A Guide to High-Rise Demolition

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE CHOOSING DEMOLITION

Across the world, many cities are filled with breathtaking skylines, where buildings tower towards the sun in an effort to touch the sky. But what happens when those buildings are no longer necessary or if they have run the course for their original purpose? Sometimes a high-rise building may be repurposed or sold to another company or business that can make use of the structure; other times, it may be time to think about high-rise demolition. 

HOW TO DEMOLISH A HIGH-RISE BUILDING

As you can imagine, demolishing a high-rise building is something that takes a great amount of preparation and coordination between those who are doing the demolishing. There are a variety of ways to demolish a high-rise building. Here are several ways to do it. 

One such way is to dismantle a high rise building from top to bottom, floor by floor. While this may seem like the most logical way, it can be unsafe depending on the integrity of the structure, or a fire could even break out if the proper precautions aren’t taken. There’s also the alternative to this option: working from the bottom floor to the top.

While not a popular method, sometimes the best option is to demolish a building from the bottom to the top, floor by floor. When speaking about demolition, it is not always accomplished by way of an “implosion.” This method has been accomplished in a variety of ways, from manual demolition to computer controlled hydraulic jacks. The previous method, from the top-down, can also be accomplished in various ways, like a wrecking ball or cranes. But what about implosion, and when is it the best choice?

Chances are, if you are reading this, you’ve come across a video of high-rise building being demolished by implosion. It can be a visual spectacle but can also be dangerous. Implosion happens when explosive charges are methodically placed to remove a building’s structure— forcing the building to collapse on itself, with the hope of causing as little harm to the surrounding area as possible. Once the explosive charges have been placed, the demolishing of the building will happen in a matter of seconds. Obviously, you want to hire a demolition crew with plenty of experience with this type of demolition work. But how do you know when demolition is the best choice for you?

DETERMINING IF DEMOLITION IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Now that you understand how a high-rise building can be demolished, the next step is to decide if this is the best option for you. To make this determination, you’ll want to consider all the factors that go into getting a high-rise demolished. Demolition is not the only option when considering what to do with a high-rise building.

Oftentimes, a less destructive method is to consider renovating a high-rise or repurposing it instead of deciding to go with demolition. Some projects may need a renovation rather than a complete demolition. When deciding between demolition or renovation, there are multiple factors to consider.

First, you’ll what to consider the high-rise in question. Where the structure is located is an important factor to consider. The difference between an urban area as opposed to a tall silo in an open area, can lead to a different “best” option. You’ll want to have as little impact as possible on the surrounding area. This can also affect the price of the demolition.

Demolishing a high-rise building can vary based on multiple factors, such as the building’s location. Other factors can impact the price of a demolition project. Some factors like permits, timing, or even what will happen to the materials left after the high-rise has been demolished can factor into the project’s price. Once you’ve decided that these factors point towards demolition being the best option, there are steps that you will need to take to make the project come to fruition.

STEPS TO DEMOLITION

So, you’ve decided demolition is your best bet, but what happens next? There are still a few steps that you’ll want to take before calling around to find the best demolition company for your project.

The first thing a demolition company will want to know is your time frame. Not only is this vital to your project, but this is important so that the demolition company has an opportunity to schedule other clients as well.

You’ll want to make sure that you have the financial backing to afford your demolition project.

Sometimes permits are necessary to demolish a building, or certain rules are in place that doesn’t allow certain types of demolition.

Is the process of determining where the demolition will take place and how the dust and debris will be controlled to protect the surrounding area.

Now you know the steps it’ll take to make the demolition of your high-rise a reality, it’s time to find a demolition company that you can trust to get the job done right. That’s where Alpine Demolition comes in!

HIGH RISE DEMOLITION DONE BEST BY ALPINE DEMOLITION

We have taken a few moments to walk through the steps you need to take before moving forward with a deconstruction or demolition project. This is an exciting time for you and your organization, and we are eager to walk with you through this process each step of the way.

At Alpine Demolition, we make several guarantees to our clients. We guarantee safety, modern technology, sustainable practices, and care for the community and environment where your project is located.

Contact us today by clicking here to ask questions or begin a bid form. Or call us at 630-761-0700 with any questions you have about your upcoming demolition project.

Remember, the first step you need to take before a demolition project is deciding whether deconstruction is the right choice for you and your group or organization. We would love to talk through all the options with you to help you make a stress-free decision.