Demolition Information

Demolition is known as the process or the act of destroying or wrecking a structure, which is most commonly performed by explosives but sometimes a crew. Demolition may be required to prepare a site for a new building to be built or the removal of a structure that has become unstable and unsafe. Demolition can be performed to a facility, any type of structure, material, etc. that is capable of being demolished.

Forms of Demolition

There are any forms of demolition including but not limited to residential, commercial, swimming pools, asphalt and concrete. Concrete is a common form of building material that is used to not just build sidewalks and driveways but walls as well. In addition, concrete is usually used for the foundation of many buildings so when it comes to home improvement or renovation projects, the existing concrete may need to be demolished to get ready for the renovation.

Concrete demolition is not the easiest type of demolition as there are some basic precautions and guidelines that should be followed in order to demolish the concrete efficiently while keeping yourself, the property and everything around the job site perfectly safe.

Use the Proper Tools and Safety Equipment

Concrete is a very tough building material and isn’t just a material that you can take a sledgehammer after and expect to chop it up and haul it off – unless it is a small demolition project. Most concrete structures, whether it be walls, statues, floors, etc. have rebar within the concrete. The rebar are strong pieces of metal bars and/or mesh that help to hold the concrete in place. In most cases, a jackhammer will be needed to get the concrete chipped up while a bolt cutter and/or a reciprocating saw will be needed to cut through the mesh and to cut the rebar bars. In significantly larger demolition projects, heavy equipment may be required.

Concrete demolition comes with a number of safety concerns. Concrete can easily shatter resulting in pieces of concrete flying in every direction. Therefore, when you are dealing with a concrete demolition project, it is important that you wear safety goggles, work boots (preferably steel-toed boots) and gloves as well as long pants. As an extra precaution, plastic sheeting may be placed over the concrete before you begin working to avoid pieces of concrete flying upward and outward.

Consider a Professional

A demolition professional can help from start to finish with a concrete demolition project and is honestly probably the safest way to go. Here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring a professional:

 

• They are knowledgeable about proper safety precautions as well as state mandated regulations and laws regarding demolitions.

• They have the expertise to perform the job to the fullest extent possible, which is something you may lack.

 

• They more than likely have the tools easily accessible to perform the concrete demolition project whereas you may not.

• They can perform the job right without unnecessary mistakes that you may make on your own.