When asphalt breaks into a network of interconnected cracks — called alligatoring — sealing over top is not the answer. We offer a professional surface restoration using FastPatch ACR polymer composite that stops water infiltration and extends the life of the area. Honest advice included: if the base has failed, we'll tell you.
Important — Read Before Booking
FastPatch ACR is a surface repair, not a structural fix. If the base beneath the alligatored area has failed (soft spots, drainage problems, heavy load damage), this repair will not last. We will assess the area first and tell you honestly whether FastPatch is the right solution or whether base repair and asphalt replacement is needed.
What is alligatoring?
WHEN ASPHALT LOOKS LIKE A CRACKED MUD PIT
Alligatoring — named for its resemblance to alligator skin — is a pattern of interconnected surface cracks that forms when asphalt has lost its flexibility and can no longer handle load-induced stress. It's one of the most common forms of advanced asphalt distress in Alberta parking lots and driveways.
Why it happens
Alligatoring typically results from repeated load stress on a weakened surface — one that has been allowed to oxidize and lose flexibility over time. UV damage, loss of asphalt cement oils, and water infiltration all contribute. It can also result from base failure beneath the surface.
Why you can't seal over it
Applying a surface sealer over alligatored asphalt is a waste of money. The cracked surface will continue to move and flex with temperature and load — breaking up the sealer within a season. The cracks need to be filled and stabilized before any surface treatment can hold.
When FastPatch is the right call
FastPatch ACR works where the base is still structurally sound — the problem is a deteriorated surface layer. Localized alligator patches in an otherwise sound parking lot or driveway are ideal candidates. It gives you another several years of service life at a fraction of full replacement cost.
When you need more than FastPatch
If you press on the alligatored area and it deflects or feels spongy, the base has failed. FastPatch won't fix that. In those cases, the area needs to be cut out, the base repaired, and new asphalt installed. We do that too — we'll assess and tell you which applies.
Our work
FASTPATCH ACR IN ACTION
Pouring the two-part polymer
Squeegee application
Wet coat — self-levels into cracks
How we do it
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
01
Site Assessment
We assess the alligatored area for base integrity. Press test, drainage check, visual inspection. We confirm FastPatch is appropriate before proceeding.
02
Clean & Prep
Area swept, blown clean, and any loose debris removed. Surface must be clean and dry. Remove any crumbling asphalt to a firm, solid base.
03
Mix & Pour
Two-component FastPatch ACR mixed on-site. The self-leveling polymer is poured directly onto the alligatored surface, flowing into and filling the crack network.
04
Spread & Level
Squeegee-applied to ensure even coverage and full penetration into cracks. The polymer fills the voids and bonds to the existing asphalt surface.
05
Sand & Cure
Broadcast sand applied if needed for texture and skid resistance. FastPatch ACR is ready for traffic within approximately 90 minutes depending on temperature.
Honest assessment
WHEN IT WORKS — AND WHEN IT DOESN'T
We would rather lose a job than give you a repair that fails in one season. Here is our honest breakdown of when FastPatch delivers good value and when it won't.
Good Candidates
Sound base — no deflection when walked on
Light to moderate traffic loads
Localized alligator patches in otherwise good lot
Not being regularly snow plowed with steel blade
Budget doesn't allow full reconstruction right now
Driveways and pedestrian areas
Parking stalls away from main drive lanes
Poor Candidates
Soft or spongy base — base failure present
Heavy truck traffic or loading dock areas
Active drainage or water pooling issues
Large areas of full-depth alligator cracking
Areas regularly plowed with steel blade
Where potholes are also forming (structural failure)
Airport aprons and taxiways
Product specs
FASTPATCH ACR — KEY PROPERTIES
FastPatch ACR is manufactured by FastPatch Systems. It is a professional-grade product — not a consumer hardware store repair kit.
~90 min
Return to traffic (temperature dependent)
100%
Solids — no water, no solvents, no VOCs
2-Part
Cold-applied polymer composite — no heating required
2°C+
Minimum application temperature (35°F)
Self-levels
Flows into and fills crack network on application
Black
Colour-matched to asphalt surface
Source: FastPatch ACR is a cold-applied, two-part, self-leveling polymeric material designed to repair asphalt cracks with 0 VOCs and no solvents. Tough enough to handle traffic and resilient enough to handle cracks with some residual movement. — FastPatch Systems, Technical Data Sheet
For full technical specifications, installation guidelines, and safety data sheets visit fastpatchsystems.com
NOT SURE IF YOUR AREA QUALIFIES?
Send us a photo or give us a call. We'll assess it and give you an honest answer — FastPatch, full repair, or just leave it alone. No charge for the advice.
