Anyone who has swerved around—or, worse, hit—a pothole on Lucille Road, KGB Road, or the Parks Highway knows how quickly Alaska pavement can deteriorate. Similar damage develops across paved surfaces, but not every problem calls for the same repair. A narrow crack, a deep pothole, and a web of alligator cracking indicate different levels of failure. Identifying the damage correctly is the first step toward a repair that lasts.
What Type of Asphalt Damage Do You Have?
Before reaching for a repair product, examine the shape, pattern, and extent of the damage. Two damaged areas of similar size may require very different repairs.
| Pavement Damage | What It Looks like | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|---|
| Crack | A narrow opening or separated line | Surface movement or water infiltration |
| Pothole | A bowl-shaped hole where asphalt is missing | Advanced deterioration, often following water infiltration |
| Alligator cracking | Interconnected cracks resembling reptile skin | Possible failure within or beneath the pavement |
Size alone does not tell the whole story. Widespread cracking, sinking, or recurring damage can point to a structural problem.
Asphalt Cracks Should Be Sealed Before Water Gets In
Asphalt cracks should be sealed before water reaches the pavement base. Rain and melting snow can enter even narrow openings, then freeze, expand, and worsen the damage.
Before sealing, remove dirt, vegetation, and loose material to help the sealant bond. Flexible crack sealant works well for isolated damage, while widespread or interconnected cracks may require further evaluation. Crack sealant keeps water out; it cannot fill potholes, replace missing asphalt, or stabilize failing pavement.
Potholes Require Replacing Missing Pavement
Once asphalt has broken away, sealing the surface is no longer enough. A pothole must be filled and compacted to restore a stable driving surface.
For an effective repair:
- Remove loose or unstable asphalt.
- Clean and prepare the damaged area.
- Fill the entire void with a suitable patching material.
- Compact it firmly to prevent shifting or settling.
Cold mix asphalt can provide a practical solution when hot asphalt is unavailable or site conditions make traditional paving difficult. Product selection depends on the pothole’s depth, surrounding surface, weather, and installation requirements. Traffic volume and allowable downtime are especially important on roadways, commercial lots, and paved runways.
Alligator Cracking Means Look Beneath the Surface
Alligator cracking usually requires more than surface sealing because the pavement structure may already be failing.
What it signals. The interconnected pattern often develops when repeated traffic loads flex weakened pavement.
What may be causing it. Poor drainage can weaken the supporting base, while inadequate support may allow the surface to shift or sink.
What repair may involve. Filling or coating the visible cracks may improve appearance, but it will not stabilize the pavement below. The damaged asphalt may need to be removed so drainage or base problems can be corrected before repaving.
When to seek help. Professional evaluation is appropriate when cracking is widespread, sinking is visible, or previous repairs have failed.
Choosing Between Asphalt Repair and Replacement
The right approach depends less on pavement age than on the extent of the damage and stability of the supporting base.
Repair may be appropriate when:
- Cracks or potholes are isolated.
- The surrounding pavement remains firm and level.
- There are no signs of settlement or drainage problems.
- Previous repairs have remained stable.
Larger repairs or replacement may be needed when:
- Alligator cracking covers multiple areas.
- Potholes repeatedly return in the same locations.
- The pavement is rutting, sinking, or holding water.
- Previous patches or overlays have failed.
Season also matters. Warmer, dry conditions are generally preferred for crack sealing, rebuilding failed sections, and major paving work. However, some potholes can be repaired year-round. UPM® Cold Mix remains workable in freezing conditions and allows traffic to return immediately after compaction. Top Patch® is designed for cold, wet, and below-freezing environments and can cure in as little as 20 minutes.
NorthStar Supply can help identify the appropriate material based on the damage and installation conditions. Widespread settlement or base failure should be evaluated by a qualified paving contractor or engineer.
Choose Asphalt Repair Materials for Alaska Conditions
Asphalt repair in Alaska is not one-size-fits-all. A product designed for an isolated crack will not rebuild a pothole, and specialized equipment may be needed for larger or professional maintenance projects.
NorthStar Supply carries materials for crack sealing, pothole repair, and ongoing pavement protection, along with professional repair equipment. Options include the T-2 Asphalt Recycler which converts asphalt millings and broken asphalt into usable hot mix, as well as the 55 Rubber Melting Kettle and R3™ Asphalt Crack Router.
Contact the Palmer team for friendly, knowledgeable help choosing the right asphalt repair products and equipment for your projects.
