Comments on: Tucson Post Tension Slab

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:55:58 +0000

Tim,

Yes, you probably need a structural engineer to look at it. If the home is still under builder warranty you should get in touch with the builder and have them look at it.

Dave

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:45:47 +0000

Dave,
We purchased a home about 4 years ago with a post-tension slab. This summer during extreme drought conditions in Texas one of the cables snapped. We have noticed cracks in our drywall and crown molding along the top of our cabinets pulling away from the ceiling and wall. These conditions just so happen to be in the proximity of the cable that snapped. Do we need to have someone come look at the snapped cable? Can this be easily repaired? Please advise.

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:34:19 +0000

Laura,

This is not good news. You need to get in touch with the builder ASAP for input from them. Getting an evaluation from a structural engineer would also be wise.

Don’t wait. I would strongly recommend no further landscaping work till this is resolved. I hope your landscaper is licensed and bonded.

I’m no expert, or engineer, I can’t render an opinion on the compromising of the foundation. But I do know you need to have this checked out right away.

Good luck.

Dave

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:26:07 +0000

Hi Dave,
We are remodeling our front yard and today the landscaper attempted to remove our front porch and there are tension cables in it and he broke all but the one closest to the front door! We bought this house 2 years ago and were not aware of the post tension foundation. When they broke did that compromise the foundation under my house and can it be repaired safely?
Thanks so much,
Laura

By: Dave Smith

Dave Smith — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 21:13:05 +0000

Honey,

Did the builder come out the property and look at the foundation? If the crack is more than a hairline crack (It sounds like it is) that is not typical of a a post tension slab.

Dave

By: Honey

Honey — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:09:36 +0000

Hi,

My house was built in 2007, we bought it 2 years ago. We now have a crack that runs from my kitchen to the living room and our brick has cracked at the window seal in the front and back of my house. We called the builder to look at the crack he told us it was not the foundation. I am still concerned because this crack is not a hairline crack and I have concrete chipping out where the crack is. I have stamped stained concrete floors. Should this be happening with a post tension slab?

By: Termite Protection - Page 5 - City-Data Forum

Termite Protection - Page 5 - City-Data Forum — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:56:11 +0000

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By: Dave Smith

Dave Smith — Fri, 06 May 2011 00:41:07 +0000

Dean,

Most do. I’d proceed with extreme caution.

Dave

By: Dean

Dean — Thu, 05 May 2011 20:11:42 +0000

Can you tell me if in the cables for the slab run in the garage area. I am putting in a uder ground safe in the garage. Then it will be filled all around back with concrete.

By: Dave Smith

Dave Smith — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:36:37 +0000

Tom,

That’s a new one on me. I know that exterminators will tell you not to have your drip too close to the foundation. That is because moist soil next to the foundation attracts termites and makes it easier for them to invade the home. I can’t see a drip system harming a foundation unless there was some kind of catastrophic failure where the valves didn’t shut off and the main lines broke forcing water under the foundation for a very long period of time.

Dave