Apr 26, 2022
3 Reasons Not To Ignore Alligator Cracks In Your Parking Lot

Do you own a parking lot? If so, you must be aware of alligator cracks and the damage they can cause. Alligator cracking is a type of pavement failure that occurs when asphalt or concrete develops a series of interconnected cracks resembling an alligator’s teeth.

Though alligator cracking is often mistaken for mere cosmetic damage, it can lead to more severe problems down the road if ignored. Black And Yellow Pavement Inc. shares three reasons in this blog post why you should not overlook alligator cracks in your parking lot.

Causes of Alligator Cracking

There are several reasons why this type of pavement failure can occur. One of the most common reasons is fatigue. Fatigue cracking occurs when asphalt or concrete is subject to repeated traffic loading over time. This constant stress and strain eventually take its toll, leading to cracks.

Another common cause of alligator cracking is excessive weight or heavy loading. When a parking lot is regularly subject to heavy trucks or other vehicles, the added weight can push the pavement to crack and fail.

In some cases, alligator cracks can also be caused by poor drainage. If water isn’t able to drain correctly from a parking lot, it can seep beneath the pavement and cause it to break down from the inside out.

Reasons Why You Should Not Ignore This Type of Pavement Damage

  1. For starters, ignoring alligator cracks in your parking lot will only lead to more problems down the road. These cracks will continue to grow and spread, but they can also lead to potholes and other types of severe damage.
  2. Alligator cracks can also be a trip hazard for pedestrians. If the cracks are large enough, they can pose a severe safety hazard for anyone walking on the pavement.
  3. Ignoring alligator cracks can also lead to increased maintenance costs. Once the cracks start to spread, you’ll likely have to repair them more often. Ultimately, you may even need to replace the entire parking lot if the damage becomes too severe.

The Best Ways of Repairing Alligator Cracks

The best way to repair alligator cracks is to seal them. Sealing the cracks will prevent water from getting into the cracks and causing further damage. It will also help fill in any voids and keep the cracks from spreading.

You can seal alligator cracks yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. If you prefer to do it yourself, use a high-quality crack sealer and follow the instructions carefully.

If the cracks are too extreme, you may need to repave the entire parking lot. This is usually only necessary if the alligator cracks are very large or if they cover a large area.

Repaving is a big job, so it’s best to hire a professional pavement contractor to do it for you. They will have the equipment and experience necessary to do the job right.

Black and Yellow Pavement Inc., provides asphalt paving services for commercial and industrial businesses in the Toronto area. We understand that alligator cracking can be a severe problem for businesses and homeowners. It can lead to declined safety and increased maintenance costs. That’s why we offer a free consultation so that we can assess the damage and provide you with an accurate quote for repairing or resurfacing your parking lot. So don’t ignore those alligator cracks – call us today!