As asphalt ages it loses its ability to support traffic and begins to fail. These areas are commonly referred to as “alligator cracking” in the industry. The most common method of repair is to remove the damaged asphalt, compact the existing base rock and place asphalt. The depth of excavation will vary depending on the traffic loads and quality of existing base rock. Pavements tend to fail in areas of poor drainage where water accumulates.

Asphalt alligator areas can sometimes be “skin patched” if the pavement is structurally sound. The area can be cleaned and a tack coat of oil placed prior to a thin lift of hot asphalt. It works best if the area is a little depressed.

Asphalt repair is important because the damage tends to grow out in all directions. What starts out as a small problem can become a major expense if not repaired early in the damage cycle. Damage asphalt can be an ownership liability problem if it creates an unsafe environment.