If you have ever needed demolition services, you are probably wondering what the difference is between selective demolition and implosion. Here are some facts to keep in mind:
Implosion
The implosion process takes only a few seconds, but the speed is stunning. After all, most buildings take months or even years to construct and stand firm for up to 100 years. While this process may seem slow, consider how long buildings have been in place. It may take months or years to build a new one, but it takes only a few seconds for a demolition company to demolish an old one!
Reuse
While many people believe that the demolition process has a definite place in the waste stream, reuse can also positively affect the environment. Many construction byproducts are recyclable, and many end up in landfills. Typically, wood, brick, and concrete make up more than a quarter of the waste in landfills in the U.S. As a result, contractors who repurpose construction materials can be profitable, but there are trade-offs.
Deconstruction, also called “soft-stripping” or “hand demo,” involves reclaiming non-structural components from a building. These materials can include appliances, doors, windows, and finish materials. In contrast, structural demolition, or “razing” a building, focuses on the disassembly of the entire structure, including the roof, walls, and foundation. Materials such as lumber, steel, and concrete can be recovered and reused in both cases.
Safety
Demolition services should be safe. You should train workers to take proper precautions. This includes wetting walls, marking floor openings, and using a signaller to lower materials safely. Additionally, competent supervisors should monitor all workers, and the demolition crew should use advanced technology where possible. The demolition process should proceed in reverse order if possible, and a team should be able to install temporary props if a structure is too unstable to descend safely. One of the many examples is the demolition services Boston MA.
Before and during demolition, principal designers and contractors should conduct a risk assessment. These professionals must also train demolition operatives on safe work systems, PPE, and the sequence of operations. In addition, demolition teams should have a clear plan for emergency response, as the work can result in a hazardous material release. By following the procedure and instructions of the supervisors, demolition sites can be kept safe. If workers’ safety is not the top priority, they could suffer serious injuries.
Cost
While most demolition services include dumpster rental as part of the price, you may have to pay separately. When hiring a professional demolition company, it is crucial to keep in mind that you must disconnect and shut off all utilities before the demolition begins. A typical dumpster rental costs around $360, but you may have to pay more if hazardous materials are present. Work with your architect to coordinate demolition and new build services to avoid paying more than necessary.
Before hiring a demolition service, check the local municipality’s requirements. Some cities provide blanket demolition permits, while others require separate licenses for different project parts. Additionally, many municipalities require capped water, sewer, and gas lines before the demolition can begin. This could delay the demolition process. Other permits may involve the destruction of a commercial building. The average demolition permit costs between $50 and $100. However, depending on your location, these permits may be cheaper or more expensive.
