What’s the Cost of Silo Demolition?

Dec 01, 2021

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There is something wonderful that takes place in your heart and mind when you see a silo arise over the horizon in a wide-open field. These simple, but majestic, constructions are reminders to us of the incredible production which takes place on U.S. farms, and somehow, they comfort us and remind us of a simpler time. These towers, used to store cement, coal, grain, food products, woodchips, and sawdust, are scattered throughout the United States, from coast to coast, in fields, and on rolling hills. The curved towers provide a haven for resources to aid farmers and feed livestock – to keep our agricultural system functioning at its best.

Why Would a Silo Need to Be Demolished?

After many years, a silo may begin to weaken or become damaged beyond repair by inclement weather, like hail, tornadoes, and rain – and the silo may require removal rather than repairs. Another reason a silo may need to be demolished is if the layout of the farm is to be modified, or perhaps the land is sold, and the location of the silo is no longer ideal or functional. In these situations, it may be necessary to remove a silo. The process of deconstructing a silo is simple but has many factors to consider.

If you are considering a project that would require the demolition of a silo, then you have come to the right place. At Alpine Demolition Services, LLC, we can help you determine the cost of your silo removal project.

What is the Cost of Silo Demolition?

There are many factors that need to be considered before the cost of a silo demolition can be determined. Some of these factors include the location of the silo, the surroundings of the silo, the material of which the silo is constructed, and the specs of the silo. The cost of demolishing a silo varies dependent on size, construction, and site conditions.

Types of Silos

There are many different types of silos, but the three most common are listed below:

Bag Silo – Bag silos are used to store grains and fodder. It is made out of plastic or hermetic bags or tubes. The height of the silo depends on the quantity of material intended to store. Bag silos are one of the most economical silos.

Bunker Silos – Bunker silos are trenches, which are filled and packed with the help of tractors and loaders. Bunker silos are made from concrete walls. A plastic tarp covers the fully packed bunker silos to make it airtight.

Tower/[Cement Stave] Silo – Tower silos are constructed using wood, steel, or concrete. The most common type of silos are tower silos. Air slides or augers facilitate the unloading of cement or woodchips or grain from the silos. It can be unloaded into trucks or conveyor belts or rail cars.” [1]

Other towers – If you do not have a silo, but you have some other type of tower or structure you need removed, click here to learn more about our other tower removal services.

Methods of Silo Demolition

As with all types of construction and deconstruction, there are different methods used in silo demolition.

The first method of silo demolition uses gravity as its source of power. This method is utilized by making a calculated decision about where the silo should fall. Once that is determined, the method of silo demolition is to strategically take out the support pieces of the silo on one predetermined side. Once the supports are removed, the silo will topple inward and collapse in the direction determined before the project began.

The second silo demolition method is to construct scaffolding on the inside of the upright silo. Once the scaffolding is in place, a team can go in and manually remove the sections piece by piece and break the silo down from the top to the bottom.

Why use one method over the other? The second method is ideal for two main reasons. The first reason is when there is an incentive to save the silo construction materials. By breaking the silo down section by section, the pieces will be salvaged and able to be reused in other projects. The second reason to use the breakdown method is when there are buildings or obstructions that make it dangerous or destructive to use the first method of allowing the collapse. [2]

The Deconstruction Company

We have discussed the various factors that need to be considered when determining how much a silo demolition will cost. We talked about the types of silos, and we talked about the different methods used to deconstruct the towers of the Great Plains. The last, and probably the most important factor for you to consider when you are considering removing a silo from your property is the demo team you will choose.

At Alpine Demolition Services, LLC, we have a few guarantees that we know will help you make this important decision. We guarantee you a timely and accurate estimate of your upcoming silo demolition project. We guarantee you the best and most up-to-date technology to ensure your project is done with excellence. We guarantee you the most sustainable practices we can provide, and most importantly, we guarantee you that we will perform your silo demolition in the safest manner possible.

Are You Ready to Have Your Silo Removed with Excellence?

The process of removing a silo from your property may seem like a daunting and expensive task. At Alpine Demolition, we understand you have a lot to think about and consider. We are here to help each step of the way.

Click here to begin the process of removing your silo and to be contacted by someone on our team. We are happy to answer any questions you have about your upcoming silo removal project. Click here to fill out a bid request form to get a comprehensive estimate of your silo demolition project.


[1] https://theconstructor.org/structures/storage-silos-types-advantages/39795/

[2] https://franklinsilorepair.com/project/silo-demolition/

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