Concrete surfaces crack over time. This is pretty much inevitable, but it also depends on the product that you install. More importantly, it depends on the movement of the soil underneath your concrete. That is, if the soil shifts due to ever-growing tree roots, it can put pressure on your concrete. Usually, small concrete stress cracks are nothing to worry about. However, even small cracks can grow over time and become more problematic. So, it is a good idea to learn how to repair concrete cracks so you can fix problems as soon as they pop up.
Repairing Concrete
The process of repairing concrete is actually very simple, and you don't need any special tools. The only special thing you need is the concrete crack filler. You should use a premixed product that says "crack filler" or "patch" on the bottle. That is, you don't want to use a concrete mixture. Crack filler especially designed to fit work with existing concrete surfaces. It is mixed with glue so the substance will stick very well to the crack and stay in it.
Premixed Fillers
The premixed fillers are also very easy to work with. It usually comes in squeezable tubes that enable you to apply them to even the smallest crack. The actual crack filling process is simple and self explanatory. First of all, don't bother trying to fill cracks that are less than 1/4" thick. It is just not necessary to fill cracks this small.
Applying the Patch
However, if the crack is big enough to be filled, you can't do it with ease and with a few simple tools. Most importantly, you need a putty knife that allows you to press and spread the filler into the crack. This step is very simple, but you want to scrape away the excess filler so it doesn't actually get onto the top of the concrete. You shouldn't be actually altering the top of the concrete surface, you just want to fill in the actual crack. After your crack is filled, you can seal it with a special concrete sealant. Or, you might need to tint it if your concrete has a tint. Even if your cracks are just small, it is often worthwhile to fill them just to prevent them from growing any bigger.
If you are walking on the surface, the cracks can chip away at the edges and become larger if they are left untreated for too long. For more information, visit websites like http://unitstepjoliet.com/.