If you need to demolish a building or at least a portion of one, the traditional method is to destroy it as quickly as possible so your contractor can move on to the renovation. But there are times when you may want to opt for a modern option instead - selective demolition.



What is selective demolition? And when might you want to choose it? Here are some answers.

What to Know About Demolition Options

Traditional or conventional demolition uses fast and easy methods to tear down the entire structure and create a pile of rubble that needs to be removed via large equipment or machinery. Conventional demolition can be fast and fairly inexpensive compared to some other choices.

Selective demolition, maybe better thought of as deconstruction, is a method that removes an existing structure more thoughtfully and sometimes from the inside out. It requires more time and individual labor within the structure, but you have the opportunity to be more conservative and careful in removing items. You can also keep the demolition site more segregated from other work.

When Selective Demolition is a Great Option

So, if selective demolition is a more labor-intensive process, when is it preferred? Here are a few situations in which you should consider it.



When Demolishing on a Working Site



Are you destroying a large portion or all of a commercial building? Or are you only removing a smaller area? If dealing with a more limited space, taking the section apart one piece at a time is more careful. It takes more time, but planning for work in stages and using some interior work helps you avoid business interruption - and potential income loss - throughout your work area.



When You'd Like to Reuse Instead of Recycle



Demolition debris contains a great deal of recyclable materials, such as cabinetry, flooring, wallboard, landscaping, and windows. The good news is that many of these items can be recycled even when destroyed by more traditional demolition methods.



But if you want to reuse these in your business or gain more money by selling them intact, selective demolition allows you to remove more items of greater value. If your goal is minimal environmental impact, reusing beats recycling.



When There are Historical Elements



If you opt to destroy a building from the inside out - or, top-down, with some methods - you may not get a chance to save any specific items. Historical features in buildings will be lost forever unless you remove them first. Deconstructing the architecture preserves more elements, which can be used to shore up other historical aspects of the site or to find new life in similar historical buildings.



When You Need to Remove Something Carefully



Old materials like lead paint and asbestos often require separate abatement before any demolition can occur. If you must pay to have abatement completed, would it make more sense to combine this with deconstruction? By using the experience and judgment of employees, a selective demolition crew can deal with anything discovered during the removal process rather than risk environmental contamination.

Which Steps to Take Next

Your building wasn't built in a day, and you can find benefits in not destroying in a day either. No matter which aspect of selective demolition strategy appeals to your needs, strategizing is key to meeting those needs.



Not sure whether your business would work best with a selective demolition process or a conventional demolition? Consult with a demolition service that has years of experience with sites like yours. At W R Beach, Inc., we can assess your goals and your structure to help you find the best solutions for any construction needs. Call today to make an appointment to learn more.