Demolition is the process of wrecking an overall building or removing parts of an office or residential space. Tools include hydraulic equipment, cranes and loaders, wrecking balls, and explosives. Demolition projects often require the local municipal building department to review permits. Here are several types of demolition and how to select the best method for your project:
Total Building
If you need to remove entire buildings for your project, contact a company that provides total building demolition. This includes structural dismantlement, where contractors reduce the structure to its key parts. These parts are recycled by professionals who demolish the building in a practice known as construction waste and demolition debris recycling. Total building dismantling can be used for commercial projects, such as removing malls, hotels, and office buildings. Other projects include:
- Industrial projects: Total building dismantling can be used to dismantle industrial buildings that produce goods. This includes structures at chemical plants, manufacturing plants, and oil refineries. Find professionals who are experienced in environmental remediation, as hazardous materials could have contaminated the site.
- Community development projects: Total building dismantling can also be used for urban revitalization projects. Burned or vacant buildings are able to be removed to make space for community structures or parks. This process can also be used to make the community safer by dismantling condemned buildings.
One technique that contractors may use in total building dismantling is implosion. During this process, explosives are used to collapse the structure quickly. Contractors may also use high-reach units with long boom arms during the demolition process.
With progressive wrecking, contractors operate machinery in confined work spaces and separate the building materials as they dismantle the structure. This process can be accomplished by using machines with high-reach booms, wrecking balls, or demolishing the building floor by floor. Tipping is a technique contractors use to dismantle larger structures. The demolition experts strategically weaken the building’s shear walls and structural columns, then collapse the structure with a wrecking ball.
Interior
If you plan to upgrade or reuse a building, look into interior demolition. This refers to the non-structural dismantling of spaces within a building. This includes removing interior walls and ceilings, demolishing floors and utility services, and selective dismantling.
Selective demolition is a procedure where experts carefully remove parts from a building. This process includes hand labor and smaller, specialized equipment. Both selective and interior dismantling use tools such as skid-steer loaders and excavators with hydraulic attachments. These attachments include shears and breakers for concrete and steel, as well as forks and buckets to hold and handle materials.
Selective or interior dismantling can be used for renovation projects. If you are renovating a building that has experienced decay or been damaged by fire, a contractor may utilize selective or interior dismantling to remove the damaged parts of the building while keeping its structural integrity. This helps prevent the need for complete rebuilding or reconstruction.
Find a Demolition Company
When looking for a company for your commercial or residential dismantling project, talk to them about their dismantling methods and ask about their additional services. Some companies also provide asset recovery and metal recycling services. Look for a demolition company with contractors that follow state safety rules and have the proper licenses and experience for your project.