Types of Demolition Services
Buildings and structures must be demolished for various reasons. Demolition companies must follow a standard project framework to ensure the work is carried out safely and efficiently. To understand the demolition process, we will explain the different types of services in detail.
Demolition Contractors London offers the following demolition services:
Interior Demolition: This involves dismantling the interior of a building's structure while preserving the exterior, usually in preparation for renovation or refurbishment.
Selective Demolition: This project removes specific interior or exterior portions of a building while protecting the remaining structure and nearby areas.
Dismantling/Deconstruction: This careful process dismantles a building structure to preserve components for reuse, recycling, or refurbishment. It is generally more labor-intensive than demolition.
Total Demolition: This is the complete demolition of an entire structure, which can be achieved through various methods.
Mechanical Demolition: We perform this demolition service using specialized equipment and tools. Hydraulic excavators with specialized tools can effectively dismantle and tear down concrete and steel structures. Compact machinery such as skid steers, front-end loaders, and demolition robots are utilized for smaller-scale, indoor, or targeted demolition tasks.
Implosion: Implosion is a specific type of demolition that utilizes explosives to undermine a building's structural support, leading to its collapse within its boundaries or along a planned trajectory. Demolition companies use this technique in less than 1% of their demolition projects.
Stages of Demolition
Demolition companies must go through four critical steps in a demolition project:
- Inspecting the building and the surrounding area.
- Removing any hazardous materials present.
- Developing a detailed demolition plan.
- Implementing safety measures to protect everyone involved and impacted by the project.
Undertaking a Building Survey
If required, our demolition contractors at DCL will conduct a comprehensive structural engineers' building survey. We provide two types of asbestos inspections: a management assessment and a refurbishment and demolition assessment, which is required by law before demolition. During the building survey, we thoroughly inspect the construction materials, the building's prior use, and any hazardous substances present, including asbestos, toxic chemicals, wastewater, radioactive, flammable, or explosive materials. We also assess the condition of the drainage system and any potential issues related to flooding, water pollution, or erosion. We evaluate shared facilities with nearby buildings and the impact of dust, vibration, noise, and traffic on the immediate area.
Structural Survey
The structural survey will thoroughly examine:
The construction methods used for the building.
The structural integrity of the basement, underground vaults, and tanks.
The structural system design of the building.
The current condition of the building.
Remove Any Hazardous Materials Onsite
Any hazardous materials discovered at the location must be eliminated to protect everyone's well-being during the demolition and construction of the new building. If oil pollution, asbestos, or radioactive substances are found during the inspection, specialized firms must be hired to remove them from the premises securely. This may temporarily delay the planned start of the demolition services, but no work can commence until the clearance company approves the site.
Demolition Plans for Your Building
At DCL, we believe the demolition plan must be comprehensive and decisive. It will outline the building's location, structural features, and proximity to surrounding structures. The demolition method and sequence will be specified. Rigorous safety measures, such as covered scaffolding, walkways, and protective screens, will be implemented to safeguard the public. The plan will also detail the processes for handling debris after the demolition. The timeframe for the entire demolition project will be clearly defined.
Safety Measures for Demolition
Before demolition can start, the contractor must prepare detailed plans, assess the risks, hold a site briefing to explain the demolition methods and discuss the rules for the entire work site. Any flammable items not needed for demolition must be removed and stored securely. Fire and emergency procedures will be in place throughout the demolition project. Workers will face hazards like chemicals, dust, and heat, so appropriate measures will be implemented to provide good ventilation, reduce vibration and noise, maintain sanitation, and ensure medical and first aid support. All workers on-site must wear personal protective equipment.
.png)
