Commercial demolition contractors use four primary methods to demolish a building. Some projects might use more than one of the following options.
- Implosion uses explosives to destroy a building’s vertical supports so that it collapses onto itself. This option works well in removing large structures in urban settings.
- High reach arms can handle buildings more than 20m high, breaking up the structure from the top to the foundation.
- A wrecking ball is a heavy weight suspended from a crane or other equipment. It’s dropped onto or knocked into the structure, essentially crushing it.
- Selective demotion is a popular choice because more of the unwanted materials can be removed and recycled for other projects.
Understanding which option works the best for your situation is the first step toward having a successful demolition experience. Here are some of the other considerations to review.
Complete a Survey
When surveying a building for demolition, several data points require examination. Are there common spaces that need attention with other structures? What is the condition and type of the drainage systems involved?
A survey should also look at the traffic conditions around the property throughout the day, review potential hazards, and identify potentially harmful materials.
During this initial phase, it helps to speak with different contractors to determine what they can or cannot handle based on what is found in the building.
Hire a Professional Contractor
Although trying a commercial demolition project to save some cash might be tempting, it’s better to bring in a trained expert. Several rules and regulations could apply that you might not know exist, which could get your business into trouble if they’re not followed.
Professional contractors help manage the logistics of the demolition project. They bring their expertise and skills to the project with each crew member, ensuring the building comes down most efficiently.
A professional contractor will create detailed plans that safely bring down the building.
Some of the factors included in this process include the distance from the road, an observation of the surroundings, and the structural system used for the building.
Turn Off All the Utilities
Before the day of the demolition, it helps to contact the local utilities to ensure everything is turned off correctly. That might mean gas lines need to get capped, underground cables marked, and power lines removed. Each building has different requirements to manage before everything comes down.
Ontario has 76 utilities, with Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, and Hydro Ottawa being the largest. The Ontario Energy Board provides a list of licensed energy companies if you need to contact your provider to turn things off before your demolition project begins.
A professional contractor will not start a demolition project unless the utilities have been shut off and that information is independently verifiable. Many businesses and property owners include this step with the initial survey to ensure it gets done.
Communicate Your Demolition Intent
If your commercial building is in a dense area, it is wise to notify each property owner about the demolition project. Although a professional contractor takes mitigation steps to ensure a safe conclusion occurs, there could be dust and equipment that impact the operations of other companies and storefronts.
You must also communicate your intent to demolish a commercial building to local officials. A demolition permit must be acquired from the municipal council in some instances before any work can proceed. Corporate fines for violating the Building Code Act of 1992 reach a maximum of $500,000 for a first-time violation.
Cities sometimes have specific codes that must be followed in accordance with provincial rules. If you’re unsure of what is expected in this area, it helps to have an experienced attorney who can work with you to ensure all the required steps are followed.
Have a Debris Removal Plan to Implement
Most demolition companies will take care of the commercial building that needs to be removed, but they won’t haul the junk away. You’ll need to handle that task yourself, which means hiring another contractor to sort through everything or sorting through the rubbish on your own. The goal should be to keep as many things out of the waste cycle as possible, especially metals.
We-Haul Disposal Services simplifies the commercial demolition process for companies of all industries and sizes. Not only do we provide the demolition work, but we also haul the construction debris away for one affordable price. If you have an upcoming project, our team can deliver the results needed for a successful experience.
