What Is Hydrodemolition and Why Is It Gaining Popularity in the UK?

Building demolition can be a challenging task if the building is located in a congested area. If a demolition contractor uses a large excavator or a jackhammer to demolish an old building, it can damage other buildings in the surrounding area.

What if there were a better alternative that helps demolish an old building without damaging adjacent buildings? Yes, that’s right, hydro demolition is showing the way to a much safer demolition option.

In this blog, we will discuss why hydro demolition is gaining popularity in the UK. Read on to know more about the process of hydro demolition.

What Is Hydrodemolition?

It uses high-pressure water jets to remove concrete from a building structure. The jet spray is attached to a high-pressure pump, and it releases water that cuts through the concrete. The benefit of using the hydrodemolition method to demolish a concrete building is that it does not damage other parts of the building, nor does it affect adjacent buildings. 

Compared to the traditional demolition technique that uses large, vibrating machines, hydrodemolition does not use such machines. Only high-pressure water spray breaks the tensile strength of the concrete structure without damaging the rebars.

Why Traditional Methods Don’t Work for Congested Areas

Demolition contractors who use the traditional method of demolition use wrecking balls, excavators or even explosives to demolish a large building. This equipment can create noise pollution in the area. 

People in the neighbouring houses might object to such a demolition process if all the houses are in close distances. Additionally, this traditional demolition process generates a significant amount of concrete dust particles, polluting the area. 

On the contrary, a hydrodemolition method does not cause noise pollution or harm the surrounding buildings. You can even remove a portion of the building without damaging other parts of it.

If you consider demolishing a building in a congested area, a hydrodemolition method also saves additional damage and repair costs to the surrounding property. If you had used the traditional demolition method and damaged the surrounding properties, that would indeed be an extra expense.

Key Benefits of Hydrodemolition for Old Property Owners

Besides its utilisation in congested areas, you can also use it in the demolition of old buildings. Or, use it to remove concrete in a structurally sensitive building.

a. Protection of Structural Integrity

With hydrodemolition, there is no vibration or excessive noise. A high level of vibration can damage the structural integrity of a building. Suppose you plan to demolish a portion of the building, but with the traditional demolition technique, the entire building might feel the vibration. That does not happen with the hydrodemolition technique.

b. Safe for Historic or Listed Buildings

Old buildings with historical significance need repairing and demolition of the damaged parts of the building. In such a case, only the damaged part of the building needs to be removed, and you cannot damage other parts of the building. Use the hydrodemolition technique to get the job done safely.

c. Cleaner and Compliant

With the hydrodemolition technique, you don’t generate noise or dust pollution on the demolition site. Rather, you can save the rebars inside the concrete structure, because the hydrodemolition technique does not damage the rebars.

d. Ideal for Tight Access Jobs

The demolition technique can be ideal when the building structure is in a closed area. Besides, workers cannot access or bring the tools of demolition to work in any area; however, hydrodemolition works fine instead.

Is Hydrodemolition Right for Your Project?

Still not sure if the hydrodemolition technique is the right approach to demolish your old building in the UK? Don’t worry, fill out the following checklist to decide.