Pretium News

Post-Tension Garage Inspection

The high strength steel strands used in post-tensioned construction can corrode and fail without showing any external evidence, making it critically important that they are protected from moisture. So how do you know if a garage is post-tensioned?

1. Look at the number of parking spaces between the columns. Most garages have two, but since post-tensioning allows for fewer supports and longer spans, this number is often more.

2. To confirm, look for small, equally spaced, circular patches at the expose ends of a slab. If you see grout pockets, the slab is most certainly post-tensioned.

A post tensioned garage is not necessarily a problem, it just necessitates regular inspection by professionals experienced with these types of structures.