If the time ever comes that you’re looking to demolish either a commercial or residential building, it can help to understand the process and methods of demolition which contractors may use. Keep reading to learn more about the process of demolition as well as a few of the techniques demolition contractors will use to demolish your structure.

Demolition team working to demolish a structure.
Demolition team working to demolish a structure.

Demolition Process

Before diving into the methods of demolition commonly used by contractors, it is helpful to consider and understand the process of demolition. The demolition process consists of four steps in order to guarantee a safe and effective completion of the job and work area.

These steps include:

1. Surveying-Considers construction materials used and methods of construction for the building

2. Removal of hazardous materials-Focuses on removing materials carrying asbestos and other hazardous materials

3. Preparation of plan-A very detailed plan that breaks down the entire job from start to finish for the safety of everyone involved

4. Safety measures-Includes a briefing on all potential hazards of this specific demolition job

While this is a minimal look into the demolition process and its steps, it can still help in the understanding of what might be expected in any demolition project.

Demolition crew in the middle of a job.
Demolition crew in the middle of a job.

Non-Explosive Demolition Methods

When pursuing a non-explosive method of demolition the entire process will take place without the use of explosives. Some of the different equipment which can be used in this method of demolition include but aren’t limited to:

1. Sledge hammers

2. Excavators and bulldozers

3. Wrecking balls

4. High reach arms

Explosive Demolition Methods

If non-explosive demolition isn’t what you need for your particular job, your contractor could use explosive methods to see the job done right. These methods include implosion and selective demolition and each are used for different jobs.

1. Implosion-The most dramatic way to demolish a structure. It requires blast crews to consider the structural design of the building in order to determine the exact placement of the explosives and guarantee a clean and safe demolition.

2. Selective demolition-Otherwise known as a “strip-out,” this method has become popular because it allows builders to reuse and recycle building materials.

Final Thoughts As you’re trying to get a demolition project going with your contractor, it can be helpful and useful to understand the process and methods of demolition you may expect to find in that process. When you’re ready to start on your demolition project, reach out to the team at Morgan Services Group Corp to serve as your trusted demolition contractor.