When addressing asphalt maintenance, alligator cracking is a clear sign that your pavement is in distress. Named for its resemblance to alligator scales, this pattern of interconnected cracks signals that your pavement is losing structural integrity. 

The freeze-thaw cycle in Minnesota is a primary culprit behind alligator cracks, and leaving them unaddressed can cause base failure and costly reconstruction. At Bituminous Roadways, we’ve spent decades perfecting the science of asphalt repair in the Twin Cities. 

We’ve put together a professional guide to identifying, treating, and preventing alligator cracking, so let’s dive in. 

How to Identify Alligator Cracks

Alligator cracking, also known as fatigue cracking, is easy to spot but often misunderstood. It often appears as a series of small cracks that resemble a spiderweb or alligator hide. 

Causes of Alligator Cracks

The primary causes of alligator cracking in Minnesota include: 

  • Subgrade failure

  • Overloading with Heavy Machinery

  • Thin Surfacing During Initial Installation

  • Freeze-Thaw Cycles

These cracks are almost always a sign of structural fatigue. 

Preparing Damaged Area for Repair

Repairing alligator cracking requires specific surface preparation to ensure the repairs are effective. Before any new material is laid, the alligator section must be properly prepped. 

This process involves: 

  • Marking the perimeter of the problem.

  • Removing the failed asphalt from the space.

  • Cleaning all dust, rocks, and debris from the area using blowers or brooms.

Choosing the Right Repair Method for Alligator Cracks

Choosing the right repair method will depend on the extent of your asphalt’s damage. There are several repair methods you can use for alligator cracks.

  • Crack Sealing: Best for short-term repairs and only in the early stages of cracking.

  • Infrared Repair: Best for moderate longevity, this process seamlessly blends small patches without cutting the pavement. 

  • Full-Depth Patching: For long-term repairs, this process involves removing failed asphalt and repairing the sub-base. 

  • Mill & Overlay: Another long-term repair, this process removes large sections where the surface has failed while leaving the base mostly intact. 

Executing the Repair: Tools, Materials, and Techniques

For permanent fixes, full-depth replacement is the professional choice. 

This process involves: 

  • Repairing the base if it is wet or soft, and replacing it with compacted crushed rock.

  • Applying a liquid asphalt “glue: on the edges of the cut to ensure a moisture-tight seal.

  • Fresh, hot asphalt is poured into the patch.

  • Using a vibratory roller, the asphalt is compacted to the correct density to prevent future water penetration.

Preventing Future Alligator Cracks Through Maintenance

The best way to handle alligator cracking is to stop it before it starts! 

A proactive maintenance plan includes: 

  • Routine sealcoating

  • Timely crack filling

  • Proper drainage for water and melting snow

  • Dedicated snow removal areas away from pavement

Contact Minnesota Asphalt Experts for Alligator Crack Repair

Repairing alligator cracking is a labor-intensive process that requires heavy machinery and precision engineering. If you see scales on your parking lot or roadway, don’t wait for a pothole to form. Call Bituminous Roadways instead! 

We have the equipment and expertise to provide a permanent solution that withstands Minnesota’s climate. Request a consultation online or give our office a call for more information.