FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Real Questions.
Straight Answers.
If you're scoping a project or just trying to understand what working with Retro looks like, this is a good place to start.
Table Of Contents
Structural Strengthening
Structural strengthening improves the load-carrying capacity of existing structures using engineered reinforcement—CFRP, steel plating, or concrete enlargement. It's needed when a structure shows deterioration, is under-designed for current loads, or must meet updated building or seismic codes.
When properly designed and installed, CFRP and steel strengthening systems can extend the service life of a structure by several decades. Material selection and surface preparation are critical - we don't cut corners on either.
Retro works in coordination with structural engineers on every strengthening project. If you have an engineer of record already engaged, we work directly with them. If you don't, we can help connect you with the right people before the assessment begins.
Concrete Repair
Concrete deterioration is commonly caused by water infiltration, freeze-thaw cycles, chloride exposure, reinforcing steel corrosion, and long-term structural stress.
Concrete spalling occurs when reinforcing steel corrodes and expands, causing the surrounding concrete to crack, delaminate, or break away.
Most damaged concrete can be repaired using proper restoration methods. Full replacement is only required when structural integrity is significantly compromised.
High-quality engineered concrete repair systems can extend service life by 10–30+ years depending on exposure conditions and maintenance.
Grouting and Injection
Grouting is used to fill voids, stabilize soil, seal leaks, and restore structural support by injecting specialized materials into targeted areas.
Epoxy injection is used for structural crack repair, while polyurethane injection is used to stop active water leaks and seal moisture ingress.
Yes. Compaction and permeation grouting can stabilize soil and reduce settlement by improving ground density and support conditions.
Waterproofing and Leak Repair
Leaks are caused by cracks, failed joints, degraded waterproofing membranes, porous concrete, or structural movement allowing water infiltration.
Active leaks are typically stopped using polyurethane injection systems or waterproofing membrane repairs depending on the source and severity.
Properly installed waterproofing systems provide long-term protection, but performance depends on exposure conditions and ongoing maintenance.
Common areas include parkades, podium decks, foundations, below-grade structures, balconies, and roof slabs.
Parking Structures and Large Assets
Parking structures deteriorate due to chloride exposure, freeze-thaw cycling, water infiltration, reinforcing steel corrosion, and traffic loading.
With proper rehabilitation and waterproofing systems, service life can often be extended by 15–30 years or more.
Yes. Most parking structure restoration projects are phased to allow continued operation with minimal disruption.
A parking structure assessment includes visual inspection, testing (if required), structural evaluation, and a prioritized repair strategy with lifecycle recommendations.
Working in Occupied Buildings
Yes. It's one of the areas we specialise in. We phase and sequence the work around your occupancy, operations, and schedule. Most of our structural strengthening projects are completed in active buildings with no operational shutdowns required.
Concrete repair and strengthening work generates dust, noise, and debris. Retro uses containment systems, negative air pressure where required, and phased work windows to keep active areas of the building unaffected. The containment plan is developed before work begins and coordinated with your facility or property management team.
In most cases, no. Retro's project sequencing is built around keeping occupants in place. Where temporary access restrictions are unavoidable, we plan and communicate those windows in advance so tenants, residents, or building operators can prepare.
In most cases, no. Retro's project sequencing is built around keeping occupants in place. Where temporary access restrictions are unavoidable, we plan and communicate those windows in advance so tenants, residents, or building operators can prepare.
All Retro sites are managed to WorkSafeBC standards with hoarding, signage, and access control appropriate to the building type. For institutional and high-traffic environments, the safety and access plan is developed in coordination with facility management before mobilization.
Our Process and Approach
In most cases, yes. Strengthening avoids demolition, reduces material costs, and significantly cuts programme time. For occupied buildings, it also eliminates the cost and disruption of relocation during a full rebuild. We can give you a clearer picture after an initial site assessment - which is always where we recommend starting.
Retro Specialty Contractors provides concrete repair, structural restoration, waterproofing, grouting and injection, parking structure rehabilitation, and structural strengthening services across British Columbia.
We work on commercial, industrial, institutional, residential, and infrastructure projects including parking structures, parkades, bridges, buildings, and public facilities.
Yes. We regularly collaborate with structural engineers, restoration consultants, architects, and asset managers to ensure all repair work meets technical and specification requirements.
We begin with a condition assessment to identify the root cause of deterioration. Based on findings, we recommend repair, waterproofing, strengthening, or full rehabilitation solutions
Yes. We provide detailed concrete and structural condition assessments including investigation, reporting, and repair recommendations.
Project Planning and Timelines
Project duration depends heavily on scope, site access, and occupancy constraints. A straightforward parkade rehabilitation might run eight to twelve weeks. A structurally complex or phased scope in an occupied building will take longer. Retro provides a detailed project timeline as part of the scoping process so you know what to expect before work begins.
Costs vary depending on damage severity, access conditions, and scope of work. A site assessment is required for accurate pricing.
It happens. Concrete deterioration is often more extensive than surface inspection reveals. When Retro encounters unexpected conditions, we document the findings, communicate immediately with the engineer of record and the client, and present a clear scope adjustment before proceeding. Nothing changes without your knowledge and sign-off.
Yes. We can respond to urgent issues such as active leaks, falling concrete hazards, or structural safety concerns.
Working With Retro
The first step is a site consultation. Retro's team reviews existing documentation, assesses site conditions, and develops a clear picture of what the structure needs before any scope is recommended. There's no obligation at that stage. Just a straight conversation with a specialist who knows your environment.
Yes, and we prefer it. Retro's work is specification-driven, which means having the engineer of record involved from assessment through to sign-off produces better outcomes and cleaner documentation. If your project already has a consulting engineer engaged, we coordinate directly with them.
Retro operates primarily across Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, with project experience across broader British Columbia, Alberta and the Yukon for the right scope. If you're outside the core service area, it's worth a conversation before assuming we can't help.