Whenever you want to expand a building or put a completely new one in its place, you’ll need the help of a demolition contractor. They tear down existing structures, as well as haul the waste away, to make room for construction. The guide below explains what this process looks like.

How Are Buildings Demolished?

Demolition contractors have four strategies for tearing down pre-existing structures. The most common method is using an excavator. This heavy piece of machinery uses attachments like shears, crushers, and hydraulic hammers to destroy the building from the top down. It’s popular because it’s effective without creating flying debris and excessive dust.

Another tactic relies on a wrecking ball. A crane swings an incredibly heavy ball of steel into the structure, using the pendulum motion to bring it down; however, more safety precautions must be put in place when this method is used.

Building implosions, while not utilized frequently, involve carefully placing explosives on the main foundational supports to topple the structure.

Finally, selective demolition is a method of tearing down parts of a building while maintaining the main structure. It allows for more recycling and reusing of the building materials and it’s the preferred option during remodeling.

How to Prepare for a Demolition Project

To ensure your demolition project goes as smoothly as possible, your contractor should confirm the plans with the local government to make sure you are adhering to all rules and regulations.

Once you know there are no legal barriers, take items out of the to-be-demolished area and place them into a safe storage space. After everything has been removed, clearly mark any structures that you want to remain following the demolition. This can be done using paint, traffic cones, or vinyl flags that clearly indicate what to preserve.

Finally, make sure all of the utilities are turned off before demolition begins. If the electricity, gas, water, or sewage are still active, it creates a dangerous environment for everyone.

 

If you have a project that requires a demolition contractor, contact the professionals at LeGrande Excavating in Lincoln, NE. With more than 25 years of demolition and excavation experience, this locally owned and operated company has helped area residents with a variety of construction projects. Call (402) 423-4076 for a free estimate or learn more about their services online.