Like other demolition contractors in Kansas City, we choose an approach that is appropriate to the building and its surrounding area. We also consider the safety of our workers and other residents, as well as the effectiveness of a demolition. Here are the approaches we may take when demolishing a building that may apply to your project, too:
- Manual demolition: When explosives are inappropriate and space is limited, manual demolition is the most convenience option. This is the most frequent, since it works best in crowded urban environments. We make it work by razing one section of a building at a time and controlling the fall of sections to minimize danger and prevent injury. This is accomplished by focusing on the load-bearing portions of a building so it falls apart in an orderly manner. Cranes, excavators, bulldozers and other heavy equipment are all employed in a manual demolition.
- Deconstruction: The approach with deconstruction is the same as with manual demolition, but with the preservation of materials as a priority. If a building has embellishment, stained glass or other desirable features that can be reused, we take a more careful approach to demolition. Some contractors can even make money on these parts selling them to a retailer that specializes in salvage. It is a great way to preserve historic character if the original building is no longer usable due to health and safety concerns.
- Implosion: Using explosives, an implosion involves violent bursts that cause a building to fall inward. It focuses on the supports to create a quick demolition and works well with large buildings in urban areas. Before an implosion, crews determine the best placement of explosives so the implosion occurs without bad effects to the surrounding area. As a safety precaution with the largest buildings, the surrounding area will typically be evacuated.
- The high reach arm: Using an excavator, tank, engine or counterweights, this method involves reaching up and pulling the building down by clawing into the roof. Masonry, reinforced concrete and steel often require this approach due to dust accumulation and resistance to explosives. In addition to the machines that pull down the building, hammers and crushers may also be employed to attack the lower support structure.
- Crane and ball: The crane and ball is also known as the wrecking ball. A ball weighing up to 13,500 pounds is swung or dropped into a building to compromise its structure and make it fall. While this is one of the oldest means of demolition, it is not used as often, as better, more effective ways have been developed. Concrete buildings often contain rebar that is resistant to a wrecking ball. Buildings that are near power lines or in tight spaces are poor candidates for this type of demolition. There is also a low margin of error for crane operators, since bad timing of the swing can tip the crane.
When you are considering demolition contractors in Kansas City for your project, consider Midland Wrecking Inc. Call us today to learn about our demolition, salvage and debris removal services.