Many people believe demolition companies simply knock down a building and call it a day. However, it's actually a complicated process that involves many steps and procedures to ensure they're meeting safety standards. It's a necessary service in today's day and age. According to IBISWorld, the market size, measured by revenue, of the demolition industry was $8.9 billion in 2022. If you've ever been curious about what demolition entails, keep reading.

Inspection

When it's been decided that a building will be torn down, an inspection must be performed. This allows demolition companies to account for any potential hazards, such as the presence of toxic materials like asbestos. They'll also need to know how the demolition will affect the surrounding area. They may need to temporarily alter traffic patterns, or warn residents of the noise, dust, and debris. There's much, much more that is considered during the inspection, and the goal is to develop the best possible methods for demolition. Every building is unique and will need a customized approach.

Demolition Plan

Once the building has been inspected, it's time to decide how they'll actually go about the demolition. There are many different methods, such as implosion and excavation. Implosion is just as cool as it sounds, and it uses explosives to target the primary points of structural integrity. Unfortunately, this is only a viable option for a very small percentage of demolition projects. The most common method is excavation, which uses heavy machinery to deconstruct the building from the top down. This is often the safest method, especially when in a densely populated area.

Safety Measures

One of the most important steps is ensuring the proper safety measures are in place. This could include removing hazardous materials before demolition, putting up signage in the surrounding area, and much more. It's vital that everyone involved in the process is fully aware of safety precautions and requirements.

Permits

Naturally, you can't tear down a whole building without municipal approval. Luckily, demolition companies are typically very familiar with the process and can offer guidance. They likely have connections in your area and can secure one much faster than the typical person.

Demolition and Clean-Up

Once a plan has been made and permits have been secured, the demolition can actually take place. Unfortunately, the clean-up often takes much longer than the demolition itself. Not only because of the volume of debris but also because it's important that everything is disposed of responsibly.

Our team of dedicated, experienced professionals can handle your demolition project. Contact Hamilton Masonry today to get started. We'd be happy to help!