Post-tension cables are used to reinforce concrete during a condominium’s construction. If the cables are properly installed and maintained, they do not present a safety risk. However, if the cables were not properly installed or if the cable is exposed to water, it can begin to corrode and weaken which then weakens the concrete it is reinforcing.

Condominium plans registered prior to September 1, 2000 will not have a certificate stating whether or not post-tension cables were used, but you can request this information from the condominium corporation. You can also ask if the corporation has had any problems with cables and if they have had issues, what they are doing to address them.

For more detailed information about post-tension cables, read the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Technical Series Report.

Thank you to the Alberta Real Estate Association for allowing portions of their Condominium A to Z guide to be adapted for use in this section.

Last updated: September 2015