Forum Title: Gator patch from sand and sealer

Wanted to ask if any of you ever make your own gator patch. I had a few jobs with alligator cracked areas that i wanted to fix but didnt want to buy gator patch...so i experimented with mixing about half a bucket of coal slag or sand and then add sealer, mix to a trowelable consistancy with a paddle mixer. I tested it at home and even thick layers cured very well without cracking. I applied it with a shovel then brushed in the transitions...i let it cure for a bit before sealing...then sealed it. So far so good. Not sure how it will hold up over the winter, but still looks heck of a lot better than just sealing those areas only.

Category: Paving Post By: DON AUSTIN (Allentown, PA), 12/06/2019

The problem with gator patches are that they are not fixing the real problem. When you have alligator areas, it indicates a base failure, so you should R&R that spot. Certain situations you can skin patch to buy time. Ive found any coatings including gator patches are not worth it and just make a mess. True you can make your own, but keep in mind, as you add more aggregate, it stretches the binder the same way as if you add water, so you can weaken the overall mixture.

- KYLE MUNOZ (Coon Rapids, MN), 01/31/2020

Originally posted by Asphaltman View Post Here’s a spot where some gator patch was used. I’m not impressed one bit. I don’t understand it honestly. That's pretty bad gator patch. Looks like thick sealer. Nothing like my experience. I think its generally a decent band aid until there's a budget to fix it right. Just a band aid though.

- ALEXANDER HARVEY (Downey, CA), 01/31/2020

Here’s a spot where some gator patch was used. I’m not impressed one bit. I don’t understand it honestly.