What IS a post-tension slab, anyways?
Post-tension slab is a term you may hear again and again as you look at building your new home. It may be a term without significance, until you know what it means. A concrete slab can be prone to cracking when the earth under the slab sinks, or becomes unstable. Visible cracks, which can damage the structural integrity of a home, can also allow the passage of moisture and even termites into the foundation of the home. Instead of using rebar (reinforcing bars), which only helps to keep the slab intact after cracking, using a tight grid of steel cables helps to actively support the slab. After the concrete is poured, enclosing the cables, it is allowed to cure (harden) to 75% of its designed strength. Then the cables are pulled taut by using a hydraulic jack. This is post-tension put on the cables. Finally, the ends of the cables are anchored and the concrete is allowed to cure completely. Watch a short video on post-tension slabs. So now you know. Using a post-tension slab means the ho
