7 Commercial Demolition Tips from the Pros

The demolition of a building interior or exterior is an inherently challenging process. Commercial demolition is particularly nuanced as it involves deconstructing a business-related structure such as a factory, retail site, or warehouse. Commercial buildings aren’t designed to last forever, they will eventually need work done on them. Let’s take a quick look at a few helpful commercial demolition tips to consider prior to scheduling your building’s demolition.

Tip #1: Turn off all utilities

All the utilities at the site must be turned off in the proper manner before commencing demolition. One example of this process might include capping off gas lines after the gas has been completely turned off. If you are ever unsure of how to properly perform this important step, the assistance of utility companies will certainly help ensure the utilities are properly turned off.

Tip #2: Everyone involved in the demolition must recognize the threat of hazardous materials

Depending on the age of the building, demolishing a commercial structure can sometimes lead to the release of harmful materials. Everyone involved in the project should be aware of this threat and act accordingly. This is precisely why it is in your interest to lean on a team of commercial demolition professionals who have the knowledge, expertise, and qualifications necessary to handle hazardous materials such as lead, asbestos, etc.

Particularly, commercial structures built prior to1980 pose an elevated threat regarding the release of hazardous materials during demolition. Such a building should be comprehensively inspected prior to demolition to pinpoint the location of asbestos and other potentially harmful materials/substances. Furthermore, it also makes sense to rely on a certified asbestos inspector and possibly even an air testing specialist to ensure harmful asbestos fibers do not linger in the air.

Tip #3: Recognize & understand the potential for green demolition

The best commercial demolition service providers understand which building components and materials can be recycled to provide additional utility down the line and also help preserve our fragile planet. It is quite possible the majority of the materials demolished at your site can be fully or partially recycled. As an example, it is now possible to recycle steel, concrete, sinks, toilets, beams, and even doors with the proper expertise and equipment.

Tip #4: Resist the temptation to attempt DIY commercial demolition

It is a mistake to attempt to perform your own commercial demolition. Only those who have the experience, training, and equipment necessary for a project on such a scale should do the work. The bottom line: it is not safe for an inexperienced individual to attempt commercial demolition in a DIY (do it yourself) manner.

Tip #5: Nearby property owners should be kept in the loop

Those who conduct business adjacent to, across from, or even also within the building in question should be notified that demolition will take place. This notification should be provided long before the day of the demolition. The work is likely to result in dust, noise, and the use of large machines/equipment, so it is only right that those in the vicinity of the demolition site be informed. Therefore, give the property owners at least a week or two notice in advance so they can take the appropriate protective measures.

Tip #6: Safety is always the top priority

Commercial demolition has the potential to be quite dangerous for everyone at and near the worksite. It is a mistake for those who have not performed demolition to be on-site when the demolition takes place. Covered scaffolding and the appropriate signs should be posted to safeguard pedestrians, drivers, and others in the area when the demolition occurs. In some instances, it may even make sense to reach out to law enforcement to cordon off the area where the demolition will take place, so no one ventures near the site when the work is being performed.

Fall protection is particularly important if holes will be created or the building will be torn apart, creating the potential for those on-site to fall. Demolition workers don full-body restraints when working by such holes as well as opened walls, opened parts of the roof, and other spaces where there is the potential to fall six feet or more.

Tip #7: Only rely on the experienced commercial demolition experts

In short, it is a mistake to let price be the sole determinant of the group you select to perform your commercial demolition. The proven experts earn their keep. Put your faith in those who have experience performing similar demolitions and you will rest easy knowing they work safely and thoroughly, ensuring the job gets done right in a timely manner on the first try.

Keep in mind that the demolition of commercial buildings is that much more challenging than the demolition of homes and other residential buildings. You need an entire team of experienced demolition professionals to do the work the right way with the best possible equipment.

Contact Alpine Demolition Services Today

Our team is here to perform demolition at your property. Whether you are interested in a large-scale or small-scale demolition, we are here to do the work on your behalf. We provide building demolition services, concrete crushing, interior demolition, infrastructure services and more. Contact us today to find out more about our demolition services.

You can reach us by dialing (630) 761-0700 or by filling out our online contact form.