Post Tension Repair Explained

Post Tension Repair Explained

Post tension repair involves the inspection, repair, and upgrade of pre-stressed concrete structures, which are reinforced with pre-tensioned steel cables. It can involve adding additional tendons, repairing damaged ones, or strengthening existing tendons to improve the structure’s overall performance. This type of service also includes modifying and upgrading post-tensioned slabs to accommodate new uses, such as changing a parking garage into a commercial or residential building.

Post-tension slabs have a high level of strength and durability when they are installed correctly. They are also more resistant to cracking and displacement compared to traditional concrete slabs. However, they require routine maintenance in order to keep them in good condition. One of the most important parts of this maintenance is regularly examining the tendons within a post-tension slab for signs of corrosion or damage. If these tendons are damaged, they can cause the slab to weaken, leading to a collapse.

pt post tension foundation concrete slab cable end cap rusted nails

If you have a post tension slab in your home, it is likely that the builder stamped something on the concrete floor somewhere around the house that warns homeowners not to cut or core the concrete slab. This is because if you were to accidentally cut into one of the post-tension steel cables, they could snap under immense pressure. This is why it is so important to hire a professional to scan the concrete slab for these metal cords and ensure that they are not exposed.

pt post tension slab concrete foundation stamp do not cut or core

While the benefits of a post-tension slab are clear, it is important to understand why they also tend to cost more than conventional foundation repairs. This is due to the fact that a lot more work is involved in maintaining and repairing these types of foundations. For example, there is a lot more monitoring required as well as a much higher degree of expertise on the part of the contractor. This is because these repairs often involve removing and replacing the entire concrete slab, which is not always possible when dealing with a conventional foundation.

Another reason why post tension slabs may be more expensive to repair is that they are usually constructed with higher grade materials than conventional slabs. This is because of the fact that these slabs are designed for heavy loads, such as those from a large manufacturing plant or retail store. In addition, they are typically constructed over a larger area than conventional foundations, which increases the amount of reinforcement that is needed to support these loads.

As a result, these slabs are typically constructed with a greater thickness and a more durable finish than other foundations. This increases the cost of construction as well as the labor needed to install it.

One of the best ways to protect your post-tension slab and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs is by ensuring that it is properly maintained. This means contacting a professional to perform regular inspections and addressing any problems as soon as they arise. If you notice any unusual noises or vibrations, it is imperative that you call a professional right away as these are early warning signs of potential structural issues.