Post-tension cables reinforce concrete during a condominium’s construction. If properly installed and maintained, the cables do not present a safety risk. However, the cables can be a problem if not properly installed or if exposed to water. For example, the cables can begin to corrode and weaken, which then weakens the concrete it is reinforcing.
Condominium plans registered before September 1, 2000 will not have a certificate stating the use of post-tension cables. However, you can request the 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: June 2022
