may not be preventable.
MH Greeson provides a wide variety of asphalt services to customers throughout the greater Atlanta, Georgia, area, including Marietta. We can provide you with preventive maintenance programs, asphalt crack repairs and sealcoating. Our highly trained crews can install your new pavement, parking lot striping and install your car stops, bollards and traffic signs. If you would like a free quote, you can request one by submitting our online form, or you can speak to one of our experienced professionals by calling us at 770-335-2983.
