Whether you are the owner of a company or property, you may at one point need to know about demolition and whether these services are needed for your building. Or perhaps you are just someone who is curious about demolition practices. Most people may think that demolition just entails blowing up buildings. But in reality, there is so much more to demolition than people realize. Here we have answered a few questions about demolition, to provide some of the most basic information that people need to know:
What is the process of demolition?
There are many steps when it comes to successfully and safely demolishing a property. The practices that comprise demolition include dismantlement, removal, deconstruction, salvage, recycling, reuse, disposal, and transfer. How a building is demolished depends on the structure itself and the goals of the property owner or company. Sites are demolished in preparation of reuse or redevelopment.
What kind of tools are used during a demolition?
The equipment used for demolitions must be safe for the public and workers alike. With demolition, there is also the focus of breaking down a building with consideration for protecting the environment. Tools like cranes, excavators, loaders, backhoes, hammers, crushers, sheers, wrecking balls, pulverizers, and skid steers are used during the demolition process. Protective equipment may be utilized as well, including filtration units, respiratory protection, water filtration system, air monitor, recycling equipment, debris processing, and more.
I don’t know anything about demolition, what terms should I know?
When talking with a representative about a demolition project, there are various lingo that may be used. Those who are new to demolition practices, may have questions about what these terms mean and it relates to their project. Here we have defined some of the most common words used by commercial demolition services in LA, CA:
- Deconstruction: dismantling a structure with the intention to keep the most recyclable materials as possible. This is a more labor-intensive step that is usually done by hand. The recycled materials can be reused or turned in for a small profit.
- Structural Dismantlement: dismantling a structure down to its most basic parts, materials, or foundation.
- Specialized Rigging: structures/buildings are salvaged or moved through the use of pulleys, heavy equipment, lines, and chains.
- Implosion: while less frequently used than people think, explosives are used to collapse a building or structure.
- Industrial Recovery: recycling, reusing, or salvaging components from manufacturing facilities, plants, or factories. The materials of value are marketed to salvage firms and end-users.
- C&D Recycling: reusing, salvaging, or recycling more than 90% of the building or structure materials after dismantlement.
What is the most popular form of demolition?
For commercial demolition, the most common method is with the use of bulldozers, wire rope pulls, heavy machinery, wrecking balls, and more. Highly trained demolitions professionals use this technology with safety and accuracy in mind. Using this type of equipment tends to create a temporary mess and persistent noise. The site of the structure can become dusty and the ground nearby may vibrate. When it comes to cost, this approach is the more moderately priced choice.
Thanks to Nielsen Environmental for their insight into demolition services and demolish practices.