How to Fix Alligator Cracking

Is your asphalt driveway riddled with cracks that run back and forth, and up and down the surface? You might be dealing with alligator cracking.

What is alligator cracking?

Alligator cracking (also known as crocodile cracking or fatigue cracking) is a common type of deterioration in asphalt pavement. It is easily recognizable by intersecting cracks in the pavement, which resemble the skin of an alligator.

What causes alligator cracking?

Although alligator cracking affects the surface of your asphalt driveway, the problem is caused from deep within the base. Simply put, alligator cracking occurs when the pavement constantly carries loads that it cannot support. This can be caused by:

• Poor installation of the base and sub-base
• Increase in loading
• Neglecting of proper maintenance

How to fix alligator cracking

Since alligator cracking is not a surface problem, it is not an easy repair. Applying a sealcoat or crack filler may slow down the spread of the damage, but it is nothing more than a “Band-Aid” solution.

The only way to actually repair alligator cracking is by contacting a qualified asphalt paving contractor. Every case is different, but the general steps the contractor should take are as follows:

• Evaluate the source of the problem.
• Inspect the asphalt sub-base.
• Removed the damaged areas.
• Repair the entire surface.

Have you noticed alligator cracking in your driveway? If so, it's time to call Roccie's Asphalt. Since 1956, we have provided professional paving services to homeowners across Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. Call us for all of your driveway installation, repair, and maintenance needs at 888-88-ROCCIES.

4 Reasons Asphalt Driveways Crack

Given enough time, every asphalt driveway will eventually crack. For some, it may only take a couple of years, while others will require a couple of decades. Many circumstances can cause an asphalt driveway to crack, but these four causes are by far the most common...

Reason #1: Poorly-installed base.

An asphalt driveway is only as good as the base it is installed on. If your driveway is built on top of a poorly-installed base, it is doomed from the start. You want to find a reputable contractor that utilizes a base consisting of crushed stone, not a lighter material such as sand or dirt.

Reason #2: Excessive weight.

Asphalt is tough, but it is not invincible. Like every material, asphalt has a weight limit, and it will break if exceeded. The exact weight limit of every driveway is different, but do your best to avoid parking large loads (such as a big rig truck or a roll-off dumpster) on yours.

Reason #3: Freeze-thaw cycle.

If you live in a cold climate, the freeze-thaw cycle during the winter can cause significant damage to your driveway. This is why so many new potholes are formed during the early spring – water penetrates the surface of the driveway and freezes when the temperature drops, causing it to expand and create pressure from under the surface.

Reason #4: They weren't maintained properly.

A little bit of maintenance can go a long way towards preserving your asphalt driveway. A staple in any good asphalt maintenance routine is sealcoating, which adds an extra layer of defense to your driveway. When applied every couple of years, a fresh sealcoat can protect your driveway from water, and prevent small surface cracks from worsening.

If you live in Fairfield County, CT or Westchester County, NY, trust the experts at Roccie's Paving to help you install and maintain your asphalt driveway. Visit us online or call 888-88-ROCCIES to learn more about our professional paving services.

3 Common Misconceptions About Asphalt Paving

Although asphalt is one of the most commonly-used materials in the world, there is still a lot of misinformation being spread about it. Luckily, the experts at Roccie's Paving are here to defend this wonderful material by clearing up these three common misconceptions about asphalt paving.

Misconception #1: Asphalt is expensive.

Many people opt for concrete driveways because they are under the belief that they are cheaper than asphalt. The truth is, the price of concrete can be more than double that of asphalt, in terms of both installation and repair.

Misconception #2: Asphalt is not durable.

Asphalt has a bad reputation because people see alligator cracks and potholes and assume that happens to every asphalt surface. In reality, these problems occur as a result of poor maintenance or pre-existing problems beneath the surface. A properly-installed asphalt driveway can last upwards of 30 years with a little bit of maintenance and occasional sealcoating.

Misconception #3: Asphalt is not environmentally-friendly.

Because of the black, tarlike consistency of asphalt, it is perceived to be bad for the environment. Contrary to popular belief, this could not be further from the truth. Believe it or not, asphalt is one of the most eco-friendly materials on the planet. It is 100% recyclable and is actually the most-recycled material in the country. Not to mention the fact that porous asphalt reduces water runoff and allows more rainwater to reach the soil in the ground.

Want to get started on your next asphalt paving project? The experts at Roccie's Asphalt are just a phone call away! If you live in Fairfield County CT or Westchester County NY, call us for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.