1) A type of crazing or surface cracking of a definite pattern, as indicated by its name. The effect is often caused during weather aging; (2) the cracking of the surface bitumen on a built-up roof, producing a pattern of cracks similar to an alligator’s hide; the cracks may not extend through the surface bitumen. [CED]; surface cracking of a paint film having the appearance similar to alligator hide. [ASTM]; alligator cracking is the vertical cracking of a coating with a pattern of closed cells or islands of unbroken coating.
