One of the services we provide here at Enhanced Scanning is concrete scanning and rebar verification using ground penetrating radar (GPR). As a GPR scanning services company, we take rebar verification very seriously because it can affect the decisions our clients make about their properties. It can tell them whether or not a slab is stable or if it can support an increased load, should the property owner decide to remodel or add on to the structure that is supported by the slab.
In an ideal world, the rebar in a concrete slab would be laid out in a grid pattern, perfectly spaced, and have adequate concrete cover to prevent corrosion or rusting of the metal bars. If a legitimate concrete contractor installed your concrete slab and had the rebar inspected prior to pouring the concrete, it’s likely that your slab is well supported. However, we know that many of the concrete slabs out there were not constructed by legitimate concrete contractors.
In order to save some money, some property owners decide to work with unlicensed individuals for concrete or with cheap contractors who choose to cut corners in order to keep their prices low. Rebar is often the place they cut corners—probably because the average property owner doesn’t know how rebar should be installed, and also because it eventually gets completely covered up with concrete. Simply put, they use rebar incorrectly (or not at all!) because they can get away with it. Even if they do install the rebar properly, they may not use adequate care while the concrete is being poured, which can cause the rebar to shift.
Prior to any remodel that involves an existing concrete slab, it is wise to call in a company like Enhanced scanning that provides GPR scanning services. Our team can provide you with the information you need to determine if rebar was installed correctly in the first place and if it is adequate to support the remodel you hope to complete. We can also provide you with a “map” of where the rebar is located, should you need to disturb the slab for your project, or we can simply mark the concrete directly, showing you what areas are safe. When cutting, coring, or drilling into a concrete slab, it is vital that you avoid damaging the rebar, in order to preserve the structural integrity of your slab!
When GPR is used by a highly trained and skilled technician, like those at Enhanced Scanning, you can get the accurate results you need to proceed safely with your project. Contact us to schedule service or to ask any questions you may have about rebar verification in particular or about GPR scanning services in general.