The Soft Strip Demolition Process

Once DCL has completed the demolition pre-survey, we will arrange to take all the required precautions before starting the soft strip demolition. This process involves removing internal structures and materials, ensuring the building is stripped to its bare bones. The very first step in Soft Strip Demolition is removing the plasterboard. We carefully detach the plasterboards from the walls and ceilings to minimize and limit any damage to the underlying structure. The plasterboard is disposed of on-site, following all relevant regulations and guidelines. 

Secondly, we begin removing the doors and walls. This can include partition walls, non-load-bearing walls, and other internal structures not essential to the building's stability. This step is undertaken cautiously to prevent any damage to the remaining structure. 

After this, all the decorative items, such as bathroom tiles, fixtures, lighting, and windows that are no longer needed are removed. Insulation is another essential element removed during a soft strip demolition process. Types of insulation materials are fiberglass, foam, and other acoustic insulation. Insulation removal ensures the building can be adequately assessed and prepared for the next construction phase. We also remove all the flooring and carpets in this process and dispose of them ethically. 

If asbestos has been identified in the pre-demolition survey, licensed professionals will safely remove it. Finally, all the materials removed during the soft strip demolition process are sorted, recycled, and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. 

Integration of health measures

The Guidelines of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 suggested two types of work: licensable and non-licensable. If working with asbestos involves at least two hours per week or the risk assessment does not ensure that the control limit will be within it, it is considered licensable work. A license is required to perform these types of work to ensure the safety of workers and others involved in it.

The contractor is also responsible for ensuring that all workers are trained to use Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) to protect themselves from possible hazards. Proper screening measures are also adopted to ensure the safety of people in the neighborhood. Spraying water to reduce dust particles is another effective method to control dust pollution.

Difference between Soft and Hard Strip Demolition?

Soft strip demolition selectively removes specific external or interior components and fittings while retaining the building's structure. This is a process of dismantling, not destruction. Hard demolition, on the other hand, involves the comprehensive demolition of the entire building using machinery to tear it down safely.

Applications of Soft and Hard Strip Out

Partial building preservation can be achieved through soft strip demolition, which involves removing various interior elements such as flooring, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, wiring, and internal ceilings.

These deconstruction services can be applied to renovate structurally sound buildings that do not require complete demolition, refurbish specific building sections, or preserve historic buildings that necessitate refurbishment without total destruction.

There are several reasons why one may opt for hard demolition over soft strip demolition. Suppose a building's structure has become unsafe. In that case, hard demolition provides a comprehensive means of demolishing the entire structure instead of the preservation approach of soft strip demolition, which would be unsuitable for such a project. Alternatively, if a purchased property contains an unwanted or unneeded building, hard demolition can be employed to destroy the structure and allow for the unencumbered use of the land.