By: Craig Hill Source: Realty Times Concrete is guaranteed. It is guaranteed to get hard after you pour it and it is guaranteed to crack when it gets hard. So, don't crack up when you spot cracks in your patio, driveway or walks. Concrete cracks during settling and changes in the weather. In winter, water can seep into an untreated crack, freeze, and make it larger as the water expands. Having concrete re-poured can cost thousands, so here are some simple tips for maintenance and repair. Narrow Cracks: Clean the crack and surrounding area thoroughly with a wire brush and broom. Fill with a masonry crack filler that comes in a cartridge designed to be used in a caulking gun or use a vinyl concrete patching compound applied and smoothed with a putty knife. Vinyl concrete patching compound is less hassle since it does not require a bonding agent. Wide Cracks: Use a small hammer and chisel to widen the base of the crack. This technique will make it wider at the base than at the surface, keeping the patch in place for a more secure and permanent repair. Clean the area in and around the crack with a wire brush and broom. Wash with a stream of water. Mix vinyl patching compound and trowel the compound into the cracks. Pack the mixture tight to remove air pockets. Smooth the mixture with the trowel. When the patch has set, smooth or brush the surface to match the surrounding area. You need a few dry days for these procedures so plan to repair this winter's damage in the summer.