Alligator Cracking in Fort Bend — How Early Repair Protects Your Asphalt and the Environment

Asphalt may be durable and flexible, especially compared to concrete, but it’s not invincible. Cracks in asphalt are a common complaint for property managers. Even if the cracks don’t look deep or extensive, they shouldn’t go ignored. Repairs go a long way in preserving your lot’s lifespan and should be invested in as soon as possible to prevent further damage and more costly repairs.

What Is Alligator Cracking in Asphalt and Why Does it Matter?

Alligator cracking is easily identifiable thanks to the distinctive pattern it creates. The cracks snake across the parking lot and connect at random, creating the appearance of an alligator’s scaly back. Ignoring these cracks won’t make them go away. 

Rather, they’ll continue to spread and erode your asphalt, leaving it more susceptible to damage as traffic drives over it. Over time, it can form larger potholes or cause other structural issues, which can drastically increase the repair cost. 

Overall, asphalt cracking matters because it degrades your parking lot. If you ignore alligator cracking, your asphalt lot won’t last as long as it could have. Plus, the cracked asphalt also leaves your visitors open to accidents or vehicle damage if they try to walk or drive over the rough surface.

What Causes Fort Bend Parking Lots to Develop Alligator Cracking?

It’s normal to expect some degree of cracking in your parking lot over its lifespan. However, alligator cracking implies that there’s a serious issue somewhere that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. 

• Age: As asphalt ages, it oxidizes and loses some of its flexibility. This can be exacerbated by exposure to harsh sunlight, as is common in Katy, Fort Bend and Cypress. The loss of flexibility contributes to cracking over time and leaves your asphalt more prone to developing these issues.
• Excessive traffic: Overloading your pavement can cause fatigue cracking. If your Fort Bend, Katy, or Cypress business sees a lot of heavy traffic (think frequent large trucks) or lacks the necessary sub-base support to sustain the weight, it can crack.
• A poorly installed lot: If your asphalt installers don’t do a good job, the parking lot isn’t likely to last as long. Cutting corners by not adequately preparing the sub-base is a common mistake. It’s key to work with reputable local professionals, especially since local soil composition, climate and a business’s typical weight-bearing requirements can all affect how the sub-base should be prepared.
• Poor drainage: Water can seep into pavement, especially through existing cracks. As it does, it can weaken the base and wash away parts of the asphalt’s supportive layer. This leaves the surface poorly supported and susceptible to cracking, even under normal usage scenarios.

Preventing and Reducing Alligator Cracking

While there’s no surefire way to completely stop cracks from growing in your asphalt, you can minimize the risk of alligator cracks through a combination of preventative maintenance and timely repairs. 

• Choose a dependable installer: Your parking lot is a major investment. When it’s time to pave it, don’t trust just any old asphalt contractor with the job. Choose a trusted professional. Check out the contractor’s reviews, whether they are licensed and insured, and how long they have been in business to confirm that they are generally well-liked locally.
• Trust a professional team for regular maintenance: Professional asphalt contractors can inspect your property and make maintenance recommendations to prevent alligator cracking and other damage. They may suggest repairs when necessary or perform overall parking lot upkeep. Either way, having a professional team check out your parking lot frequently means you know that any warning signs that you might overlook will be mentioned.
• Invest in sealcoating: Sealcoating is one of the simplest ways to protect asphalt and requires minimal maintenance. This protective coating safeguards asphalt from the elements, preventing oxidation and minimizing the risk of cracking.
• Address damage early with crack filling and pothole repairs: If your parking lot develops cracks or potholes, address them sooner rather than later. Quick action can make all the difference between whether a parking lot can be restored or if it needs a costly premature replacement.

Maintaining Your Fort Bend, Katy or Cypress Asphalt for Long-Lasting Results

Maintaining your parking lot is always simpler than repaving it. Plus, when worn-out asphalt surfaces are as much a liability risk as they are an eyesore, it’s in your best interest to act quickly when you notice cracking starts to set in. With prompt action, you can get the most out of your asphalt.

At EverLine Coatings, we know how important your parking lot is to overall business operations. That’s why we provide long-term asphalt solutions to keep your lot in tip-top shape as long as possible. Don’t waste time ignoring damage. 

Contact us today and learn how our asphalt repair services can help.