FAQ's
Is post-tensioning more expensive than other methods of reinforcement?
No. In fact, post-tensioning is more economical due to reductions in material quantities and labor cost. And, because post-tensioning produces a more reliable concrete foundation, home owners are more satisfied; therefore, builders save time and money not having to deal with foundation repair issues.
What type of insurance coverage does Coast have?
Coast carries General Liability, Professional Liability, Excess/Umbrella Liability, Workers Compensation & Employer Liability, Auto and Equipment Insurance.
Is there a warranty for the post-tensioned system?
Our company is a state licensed contractor and also a licensed engineering firm and as such is required to provide a 5 year warranty for our structural slab design and installation of a post-tensioned system. It should be noted that this warranty is not required and is usually not provided on conventional resteel slabs designed by residential plan designers.
What is required to have a post-tensioned foundation designed?
A complete set of architectural drawings and the location of the project are needed for our engineering department’s use. If a soil geotechnical report is available that should be provided, however if not available Coast Engineering will use a safety factor to ensure a very rigid slab design and also to provide to our customers significant cost savings on their project relative to grade beam size, spacing and concrete material.
How long does it take for a post-tensioned foundation plan to be designed?
Our internal engineering and drafting department can complete the design in less than 3 days, if needed to expedite the project. Coast Engineering can provide design calculations and stamped drawings for submittal to permit departments. In addition, they can review and approve any other items needed relative to framing, soil conditions, etc. by parish or government agencies to assist on your project.
Does Coast install post-tensioned foundations designed by other engineers?
Coast has a long standing relationship with numerous engineering firms and often install post-tensioned projects designed by their firms. Coast can provide shop drawings, tendon stressing reports and insurance as required on each.
How long does a post-tensioned system take to install?
For a basic residential slab approximately 4 hours on site is our average. At Coast we use our own employees, not subcontractors, that are Certified by the Post Tensioning Institute and have numerous years of experience. Each job is assigned a crew who provides all the equipment, materials and supplies needed to avoid any issues or delay to the project.
How long after installation is the stressing done?
Our PTI certified technicians will be on site to stress the tendons when the concrete strength is at 1500 psi or 7-10 days after the concrete was poured. All of our tendons are marked, tensioned using calibrated stressing pumps and rams, and the tendon elongations are verified to be in accordance with the design requirement prior to being cut and patched.
If you have any additional questions, please email janet@coastcs.com
