Eliminate Alligator Cracking in Your Medical Plaza Parking Lot

Medical plazas have a strict professional image to keep up. In the healthcare industry, remaining meticulous about how your business presents itself is critical to building trust. Letting your parking lot fall into disrepair can be a major detriment, not only for this image but to your patients’ safety if cracks and potholes increase the risk of them tripping while trying to navigate your parking lot. 

In Windsor, it’s not uncommon for poorly maintained parking lots to experience alligator cracking. However, you should always fill these cracks promptly to prevent the damage from worsening.

What Is Alligator Cracking?

Alligator cracking is aptly named for its distinctive cracking pattern that resembles the rough, uneven appearance of an alligator’s back. It’s one of the most severe problems that can develop in a parking lot and is typically due to fatigue and pressure.

Why Parking Lots in Windsor Tend to Crack

Alligator cracks tend to develop in unmaintained or poorly installed parking lots. Some of the most common causes include:

• Older Pavement: The older your pavement gets, the more likely it is to alligator crack.
• Heavy Traffic: Heavy vehicles, like transportation trucks, or frequent traffic can cause excessive wear and tear to your pavement, resulting in alligator cracking over time.
• Improper Installation: If the sub-base underneath the asphalt wasn’t installed properly, it can’t distribute the weight of vehicles effectively. This can lead to alligator cracking as the weight is carried unevenly. 
• Poor Drainage: Moisture is a common concern in Windsor, especially in the winter, and if your parking lot can’t drain properly, it’s likely to crack. As water penetrates the cracks and freezes in the winter, it worsens the damage.

Why Should You Repair Alligator Cracks Promptly?

Aesthetics aren’t the only reason you should address alligator cracks promptly. Here’s what you can expect if you don’t take action.

• The Damage Will Worsen: Leaving your parking lot unrepaired gives the pavement time to continue to degrade. Untreated alligator cracks can cause potholes or other structural issues that become much costlier to repair.
• Liability Risks: Not repairing your pavement leads to another major issue: liability. If those cracks grow and create uneven surfaces, they become dangerous tripping hazards that can cause serious injuries to pedestrians. 
• Reduced Lifespan: When you don’t repair the cracks, they continue to grow, slowly destroying your parking lot. That deterioration can do more severe damage to the sub-base, necessitating much more costly repairs later and requiring a replacement sooner rather than later.

By taking action promptly, you can reduce these risks. Crack filling restores a parking lot’s integrity, boosting its lifespan and keeping further damage at bay. In turn, this keeps people on your property safe while also boosting curb appeal.

Mitigating the Risk of Alligator Cracking

As problematic as alligator cracking is, some simple maintenance can help mitigate the problem, reducing the likelihood of them developing in the first place. Investing in regular maintenance solves problems before they get worse while also providing preventative protection.

• Asphalt Repairs: Small cracks and other issues can arise, but by treating them early, you put a halt to the degradation that can eventually occur.
• Crack Filling: Filling cracks involves applying adhesive sealant into the cracks to keep moisture out and stop the damage from spreading.
• Sealcoating: Sealcoating applies a protective coating across the top of your pavement. It keeps moisture out and protects against UV rays that can cause asphalt to become brittle and crack-prone.

Addressing Alligator Cracks in Windsor

When alligator cracks have already taken hold in your parking lot, the best thing to do is invest in prompt, professional asphalt crack-filling services. 

The process starts by cleaning out dirt, debris, vegetation and moisture from the cracks using air and heat treatments. This is necessary to ensure a clean surface during the next step, which involves filling the cracks with fill material. As it cures, it creates a watertight, lasting bond from edge to edge along the cracks to keep moisture out and help maintain the asphalt’s structural integrity.

Banish Alligator Cracks in Windsor Promptly With Crack Filling Services

Alligator cracks are a big deal and pose a significant threat to your pavement if they aren’t handled as soon as possible. When your Windsor medical plaza’s parking lot starts looking more like an alligator than a smooth, inviting place to park, it’s time to take action.

Contact EverLine Coatings today for premium crack-filling services from asphalt pros who know exactly how to handle the problem. Reach out today to learn more about our crack-filling and asphalt repair services!