Demolition is an important part of many construction projects. Whether a building has sustained heavy damage, has lost its stability or needs to be replaced with a newer building, many construction projects will require a building to be demolished.
Demolition refers to the process of knocking down, dismantling or destroying a building or structure. This may sound simple on paper, but as expert residential demolition contractors there are many step involved to ensure a safe and efficient demolition.
What is involved in the demolition process?
To ensure that a demolition is done in a timely manner with no accidents, there are four important steps that must be carried out:
- Surveying: Checking all the elements of a building, such as materials, design and building codes, to determine the best demolition method.
- Removing hazardous materials: Materials that could cause injuries or accidents, such as asbestos minerals and flammable or radioactive materials, are identified and safely removed from the area.
- Demolition plan: Developing a suitable plan to safely demolish the structure. Important details to include are the location of the building, its proximity to other buildings and the suitable demolition methods to be used.
- Safety measures: Ensuring that all on-site personnel are informed of the plan and of any preventative measures and are wearing appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
Different methods of demolitions
Depending on the design of a structure and the materials used in construction, there are several methods of demolition that may be used. These are split into two categories:
- Implosive: This method uses explosives to destroy the support of a building, causing it to collapse. The structure can be made to fall sideways or collapse on itself.
- Non-explosive: This method involves the use of hand-operated tools and machinery, such as sledgehammers, bulldozers and wrecking balls.
Since 2017, Renshaw Civil Ltd has been serving the Kapiti Coast and the greater Wellington region as quality residential demolition contractors. Our contractors have decades of experience in demolition, excavation, and general contracting throughout New Zealand. To find out more about the services we offer, feel free to get in touch with us today.
