Commercial Demolition: In the Blink of an Eye

Demolition is the process of bringing a structure down manually or with the help of machines, it is the opposite of construction. Demolition of a structure may be either complete or partial. Commercial clearing involves removing structures more than three stories high. It is a fast and complex task involving various entities, a lot of documentation and permission from local bodies.


The demolition process involves following activities on the site:
  • Soil testing and drilling
  • Clearing site
  • Removal of finishes like tiles, stones, etc.
  • Actual demolition of structure
  • Site and plantation protection
  • Removal of foundation
  • Preparation for future utilities
  • Asbestos abatement
These are just the activities conducted on the site for actual bringing down of the structure. But there are many other procedures involved in the complete commercial demolition process. It is a lengthy process and requires proper measures to be taken. It also disturbs the neighborhood and considerably adds to pollution of the concerned area.

Demolition and the relating laws:

Since demolition is an issue, not only concerning owners of a property but surrounding neighborhood as well, it requires to be regulated by the rules of law. Every city has its byelaws implemented by the Municipal Corporation. Any demolition in the city needs the permission of the regulating body of the city. The owners need to be notified (in case they were not a part of the decision process). Next to be informed is the neighborhood as they are bound to be disturbed by such enormous activity.

Why demolition is necessary?

Structures need demolition due to many reasons. They may be illegal, ordered to be removed by court. The structure may be dilapidated needing immediate removal. The site may be required for construction of new structures. There are certain advantages of this activity. It is the quickest way to open space with little effort as compared to relocation and deconstruction of structures. It provides recyclable material. Certain material is salvaged and can be used again. Though it creates a lot of sound and dust problems, it is the most preferred way of clearing space.

Demolition Contractors render their services for this type of demolition. These contractors may be classified into property demolishers and non-property demolishers.
  • Property demolishers - They are involved in clearing up of factories, offices, residential properties, etc.
  • Non-Property demolishers - They are concerned with roads, highways, bridges, pathway and non-inhabitable projects.
Whatever may be the type of project, the contractors should be specialized in demolition activities. It requires a set of processes to be implemented which only a specialized contractor will be well versed with. Not only does professional demolition contractor take care of the procedure, but he also takes liability of damages or injuries during the job. Proper insurance protects the owners as well as the contractor in case of any mishap. The professional demolition contractor has proper knowledge of all regulations and bye laws concerning demolition in the city. Thus, he can easily guide the procedure without much hassle.

This type of work involves both manual and mechanical procedures. Mostly commercial demolition requires the involvement of both manual and mechanical procedures. Machines like saws, drills, hammers, etc. are used in the manual method. Bigger machinery like pulverizer, wrecking balls, grapplers, etc. is used in the mechanical process. Such machinery is supplied or rented and be taken care by the contractor.

Handling the debris after the demolition is another important issue to be addressed by the contractor. It is termed as demolition waste. This varies from site to site depending upon the structure being brought down and its age. Such waste includes electrical items, insulation material, wood, concrete, bricks etc. Hazardous material is also found among this waste like lead and asbestos. Proper handling of debris is required. There are many regulations governing this factor. With appropriate disposal or recycling of all debris, pollution of surrounding natural resources is avoided ensuring safety of surrounding inhabitants.

There is a clear cut procedure for the disposal of all types of waste. Some items can be recycled. A lot of debris can be directly sent for landfills at appropriate locations. Hazardous material if any, needs to be handled as per the safety guidelines and restrictions outlined by the governing body and disposed accordingly.

The right demolition contractor renders duties will save a lot of time and cost. Click here if you still have doubt and want to know more.

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