Post-Tension Foundation Repair & Inspection

Post-Tension Page Summary and Highlights

• Post-tension foundations use steel cables to strengthen concrete slabs and resist Arizona’s expansive clay soils.
• Concrete Repairman specializes in inspecting and repairing post-tension systems for residential and commercial properties.
• Proper foundation inspection and maintenance can prevent cracking, settling, and costly structural failures.
• Identifying early warning signs—like slab cracks, lifting corners, or exposed cables—can save homeowners thousands in repairs.
• Arizona’s trusted experts, Concrete Repairman, offer professional evaluation and safe repair methods for post-tension systems.

In Arizona, post-tension foundations have become the gold standard for new residential and commercial construction. Designed to withstand shifting soil and extreme temperature fluctuations, this modern foundation system offers lasting strength and flexibility.
At Concrete Repairman LLC, our experienced foundation specialists inspect, diagnose, and repair post-tension slabs with unmatched precision and expertise.

Most people will never try to understand the physical components of a structure that lie below a home’s flooring. When the time comes for a foundation repair, understanding your foundation type and characteristics will lead to the best service and solutions. Contractors build homes in Arizona using three different kinds of concrete foundations: monolithic, post-tension (a monolithic), and stem wall foundations.

What Is a Post-Tension Foundation?

A post-tensioned foundation is a type of reinforced concrete slab that utilizes high-strength steel cables, known as tendons, to enhance the structure’s strength. Once the concrete is poured and cured, these tendons are tightened using hydraulic stressing jacks, placing the slab under compression.

This compression makes the foundation more resistant to cracking, soil expansion, and settlement, a crucial advantage in Arizona’s expansive clay soil regions, such as Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, and Chandler.

How Post-Tension Foundations Work

• Concrete Slab: The primary structure that supports the home or building.
• Tendons: Steel cables that run throughout the slab, providing structural tension.
• Anchors and Jacking System: Used to apply force and create compression after curing.
• Load Distribution: The slab evenly transfers stress and weight, preventing cracks.

A post-tension foundation also falls within the family of monolithic foundations, but also contains an inner tension created after the concrete is poured, which is why it is called post-tension, or “after-tension.” A regular monolithic foundation typically contains rebar only along the perimeter, whereas a post-tension foundation features a horizontal grid pattern of steel reinforcement throughout the slab. The steel bars become tense as the concrete cools, allowing the foundation to maintain shape with less cracking. The result is a strong foundation that allows some flexibility in its shape. This is particularly useful in places like Arizona, where the soils are prone to movement, shifting, or expansion under concrete foundations. Unfortunately, over time, rebar reinforcement is susceptible to moisture infiltration, which can cause oxidation and wear of the foundation material. Arizona homeowners can prevent these destructive effects with a comprehensive repair, sealing, and painting method, provided only by seasoned expert James Belville and Concrete Repairman LLC.

Why Arizona Homes Use Post-Tension Foundations

Arizona’s desert climate poses unique challenges for concrete structures. Expansive clay soils swell when wet and shrink when dry, putting stress on traditional foundations.
A post-tension system counteracts these forces by keeping the concrete in constant compression, preventing gaps and fractures.

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Advantages of Post-Tension Construction

• Increased slab strength and flexibility
• Reduced cracking from soil movement
• Lower long-term maintenance costs
• Improved structural stability on unstable soils
• Extended lifespan for Arizona homes and commercial buildings

Common Post-Tension Foundation Problems

Although post-tension foundations are durable, they are not immune to issues caused by soil expansion, moisture imbalance, or improper installation.
At Concrete Repairman, we commonly inspect and repair the following problems:

1. Broken or Corroded Cables

Over time, moisture intrusion or improper concrete coverage can cause steel tendons to corrode or snap. This can compromise the slab’s integrity and create visible damage.

2. Cracking or Uneven Slabs

Even tensioned slabs can shift when soil conditions change drastically. Early signs include floor cracks, wall separation, or sloped flooring.

3. Cable Exposure or Anchor Failure

Exposed cables or damaged anchor heads should be inspected immediately. Improper cutting or drilling into a post-tension slab can be dangerous and lead to structural instability.

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Until their residential or commercial foundation begins to deteriorate or fail, the characteristics of concrete foundations will remain largely unknown to most homeowners and property owners. It is common for a company to make foundation repairs without going very far beneath the surface, where the problem starts. James Belville knows that most repair companies and contractors often neglect to go deep enough, fail to create a lasting seal, and rarely repaint the surface of a repair. With a better understanding of their foundation type, homeowners and other property owners can take the correct steps for repairs and maintenance. If you have questions or concerns about your foundation or would like an estimate on the right solution, call James at Concrete Repairman LLC, the Valley’s best concrete repair experts, at (480) 725-7614.

Professional Inspection and Repair by Concrete Repairman

With over 30 years of experience, James Belville and the Concrete Repairman team specialize in post-tension foundation inspections throughout Arizona.
Our technicians are trained to recognize early warning signs of structural movement, identify cable locations, and safely perform repairs, cable replacements, and slab reinforcements.

What Our Inspection Includes

• Visual and structural assessment of the slab and tendons
• Soil condition evaluation
• Identification of cracks, stress lines, and potential lift points
• Moisture and drainage analysis
• Detailed report and recommended repair plan

Safety and Expertise Matter

Never drill, core, or cut into a post-tension slab without identifying cable paths. Cutting a live tendon under tension can result in serious injury and significant property damage.

Concrete Repairman uses non-destructive techniques, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and professional-grade detection tools, to locate cables and anchors before any repair or modification.

Our work is backed by experience, training, and local soil expertise — making us Arizona’s most trusted name in foundation repair and inspection.

Protect Your Investment with Post-Tension Foundation Specialists

A well-maintained post-tension foundation can last for decades, protecting your home from structural shifting and moisture damage.

If you suspect cracking, uneven floors, or cable exposure, don’t wait — contact Concrete Repairman today.

Our team provides honest inspections, professional repairs, and warranty-backed workmanship tailored to Arizona’s challenging environment.

The staff at Concrete Repairman LLC. are experts in foundation inspections and repair. We understand the issues Arizona homes have when it comes to protecting your home and the investment you have made. Concrete Repairman LLC’s founder, James Belville, is a Third generation concrete repair specialist with over 32 years of experience in the foundation repair and inspection industry. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured commercial and residential concrete contractor in Arizona, Concrete Repairman LLC has a full range of services.

If you are concerned about your home’s foundation or buying a home and worried that there may be a problem regarding its foundation, call James and get the answers, not excuses.