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How Long Does Demolition Take? 5 Factors

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 13:01:28 GMT

Do you need to clear an old structure off your property through demolition? If so, you're likely anxious to see it gone so you can move on to the more exciting work of replacing it with a new and infinitely more useful structure.

So, how long should you expect it will take to have an old building demolished? The answer varies based on a variety of factors. Learn about the five most likely to affect your construction project.

1. Asbestos Removal

Old buildings often have asbestos in different building elements - usually the cladding, insulation, or ceiling tiles. Asbestos has to be removed before any demolition can be started, and it generally needs careful removal by hand. This laborious process could take anywhere from a few hours to several days. The determining factor will be how much asbestos is inside and where it is.

2. Permit Procurement

In the U.S, you generally need local agency approval to undertake a demolition by whichever means - both selective and traditional - and this time frame will be at the mercy of the local city or county offices. Approval processes vary by region, so you'll need to work with your contractor and the local city planning office to know exactly what will be required.

A small demolition project might get approval right at the city planning office. A large project, though, might need submitted plans for a full review and possibly an on-site inspection. If so, this could delay your timetable by weeks.

3. Utility Disconnect

Before you can destroy any building, you need to terminate or remove all the relevant utilities properly. This work needs to be done by professionals, so you will depend on their estimated time frames. Generally, power and waterlines must be removed and meters may need to go. This work may also be subject to inspection before you can continue.

4. Parts Salvage

This complexity of this step depends on your goals and the structure in question. If the building is historical, many architectural elements and fixtures may be worth money or have historic value and should be saved. A building filled with valuable resources, such as copper, might fetch good money on the scrap market.

Other goods are simply recyclable, which may appeal to an eco-conscious landowner. This includes anything from bricks to steel and wood or even furniture and windows. The more you want to salvage for whatever reason, the more time it will take to do so. If you or your staff do the work, this process may take a while. You could, alternatively, speed things up by using a service to do the salvaging.

5. Demolition

Now you've reached the point of actually deconstructing the structure. Two basic methods of demolition come with different time frames. Mechanical demolition is what most people think of when they picture destroying a building - an excavator and other heavy equipment tearing things down from the outside and leaving a pile of rubble. Depending on the size of the building, this could take an hour or it might take a week.

If you opt for the more careful selective demotion, the process will take longer. Again, this depends on the complexity of the work, but this is likely to add at least a few days onto a small demolition and possibly weeks onto a large one.

Clearly, the timetable for any demolition job can vary significantly. As you work through these basic steps, the more you have already done and the easier any are to complete, the faster it will go. The right demolition contractor is a valuable resource in minimizing the steps and staying on top of what needs to be done next.

At W R Beach, Inc. , we understand demolition. Call today to discuss your project and learn not only what to expect but also where to begin.

The 411 On Common Equipment Used In Demolitions

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 13:10:46 GMT

A lot of equipment goes into building a structure, but what does it take to demolish one? Some of the equipment is the same, but some heavy machinery is specifically for demolition. Learn more about the heavy equipment that demolition specialists commonly use and how this equipment helps in demolitions.

Excavators

An excavator is a very recognizable piece of equipment. Its long arm and claw-like bucket have a clear purpose: to reach, scoop, and move materials. The body of the excavator usually sits on wheels or a track frame and can turn 360 degrees, which makes it versatile and easy to move.

The various excavators all have different purposes, but some excavators, like long-reach excavators, are often for demolitions. The long-reach aspect comes from a longer arm that can extend with the use of a boom, so it can reach difficult areas. The power of the machine also makes breaking walls and beams easy while keeping the destruction at a distance from workers.

Bulldozers

Bulldozers are powerful engines with a blade attached to the front. With a wide variety of wheel and blade types, bulldozers have many different uses, from pushing debris out of the way to leveling uneven ground. Some blades have different shapes and are better suited for moving different materials.

For instance, some U-shaped blades are better suited for pushing soft earth, while S-blades can handle medium to hard materials. If your demolition project will involve a lot of heavy and rough debris like stone and wood, you'll want a bulldozer that has the power to push them out of the way without causing problems.

Backhoe Loaders

Backhoe loaders have a distinct appearance. They have more than one attachment, which makes them function as a sort of Swiss Army knife of demolition equipment. The base of the machine is a tractor, with a loader - a U-shaped blade that makes a scooping motion - on one end, and a backhoe - similar to the arm and bucket of an excavator, but with the bucket facing the other way - on the other.

Backhoe loaders can get many jobs done quickly. For instance, the backhoe end can dig trenches, and the loader end can scoop up the dirt and debris. The tractor base makes it easy for the loader to move over the rough terrain commonly found around demolition sites.

Skid Steer Loaders

Skid steer loaders are smaller pieces of equipment that still pack a punch. They have either wheels or tracks, and they can have various different attachments on the front, from a backhoe to a snowblower to pallet forks. The small and medium versions of skid steers are ideal for performing the tasks of larger equipment but in cramped areas where a bulldozer or backhoe might not fit.

Larger skid steers are ideal for demolition because their increased size means more power. An added benefit is that skid steers can move independently around the demolition site, while other equipment has to be transported to and from the area.

Cranes

Cranes have been around since ancient times. Their main use is in construction, moving items into the air to save time. With demolition, cranes can lift heavy wrecking balls that can destroy buildings quickly and make room for other machinery on the demolition site. Wrecking balls are usually for large structures, where the surroundings can be protected from collateral damage.

When you need demolition specialists, contact W R Beach, Inc. We offer commercial and residential demolition services, as well as excavation and site cleanup. We use the best equipment to get demolition jobs done quickly and safely. Reach out to us to inquire more about our services.

The Top Pool Demolition Questions Answered

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 13:16:55 GMT

Should you demolish your inground pool? More specifically, should someone else demolish your in-ground pool for you? If you're not sure whether you should remove your pool or not, take a look at these answers to the top questions homeowners have about this type of renovation project.

Why Should You Remove Your Pool?

There isn't one universal answer to this pool demolition question. The reason you choose this project is likely to differ from another homeowner. If you're not sure one way or the other, learn more about the general reasons to remove a pool. Even though this decision comes down to personal preference, some of the most common reasons include:

Damage or excessive wear and tear. Does your pool require major renovations? If you need to completely re-do the area, a removal may save you time, money, and effort.
Space issues. How much of your yard does the pool take up? If space is a major concern, you may need to eliminate the aquatic area to extend a patio, deck, or construct an addition to your home.
Use issues. Do you use the pool? If the pool sits empty and unused for the entire summer swimming season year after year, you may waste money on maintenance and other upkeep costs. If you don't have plans to ever use the pool again, you may want to remove it.
Overall costs. Can you afford pool upkeep? Failure to maintain the pool can result in major problems, damage, or an unsafe situation. If you can't afford to maintain the pool over time, you may need to remove it.

Along with these reasons, some homeowners choose to remove their pools for safety or liability reasons. These often include child safety and insurance price issues.

Who Should Remove Your Pool?

This isn't a do-it-yourself job for a novice to tackle on their own. A demolition of this size requires a professional. Even though it may seem like a DIY job could save you money, a demolition contractor has the necessary:

Experience. This isn't the contractor's first time demolishing a pool. A quality company has years of experience with this type of job.
Expertise. Do you know the necessary steps to demolish a pool? If you have little to no expertise in the area, it's best to leave the job to someone who does.
Equipment. A pool demolition requires major machinery. Not only is this type of equipment expensive to rent, but it's also difficult for a novice to use. The contractor has the right equipment and the knowledge level needed to use it correctly.
Safety skills. The machinery used for a pool demolition comes with some safety risks - especially if you don't know how to use it. A quality contractor should have in-depth knowledge of demolition safety practices.

Beyond the contractor's experience and expertise, the professional also knows what to do with the leftover building materials. You'll need someone to haul away the concrete, liner, and everything else the pool demo leaves behind.

What Does Pool Removal Involve?

Before you make the decision to remove your pool or hire a demolition contractor, you should understand what this type of project involves. As the name implies, pool removal includes the removal of your in-ground pool. But more specifically, the contractor will:

Drain the pool. If the pool still has water in it, the contractor will need to drain it prior to demolition.
Drill holes in the bottom. The contractor will drill holes in the bottom of the pool after the water is fully removed.
Remove the top layer. Next, the demo professional will remove the top layer of the pool.
Break up the concrete. If you choose a full removal option, the contractor will need to break up the concrete and remove everything. Partial removal typically allows the contractor to backfill the pool with these materials.

After removing extraneous materials, the contractor will fill the pool, compact it, and finish with a layer of dirt.

Do you need a pool demolition service? Contact W R Beach Inc. for more information.

Should You Reconstruct Or Move After A Major Fire?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 13:23:59 GMT

After your home is destroyed by a fire, your key goal is undoubtedly to decide how to rebuild both your physical home and your life. For most people, this decision comes down to two basic options: rebuild on the same spot or buy a home - new or used - in a different location.

There are pros and cons to both choices, so how can you find the right course? Here are a few steps to help you make this difficult decision.

1. Assess the Costs of Reconstruction

Homes that were largely or completely destroyed by fire generally need three stages of rebuilding work. First, the destroyed structure must be completely cleaned up and all materials removed. Second, the land will likely need preparation work before you can construct a new building on the site. Finally, the new home can be constructed.

The expense of demolition and site preparation vary widely based on how much work needs to be done. If the house was completely destroyed, demolition might be relatively quick and easy. But if certain parts survived the fire and will be used again, selective demolition will take more time and could cost more in labor.

In addition, reconstructing an established home can become more expensive than expected if your lot is in a neighborhood where access is limited or where you'll need to make significant changes to bring the property up to code.

2. Assess the Costs of Moving

Buying another piece of property has its own challenges, too. Most homeowners need to sell their land in order to buy new real estate. To recoup your investment, you may also need to demolish the remains of your old home and clean up the land before putting it up for sale. Then, you'd likely need to pay off any existing mortgage. If you had a large mortgage, you might not have much left over.

Whether not moving works better financially also depends on your particular situation - including the state of the real estate market, whether you want an existing home or new construction, and the costs of furnishing a different home.

3. Decide If the Land Is Worth It

Financial aspects of home ownership and the location itself are not the only elements of this decision that are important, of course. You should also ask yourself what you really want to do and why.

What makes this property important to you? Do you love the location? Is it where you raised your kids or where you want to retire? Does it have your favorite views, or is it quiet in the evenings? Is your community, family, or best friends in the area? Emotional connections are especially important after a disaster, so now may not be the time to move to new surroundings.

On the other hand, this might be your chance to change something you may have been considering for a while. Have the kids grown up, and you aren't sure that you can keep up the property during retirement? Has the neighborhood been built up and you want to leave? Would you like to be closer to work? Before you put money into reconstruction, make sure you're going to continue to be happy in this location.

4. Consult With Professionals

Before making any decisions, put a team of professionals in your camp. This team should often include an attorney to help navigate contracts and insurance issues as well as an accountant who can determine the costs of rebuilding versus moving. Certainly, you also need to consult with experienced contractors who specialize in residential demolition and construction.

Are you beginning your journey to rebuilding after a fire? Call W R Beach, Inc. , today to learn more about post-disaster cleanup and removal. Let our team help your team make the best decisions for your family.

The Pros And Cons Of Different Building Demolition Methods

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 13:35:53 GMT

Building demolition is a complex science with several techniques to achieve the same goal. The location, size, and structural composition of the building to be demolished will determine the most effective method. Here is an overview of four of the most common methods for building demolition and the pros and cons that determine which method is right for your project.

Wrecking Ball

Wrecking ball demolition is one of the oldest and most well-known techniques. Wrecking ball demolition is especially effective for concrete and masonry structures, as these materials will crumble, rather than dent like metal, when struck by the ball. Wrecking balls are a popular choice for buildings with a high asbestos content because they limit the amount of asbestos that is scattered into harmful dust.

While wrecking balls have several advantages, they require a highly trained operator to perform. Careful control of the ball is essential to prevent the crane from tipping if the ball swings past the intended target. Even the most skilled operators cannot provide the same precision as other demolition methods, and the large working room required makes this method difficult in dense areas and near power lines.

High Reach Arm

High reach arm demolition is often the best choice for skyscrapers and other extremely large structures. In this method, a crane with a telescopic boom or three-piece demolition arm is used to demolish a building from the top down. The arm can be fitted with tools such as crushers, shears, or hammers to remove virtually any material with extreme precision.

High reach arm demolition is a low-risk option for the tallest structures made of any material. High reach arms are also minimally invasive to surroundings, making them great for populated areas. Unfortunately, high reach arm demolition is also one of the slowest and most labor-intensive methods. The pieces that are removed from the building must be dismantled by a ground crew before they are hauled away.

Implosion

Implosion demolition is the most visually-impressive demolition technique, and also the fastest method available. The structure of the building is carefully analyzed so that minimal amounts of explosives can be placed on the building's structural supports. Upon detonation, the destruction of the supports allows the building to fall inward onto its own footprint.

Implosion demolition is an advanced technique that requires impeccable timing and sequencing of the explosions by trained specialists. Even with seemingly perfect execution, there is always some risk of projectiles, and air pollution is higher than with other methods. Another concern is that all flammable materials must be stripped out to ensure the explosions are as controlled as possible.

Selective Demolition

Selective demolition is most popularly used when the building's structural integrity is sound, or when complete demolition is not required. Selective demolition is the process of stripping a building from the inside out and sorting the construction materials by type. This is the most environmentally friendly demolition method available, as the sorted materials can be easily recycled.

Selective demolition is virtually the only option for repurposing the structure of a building, but it is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process that may expose workers to hazardous materials. On the other hand, the manual nature of selective demolition means that machinery requirements are generally lower. To remain cost-effective, selective demolition may not be viable for the largest structures.

Building demolition is a complex process, and no technique will be the right choice for every job. If you have a structure that is in need of demolition, contact us at W R Beach, Inc. for a professional structure analysis and a team of demolition specialists that can handle any project!

Home Flippers Meet Your New Partner: Residential Demolition Expert

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 13:41:45 GMT

People who flip homes for a living often form a network of important professional contacts to further their business. Real estate agents, investors, electricians, and other contractors are necessary to locate, purchase, and fix up a run-down home for profit.

You may be missing out on further growth if you lack a good relationship with a dependable demolition expert. Here are three instances a residential demolition partner can help you flip homes the right way.

1. Tear Down Ugly Eye-Sores

Sometimes a property contains out-buildings or other structures that are ugly or run-down and detract from the curb appeal, value, and safety of a home. You have to completely get rid of any ugly or dilapidated structures before you can make improvements and flip the home you've bought. Consider a few common things you may need to remove during your flip:

Old, crumbling backyard storage sheds
Detached garages with structural damage
Failed "She Sheds" that take up valuable space on a small lot
Old fences and gates
Unused swimming pools

Your demolition partner can assess how best to tear down and remove these and other ugly real estate distractions.

Not only will the property site become safer and more visually appealing but you free up outdoor space so you can really get to work on the main home structure. Roof repairs and landscape plans are easier to tackle when unnecessary outdoor structures are eliminated.

2. Assist with Home Renovations

Sometimes your initial purchase of a property hinges on the physical condition of the structure. A home with too much structural damage isn't worth your time and money, but a home with only minor damage can still turn a tidy profit. However, before renovations can start, you and your team first need to determine what changes a home requires.

A demolition expert can assist in ways you didn't expect before other contractors descend and begin work on the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, paint, and flooring. Site demolition removes only small portions of a home and can alter the house in subtle ways. For example, you can have a wall knocked down to make the main floor more of an open concept.

Site demolition can also be used to increase the square footage of your home. For example, you could tear out a small, dated kitchen in preparation for enlargement.

3. Clean Up a Renovation Site

Even if your flip did not involve tearing down old sheds or other components, you can still utilize a demolition expert as an important partner. Basic renovation creates more debris than you think, and a very large home flip creates even more.

Roofing scraps, old cabinets, countertops, flooring, and sheetrock must be stored or hauled away eventually. Additionally, consider other supplies associated with renovations, like the protective plastic used when painting. Product packaging and boxes from wood floors, shingles, new appliances, and other materials take up more space.

Often clean-up is one of the biggest tasks before a house is ready to resell. Clean-up challenges are compounded when you want to recycle as much as possible and lack the resources to do so. Cleaning up and hauling away debris can be simplified when you have a good relationship with a demolition partner.

We at W R Beach, Inc., are equipped to handle all of your demolition and haul away needs. We can work with you in your renovation endeavors. Call us and find out more about site demolition, clean up, and our ability to reuse and recycle construction debris. We're here to help meet all of your needs and get you ready for other parts of the flipping process.

Need To Demolish Your Commercial Building? 5 Steps To Prepare

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 13:52:41 GMT

Do you need to demolish a commercial building? While this is an exciting start to a new chapter for your business, you also need to take the time to plan properly for your business, your safety, and the future of the property. How? Here are a few key steps.

1. Remove Certain Materials

Before a building is destroyed, some parts of it should be removed both for safety and profit. Asbestos, for instance, in pre-1980 buildings can be hazardous to everyone's health and must be removed prior to destruction. You'll need professionals for removal of such dangerous materials.

Also, assess the building for anything that might be of value. Most businesses need to keep demolition and construction costs down, so it's important to retrieve what can be sold or reused. Depending on the building and its use, this could include anything from copper wiring and antique fixtures to office furnishings.

2. Decide on the Demolition Method

There is more than one way to bring down an old building. While demolition may involve wholesale destruction of the structure, it can also be more selective. Deconstruction is a method that involves strategically tearing down the building from the inside out. This method may be beneficial if you need to continue doing business at the site while construction is going on. However it will require more time.

The decision between deconstruction and straight demolition is up to the needs of the business, its time frame, and how selective the destruction needs to be.

3. Minimize the Impact

How will the demolition affect your company as a whole? The impact could be financial. In this case, you may want to remove and resell as much as possible to mitigate the costs. The impact could also be in the form of work interruption. You may be able to minimize this impact by scheduling nearby employees or departments to work remotely for a few days or even take leave at the height of the disruption.

Will you experience interruption in your business income when losing the old building? The best way to handle this may be to set up temporary offices or work sites in a different location. This should be done as far in advance of destruction as possible in order to settle in properly.

4. Keep Everyone Safe

When any building is going to be destroyed, your first priority should be the people around it. If the commercial building is on your plant site or placed next to working buildings, employees or customers may get too close for comfort. Trespassers may even enter to salvage valuable metals or other objects.

If the building hasn't already been condemned, it should generally be sealed to outside entry once demolition has been scheduled. Divert customers away from the old building. Control all the access points so you know who goes in or out at all times. If any employees will work inside the building before destruction - such as to recover materials - place safety above all else.

5. Prepare for the Next Stages

Before you end up with a large pile of rubble, make sure you have already arranged for its removal and replacement. The demolition should be scheduled carefully with two additional elements: cleanup and construction. Your demolition contractor may provide extensive cleanup services, so it's usually cost-effective to take advantage of these.

If not, schedule cleanup to begin as soon as it can safely be done.

Finally, work with your contractor to begin any reconstruction work as soon as possible. The longer a piece of income-producing property is vacant, the more money it costs the business.

Certainly, a large-scale structural demolition will have a big impact on your business. But with proper planning, you can make the best of it, keep everyone safe, and keep your business functioning well. At W R Beach, Inc , our demolition experts will help you every step of the way. Call today to make an appointment.

4 Times You May Want To Opt For Selective Demolition

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 14:02:04 GMT

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.

3 Surprising Applications For Sand

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 14:09:33 GMT

Sand is a readily available, naturally-occurring material. The unique composition of its mineral grains gives sand many distinct and useful properties.

Sand is used in a variety of construction and manufacturing settings as filler for road base, to form steel castings, and as an important ingredient in forming mortar and cement. Sand is a popular choice for playgrounds, golf courses, volleyball courts, and horse arenas. However, sand is useful in an even wider variety of areas. Read on to discover three surprising applications for sand.

1. Dairy Applications

Many dairy farms are switching from hay and other organic surfaces like sand as a base in their milk cow barns. Sand can provide many health benefits to cows while in walkways and stalls:

Less instances of E.coli and streptococci that lead to mastitis and other udder abnormalities
Fewer injuries due to improved footing and less slipping
More uniform hoof wear
Reduction of swollen hocks, hair off hocks, and knee injury

Dairy owners also believe that cows feel sand bedding is more comfortable.

2. Mental and Physical Health Applications

It turns out that sand is good for your mind and body when used in certain activities. Walking and running on sand intensifies your workout. You may burn up 50 percent more calories because you are forced to use your muscles differently than if you jog on a trail wearing shoes. Scientists claim you use up to 2.7 times more energy on sand.

A stroll on a sandy beach is good for your mental health as well because it's relaxing and helps relieves stress. In addition, sand on your bare heel just feels good because you have up to 7,000 nerve endings on those extremities.

Finally, experts believe sand play provides a host of benefits to children. Digging in, touching, and interacting with sand can:

Promote physical development through the use of large and fine motor skills
Encourage hand eye development
Build social skills as children interact with others to create group sand projects
Complement science and math concepts

Sand activities can be beneficial to both adults and children.

3. Property Owner Applications

Property owners find they can benefit from the many uses that sand offers.

Establish Healthy Turf

A strong, beautiful turf is the ultimate goal for yards, gold courses, sports fields, and playgrounds. Sand plays an important role when used as a top dressing on existing grass. Spread a thin layer - up to ¼ inch - evenly over the grass after core aeration. Top dressing smooths the lawn surface and speeds decomposition to help reduce thatch buildup.

Provide Traction in Winter

Slippery snow and ice creates dangerous surface conditions on walkways, roads, and parking lots. You can use sand to provide safer traction for vehicles and foot traffic. Sand naturally contains no chemicals to leach into nearby landscaping and groundwater or corrode metal.

Create Landscaping Solutions

Sand can be used for a variety of landscaping solutions.

You need an effective base below paving stones, fountains, and other landscaping features. Sand creates a solid, level base that is simple to form and manipulate. Also, sand - rather than mulch in an outdoor seating area - is more stable.

Sand is a good alternative in water-wise landscaping because it is uniform in color, easy to spread, covers weeds, and does not require irrigation. Use different mediums in addition to sand to create interest and focal points. For example, a sand path looks great meandering between gravel and river rock areas.

Finally, sand is easier than sod or mulch to utilize and store in bulk for future landscaping projects because it will not rot.

When you need sand at your home, business, institution, or community area, look to W R Beach, Inc. We can provide sand by the truckload to supplement your material needs at your next project.

Rationale For Incorporating Used Brick Into A Home-Improvement Project

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 14:17:11 GMT

Brick has long been valued as a building material. You may immediately imagine using brick for a wall, be it a retaining wall or a building wall. However, the material has many uses, both internal and external. Even used brick can convey many benefits, so brick is ideal for many home-improvement projects.

Adaptability of Brick

As noted above, brick is an adaptable material. It's not used for wall façades alone - the material has many other uses.

For instance, many homeowners use bricks for pathways. The material is not only durable but also permeable, meaning it allows water to seep back into the ground and refill groundwater reservoirs rather than create a flow down a slope. Used brick is ideal because conformity of shape and color are less emphasized for garden paths.

Even broken brick has its uses. For example, if you value that old-world appeal of a recycled material, you can use brick to lay an informal patio floor. You'll start with a sand and gravel base and border made of the most uniform bricks. From there, you create your own pattern made of the broken bricks. The end result is a patio that's completely unique to your home.

Eco-Friendly Building

Along those same lines, one of the best reasons to incorporate used brick into a home-improvement project is green building. When you use recycled materials instead of new, you make use of something that might otherwise have been thrown into a landfill. Recycling materials thus is a more sustainable option than buying new.

What's more, you decrease the cost of manufacturing that material. And the savings aren't just in the monetary cost. Brick is composed of sand and clay primarily. If you're not buying new bricks, those materials don't have to be excavated for your project. You also reduce your carbon footprint because you don't pay for with manufacturing the bricks and transporting them to a showroom.

Beauty of Color Variegation

Brick is considered a high-end material at least partially because of the cost. New brick is typically uniform, which may be the desired effect for some building projects, such as home exteriors. That said, a wall of red brick is not the only option.

Used brick features a time-worn patina. You might see the standard red or gray you typically associate with the material. However, the chemical components of brick start to show through over time. You'll start to see copper and green splotches - patina. You'll also see where the brick has faded to pink, peach, or even white.

So, if you utilize used brick for a decorative project, such as a walkway or a patio floor, you don't just get unique patterning from the different shapes and sizes. The color variegation will also create a singular pattern that can provide a focal point in your backyard.

Unique Qualities of Brick

Bricks' qualities are not exclusively aesthetic. Indeed, brick is a prized material because of its building qualities as well.

For example, bricks have a low thermal conductivity. Therefore, they're an ideal material for keeping a space climate-controlled. As noted above, you may not want to have used bricks used for the façade of your house. However, if you're building a shed, used bricks might be a good choice, since a polished exterior isn't expected.

Bricks are also dense, which makes them durable. Therefore, you often see them used as an aggregate. If larger pieces are rounded enough, they can be seeded into concrete to make a textured walkway.

Even if the used brick isn't suitable for use as an exposed aggregate, you can have it used as part of your concrete mix. The density of brick improves the compressive strength of concrete, which can be useful for a retaining wall or concrete driveway.

Take advantage of the unique benefits of used brick for your next building project. Contact W R Beach, Inc. , when you need a load of used bricks.

3 Common Aggregate Stockpile Problems

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 14:25:51 GMT

Crushed gravel aggregate plays a vital role in the construction and paving industries - so much so that contractors often keep stockpiles of this key material either on a job site or at their company's home base. While having a ready supply of aggregate can be useful, you must be sure to maintain your stockpiles carefully.

Contractors who neglect proper stockpile management techniques often end up dealing with serious quality control problems down the line. In some cases, poor stockpiling can render an aggregate supply virtually unusable.

If you own a company that uses aggregate, keep reading. This article takes a closer look at three common stockpiling problems to be aware of.

1. Segregation

An aggregate dealer usually keeps their supplies stockpiled according to size. Different piles correspond to average diameters of the aggregate pieces. When a paving contractor puts in an order for a particular aggregate mix, the dealer adds together the appropriate amounts of each size of aggregate and delivers them as a mixture.

This method spares contractors the work of mixing together different aggregate sizes when the time comes to create a batch of paving material. Unfortunately, however, the longer a mixed stockpile sits in place, the greater the chance it succumbs to the phenomenon known as segregation.

Segregation involves the gradual separation of aggregate particles according to size. In other words, smaller pieces of aggregate tend to migrate downward through the stockpile, slipping through the cracks between larger particles. If you happen to use the entire stockpile at one time, this shouldn't pose a problem, since the aggregate will become evenly dispersed during the mixing process.

However, if you plan to only use part of your stockpile at any given time, segregation may mean that your pavement ends up with inadequate aggregate size variation. As a result, the pavement may not perform to the desired specifications.

The greater the size range of the aggregate, the more likely segregation is to cause problems.

2. Contamination

Contamination refers to the phenomenon of foreign materials making their way into a given stockpile. In some cases, such outside materials may take the form of trash or construction debris. Likewise, natural materials such as leaves, twigs, or grass clippings can contaminate a stockpile and have a negative effect on the resulting pavement.

An even more common form of contamination involves aggregate from neighboring stockpiles. As loaders and work vehicles move on and around a stockpile, a certain proportion of aggregate naturally becomes displaced. If neighboring stockpiles happen to lie too close, the different aggregates may start to mix together.

Fortunately, this problem can be easily avoided by maintaining proper separation between stockpiles. As a general rule, maintain a distance of at least a single loader bucket between any and all of your open stockpiles. Also try to place them as far as possible from natural debris sources or other construction supplies.

3. Degradation

Degradation involves the breakdown of the aggregate within a given stockpile. Such breakdown may occur as the result of numerous different causes, with heavy equipment running over the aggregate being one of the most common. Other sources of degradation involve repeated loading and moving, excessive stockpile size, and prolonged environmental exposure.

Aggregate degradation changes the make-up of a stockpile. Degradation reduces the number of large particles and increases the proportion of fine aggregate. The dust generated as the result of degradation may also negatively affect the performance of the paving material by causing the material to absorb more moisture than expected.

While it may be impossible to eliminate stockpile problems entirely, wise paving contractors should have the skills to keep such issues within manageable levels. For more information about how to stockpile aggregate safely, please contact the sand and gravel experts at W R Beach, Inc.

Simple Guide To Demolishing Your Wood Deck

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 14:33:24 GMT

Because your wooden deck is a naturally large, open area, your deck is continually exposed to the elements. Damaging rays of the sun, pounding rain, freezing temperatures, and foot traffic eventually leave a lasting impression on the wood railings, floorboards, and support structure.

If you want to demolish your deck and rebuild, you may be unsure how to proceed. Should you do it yourself or get help? What do you do with the demolition materials? Read on in this simple guide to demolishing your wooden deck to find out.

Start With an Inspection

Armed with the right knowledge, you may be able to perform an inspection of the entire deck. Here are a few signs that probably indicate you only need to make minor repairs:

Railing system has loose handrails or wobbly posts
Floorboards that feel slightly soft when you walk on them
Wood surface is faded, chipped, or peeling
Small cracks in beams, joists and floor planks
Presence of termites or minor isolated terminate damage

However, additional signs of damage mean your deck is becoming unsafe or beyond repair and needs to be rebuilt, such as:

Serious termite tunneling or crumbling, soft wood
Deep cracks and breaking boards
Post bases are deteriorated at the concrete blocks or ground
Damage to where the deck attaches to the home
Numerous rotting support beams, joists, ledger boards and floorboards

After you take a serious look at your deck and you're not sure what to do, always get an opinion from a professional. They may recommend your deck only needs a few simple repairs rather than a total demolish.

Be Honest About Your Ability Level

After you've tallied up the damage and admitted you need to tear out the deck, you may feel overwhelmed by the job and insecure about doing it all yourself. Be honest about your ability level and get as much or as little help you need. By doing the work yourself, you can save over $1200 in demo costs. However, the savings may not be worth the time and physical effort required to do it yourself.

You may be able to remove all the screws with a drill and tear down a large portion of the structure yourself. If the deck is older and held together with nails instead of screws, the deck may require some more muscle to pull the nails out or pry those old boards up with a hammer and pry bar.

After you remove the entire deck structure off its girders and posts, you will probably encounter concrete footers. These concrete feet were the foundation of the deck posts, keeping the wood away from the wet ground. Depending on the size of the concrete chunk, you might be able to remove them from the ground yourself with a shovel. If they're large or stuck fast, you might need the help of a backhoe and a professional.

Clean Up the Aftermath

Sometimes dealing with the debris pile of old deck materials is as immense a job as the demo itself. If you have a pro do the work for you, they will haul it all away for you. However, if you choose to perform more of the haul away yourself, keep some things in mind.

Resist the temptation to bash away with a sledgehammer. Old weathered wood is in great demand for recycling into rustic furniture or other craft projects. Earn some extra money by selling that old lumber rather than breaking it up.

If selling your lumber seems like too much work, consider donating it. As long as the wood you're letting go is not treated and is free of nails and screws, many establishments like Habitat for Humanity's ReStore will take it off your hands. This allows others to acquire building materials like your old lumber for free or reduced prices.

Demolishing your own deck doesn't have to be difficult or stressful. Tackle what you can and leave the hard part for the professionals. Talk to W R Beach, Inc., for more ways they can help you with your residential demo projects as well as site cleanup.

3 Ways To Make Your Residential Demolition More Eco-Friendly

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 14:40:20 GMT

Construction and demolition waste account for a high percentage of the volume in America's landfills. You can do your part to mitigate that number by making your demolition projects as green as possible.

Here are four things to work on if you want to decrease the environmental footprint of your residential demolition.

1. Opt for Deconstruction Wherever Possible

Also called selective demolition or selective tear-downs, deconstruction is a very controlled process. Instead of just smashing things up so that they all end up in a pile of assorted rubble together, deconstruction involves taking the building apart piece by piece.

Often there will be many objects and materials inside the building that can be recycled, repurposed or even reused for the same application in another building. Of course, usability depends on the condition of the materials; for example, if recent water damage is present, any affected wooden components may be unsuitable for reuse but may still be recyclable.

2. Choose an Eco-Friendly Company

The contractor or company you select can have a big impact on how eco-friendly your demolition turns out to be. First of all, you'll need to make sure the company is willing to work with you on recycling or reclaiming materials. They'll also need to be competent at post-demolition cleanup so that no leftover waste will remain and damage the surrounding ecosystems.

Secondly, you'll want to look for eco-friendly business practices. These can range from generalized ecofriendly practices like paperless billing to targeted practices such as biodiesel-run company vehicles and construction equipment.

3. Donate or Sell Materials for Re-Use

Depending on the condition of the items and materials you manage to reclaim, you may have to send a large portion of the materials to a recycling facility and, sadly, some will have to end up in a landfill. Composite decking materials, for example, are not recyclable. So if you deconstruct a deck, any decking slats too damaged for reuse will likely have to be thrown away.

However, those materials that can be reclaimed should be sorted by condition and value. Some (such as high-end plumbing fixtures and appliances in working order) you may even be able to sell for a profit, while others can go to a charity such as a Habitat for Humanity Restore.

The donation option will also give value back to the community and the economy, as well as to the environment.

4. Consider Re-Using Items Yourself

Depending on the extent of the demolition and what you have planned for the site, you may even have an opportunity to re-use some items on the same location. This is the most eco-friendly outcome possible, since it doesn't involve transporting the materials.

For example, if you're just gutting your bathroom or laundry room with renovation in mind, you may want to buy all new appliances and fixtures. However, you may still be able to find a use for your laundry room sink; maybe you could move it to the garage rather than shipping it off the property.

These four tips can help you adjust your demolition project more towards the eco-friendly end of the spectrum. Although it's possible you won't be able to follow all four of these tips, any steps that you take can really make a big difference.

Whether you need help with a complete demolition or with a selective demolition, W. R. Beach, Inc., is the right choice for the job. We're experts at post-demolition site cleanup, and we strive to increase the percentage of demolition materials that we recycle after each job. Call today or use our website to contact us for more information about how we can help with your project.

Post-Construction Cleanup For Your Business Remodel

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Wed, 09 May 2018 21:44:22 GMT

A remodel is a daunting task for businesses of all sizes, but the benefits of this process are well worth the effort involved. To get the most from your company's remodel, you must plan out every facet of the project from start to finish, including cleanup.

After the final nail is hammered into the wall and the last panel installed on the floor, a successful reopen rests heavily on proper cleanup and site prep. Pair with a professional site cleanup company to ensure you're on the right side of success.

Reduced Downtime

Depending on the magnitude of the remodel project, a business can experience downtime that spans from a few days to a few months. In the business world, every second that a company is not up and operating equates to lost revenue.

A professional site cleanup company will reduce the amount of downtime your company experiences post construction.

Your employees may not be equipped to tackle the project, and you likely don't have the necessary tools. With this type of scenario, a project that should only take a day or two can spiral into weeks. If you've budgeted for downtime, a professional will work to stay on target and keep you on budget.

Enhanced Safety

Construction site cleanup is an especially dangerous task, particularly from a respiratory aspect. Silica dust generated from cutting or breaking concrete, particles from old insulation, and other debris are all introduced into the air during the construction process, all of which are easy to inhale.

For a person without respiratory concerns, inhaling these particles can cause irritation and other complications and for those with respiratory concerns, the consequences are severe. Depending on the age and condition of the building, mold spores may have also been introduced into the air during the remodel, which are equally hazardous.

Large pieces of waste and debris may also lead to dangerous accidents if not handled correctly. A professional crew works with safety in mind.

Cleanup Compliant

Indiana has clear management guidelines for potentially harmful waste, including construction debris. The first phase of this compliance involves appropriately identifying your waste, such as toxic waste or ignitable waste. Upon classification, you must follow specific procedures for containing the waste while still on-site and during transport to the waste collection area.

Failure to comply with these guidelines may subject your company to expensive fines and other penalties. Post-construction professionals understand how to classify, store, handle and transport waste the right way to ensure your organization remains compliant, but more importantly, to keep the community safe.

Fewer Manpower Hours

The winning formula for business success is simple - spend less than you earn. While the theory is simple, execution is often the challenge. Hiring a professional for your post-construction needs can help you work toward this goal. For the inexperienced and ill-equipped, the length of a cleanup project extends significantly.

If you're relying on your team members to perform this task, this increase in time means increased workforce needs. This increase in manpower may include additional temporary employees or longer hours for your current team, including overtime, which are both costly.

Professionals are equipped and prepared to tackle the job in a fraction of the time it would take your team to help you cut down on labor expenses.

Whether you're a service or goods-based business, your customers undoubtedly come to you for your experience and expertise. Keep this same train of thought at the forefront when it comes to your postconstruction cleanup needs and partner with a professional.

At W R Beach, Inc., we have the knowledge and the experience to meet all your site cleanup needs and get you back in business as quickly as possible.

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