WELCOME to
our FAQ section. In it we have listed the most
informative questions relating to cracked and broken Slabs and
Foundations. If you are interested in more comprehensive
information you should visit our
AMCOS FORMS section. To assist
you in your quest for information, we have also included
relevant forms to the questions being asked on the right side of
this page. If you click on the form, a readable copy will be
displayed in a separate frame. If you do not find the answer to
your question in this list, please submit it by e-mail to
ask@amcosgeo.com for a direct answer
within 24 hours.
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THE FOLLOWING ARE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
When was AMCOS Geotechnical (AG) founded?
ANS: Founded in 1978 by Nils
Jansma, RGE 434, RCE 27050, Amcos Geo offered a specialized service that was largely
restricted to the Geotechnical community. However, in
1988, AG opened up its services to the general public and has
been successfully serving in that regard ever since.
What does AMCOS
do? ANS: AG provides a
top-notch quick, dependable solution to the problem of cracked
slabs or foundations, great customer support, and prices that
are hard to beat! Generally, even the most serious problems
can be fully repaired within one week.
What is the most commonly asked question
about a cracked or broken slab? ANS:
"IS MY HOUSE SAFE TO LIVE IN?" The answer generally, under
most circumstances, is “YES,"
Do these
questions and answers apply to all concrete foundations and
slabs?
What is the difference between an “above grade” foundation and a “slab on
grade” foundation?
Is a broken
“above-grade” foundation as serious as a broken “slab-on-grade”
foundation?
When is
damage to an “above-grade” foundation considered serious?
What causes
concrete to break?
What is
generally not a cause of cracked or broken concrete in the San
Diego area?
I have been told
that "all concrete cracks sooner or later," and so not to
worry about it. Is that true?
Can cracks due to “concrete shrinkage” be
avoided?
Does reinforcing slabs with steel guarantee
that the concrete will not crack?
Don’t local codes usually require slabs and
foundations to be reinforced?
Why are broken slabs
and foundations a cause for concern?
Is there any good reason why the Damage
should be fixed now rather than later?
How can I tell if I
have a serious problem?
Is there any way I can
look at a house and tell if it has a marginally damaged slab or
foundation?
What are some of the
symptoms of a house with a significantly damaged slab or
foundation.
Can a slab be cracked
and still not have to be repaired?
Can a foundation be
cracked and still not have to be repaired?
What damage often
happens to a house because of a broken slab or foundation?
What is the primary
cause for a slab or foundation to break?
After
“concrete shrinkage” what other factors cause concrete to break?
Why
do cracks appear in the walls and ceilings of a house with a
broken foundation?
Why would a house with
a broken foundation experience significantly more damage during
an earthquake than a house whose foundation has been
properly repaired?
What is the best way to
repair a broken slab and/or foundation?
What is meant by a
“structural” repair?
What is an “epoxy”
repair?
Is an
epoxy repair a “structural” repair?
Can I
trust a contractor or Engineer who says that an observed
foundation and/or slab break will not move in the future?
How can
a contractor or Engineer say with assurance that a broken slab
or foundation will not move in the future?
Are all
guarantees the same?
If an
Engineering report accompanies a repair, does that mean it has
been properly done?
Is it necessary to remove
carpet/tile in order to perform an inspection of a
slab-on-grade foundation?
E-Mail
your questions to
ask@amcosgeo.com or call (619) 670-0095