Factors That Impact How Demolitions Are Executed
Posted on: 9 June 2021
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Demolition is the process of bringing down a building in a controlled and pre-planned manner, but not all demolitions are the same: they're either partial or complete. Partial demolitions involve removing some parts of the structure while leaving everything else intact. This explains why they're also referred to as selective demolitions. Complete or total demolitions, on the other hand, involve removing a building entirely, leaving no traces of the structure behind.
Because a partial removal of a building requires providing support to the remaining structure, it's generally trickier to perform than a full removal. The good news is that experienced demolition contractors can do it all: no job is too big or small for them to do efficiently and safely.
To ensure the job gets done right, experts often consider several things before commencing a demolition. Here are some of the main factors that demolition specialists mull over pre-demolition.
The Structural Condition Of A Building
Whether a building can be demolished partially or completely will be influenced by its structural condition. If the building has been declared unsafe for human use by the local building code officials, and the cost of repairs exceeds the value of the building, a full demolition and rebuild may be the best decision from a safety and financial standpoint.
For buildings that are structurally safe and up to code, a partial demolition may allow for the expansion of a space without the hassle and expense of a complete demolition and rebuild.
The Type Of Materials Used In Constructing A Building
Beyond knowing the structural condition of the building to be demolished, demolition contractors will also want to know which kind of materials were used to build it. Dangerous construction materials pose a hazard to the health of people and the environment. They also increase a contractor's liability due to the additional safety and regulatory risks.
Older buildings, for example, may contain hazardous substances, such as asbestos, lead, and mercury that may require specialized handling to remove efficiently and safely. Other hazardous building materials that may impact how a demolition job is carried out include flammable, radioactive, and corrosive materials.
Knowing which materials they'll be dealing with helps demolition contractors come up with demolition plans that will ensure the safety of their site workers, the general public, and the environment.
Demolitions, whether for residential or nonresidential buildings, are inherently dangerous jobs that require expert handling to execute safely and efficiently. If you need to have a building torn down, never hesitate to ask a demolition services contractor for assistance.