A guide to soft strip demolition

Soft strip demolition involves removing non-structural elements from a building. It may include removing elements inside or outside the building during the process. The soft strip demolition process is the initial step in demolition, refurbishment, or reconstruction of the building.

If you are planning to refurbish the apartment or are willing to demolish a building to construct a new building in the same place, first learn about soft strip demolition. It may influence you to alter the decision to demolish the old building and opt for a soft strip demolition service.

The following discussion will provide you with a guide to the soft strip demolition process, helping you understand its benefits and challenges. You will also learn the necessary precautions to remove hazardous materials like asbestos during the process.

Why do you need soft strip demolition?

If you plan to refurbish your existing building with a new design and added decoration, a soft strip demolition service can help. It can remove all the non-structural elements of the building, such as fittings and fixtures, internal walls, ceiling, floor panels, windows, doors, electrical wiring, etc. Careful stripping down of these materials allows you to reuse them in future construction work. Even if you do not require these materials, you can sell them to others for reuse. The sustainable approach of limiting materials' wastage helps add environmental value.

Can soft strip demolition harm the environment or the persons involved in it?

Yes, soft strip demolition can harm the environment without taking proper precautions. Your chosen contractor may alert you of the possible environmental impact of dust generated during the process. Demolishing inner walls and removing fittings and fixtures may create dust particles. Using covering materials and controlled water spray to prevent the spread of dust are the most effective. Otherwise, hazardous elements can spread in the environment and pollute the surrounding environment. If dust particles include wood dust, silica, or asbestos, they can critically impact individuals involved in the project. Asbestos, in particular, has been banned in the UK due to its harmful health impact if individuals are exposed to asbestos clouds for longer.

Why careful removal of asbestos is necessary during the soft strip-out process?

Asbestos is a natural mineral that has been used in UK construction in the past due to its excellent heat resistance. However, the element was banned in UK construction after its carcinogenic characteristics were discovered. In the UK, asbestos removal is regulated by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

A skillful soft strip demolition contractor will carefully remove asbestos from an old building during the soft strip-out process. Using a controlled water spray on asbestos-containing materials helps to reduce the risk of its spread. The workers should also use protective respiratory masks to prevent exposure to asbestos clouds.

The best process to complete soft strip demolition

The Health and Safety Executive controls the UK's strip-out process and demolition works. The best method for conducting the soft strip demolition is to follow the Assess, Control, and Review model provided by the Health and Safety Executives.

First, assess the amount of material being removed from the site and the type of waste materials. A soft strip demolition process produces significant dust; it may harm workers if it contains wood dust, silica, or asbestos clouds. Hence, assess the necessary risks.

Secondly, the control phase identifies possible measures to control the spread of dust and other particles that can impact workers and the environment. Water suppression or on-tool techniques can help reduce the spread of dust control.

Finally, the review phase focuses on regularly monitoring workers' protective equipment and its effectiveness. A responsible soft stript demolition contractor should periodically check for damage to the equipment used for the work. It would be best if you also communicated with the contractor to remove the waste materials generated during the process safely. It requires careful removal by following government guidelines that your contractor is better aware of.

Conclusion

A soft strip demolition service can help you renovate a building without completely demolishing and maintaining its integrity. This process is suitable if you renovate or refurbish your existing structure. It is also sustainable and economical, and stripped-out materials can be reused for construction work, reducing waste generation. However, the contractor needs to be careful when handling waste materials, especially hazardous materials. We provide the industry's best soft strip demolition services at Demolition Contractor London. Contact us today for a personalized quote.