Residential Demolition and Disposal

The Demolition Process: How it Works

Before hiring a residential or commercial demolition contractor for your next project, it may be beneficial to know how the demolition process works. When you understand the aspects of your demolition project, you will be able to ask the right questions and know what to expect. Then you can have the knowledge to hire the best team for your job. 

How Long Does a Demolition Project Take?

Each demolition project varies depending on the size of the building. For a commercial demolition, the method involves various steps to ensure safety. Demolishing a building is not as simple as hooking up the wrecking balls and going for it. The building is surveyed, and every bit of valuable equipment is taken out and salvaged, piece by piece. 

A residential demolition can take several days. Similar to commercial demolition, the structure needs to be surveyed, and any salvageable materials are removed. And then the demolition method is determined and performed. The debris removal can take a few days on its own. 

How Do Contractors Know Which Demolition Method to Use?

When it comes to drawing up the demolition plan, several methods are appropriate for each building. For urban areas where other buildings surround tall buildings, the process of dismantling can vary. 

Wrecking balls are also used in commercial demolition. This heavy equipment includes up to a 12,000 lb ball that gains momentum and crashes into the building, breaking it apart. This method is relatively inexpensive, but it causes a lot of dust and debris, causing many resources to be reallocated to cleanup. 

Excavator demolition is a type of commercial or residential demolition used on smaller buildings like homes or office buildings. The breakdown of the structure is done primarily through the attachments on the excavator. The excavators are then used to remove the large pieces of the building as it is broken down. 

Are Different Methods Used for Residential vs. Commercial Demolitions?

Demolition projects can have different methods depending on the size of the building. In both residential and commercial demolitions, hazardous materials are permanently removed first. This can include asbestos or any dangerous chemicals that are stored in the building.

While excavator demolitions are common in homes, they are also typical for commercial demolitions. Some high-reach excavators can be used for commercial buildings. Each building, whether residential or commercial, is surveyed carefully. A demolition method is then determined that is specific to the building. 

Professional Demolition Planning and Execution Steps

The demolition process is carefully carried out through several steps to ensure the project's safety. There are no shortcuts with a demolition project, and it’s never as simple as it seems from an outside perspective. It’s essential to know these steps and be sure to hire a team that knows about each safety measure to take before demolishing a building. 

1. Conduct a Survey of the Building

A building survey is conducted to answer any questions needed before deciding on a demolition method: 

• Construction materials used to build
• Safety hazards present, including asbestos, chemicals, and flammable materials
• Drainage conditions
• Adjoining facilities
• Pedestrian walkways and roadways near the building
• Neighborhood overview regarding noise, dust, and vibration disruptions

All of these items on the survey will help the team determine the best way to conduct the demolition project. A quiet neighborhood may require notices of noise disruptions or special permits. 

2. Perform a Structural Survey of the Building

A structural survey of the building will focus more on the current state of the facility. The survey will cover how the building was constructed and if there are basements or underground tanks present. Any structural issues of the building will be considered before determining the demolition method. 

3. Remove Any Hazardous Materials

Once the hazardous materials have been identified, removing them can add extra time and money to the demolition process. Complete asbestos removal is required before demolition. If there is wastewater due to poor drainage, that will be addressed. Any chemicals or flammable materials are removed in this step as well. 

4. Craft a Demolition Plan

A thorough demolition plan will be presented that will include clear illustrations with to-scale measurements. These illustrations should give a clear view of the plausibility of each demolition method. A demolition plan includes: 

• Location of the building and all surrounding structures
• Measured space around the building that could allow for an excavator or a wrecking ball
• Structural support of the building, including weight-bearing walls and beams
• Safety plan for public protection, including covered walkways and catch platforms
• Debris cleanup plan
• Time estimation

The presentation of this plan is vital in deciding the right team to hire for the job. If safety measures are not included in this plan, ask about their safety plan. If there is no clear strategy on safety, that is a red flag. Both residential and commercial demolition projects can be very dangerous if not conducted with detailed plans and safety practices. 

5. Determine the Best Demolition Method

Depending on the building size, height, how it was built, and the open space surrounding the structure, the best demolition method will be chosen. Here are some of the methods used: 

• Excavation Demolition
• Wrecking Balls
• Combination Demolition

The building and structure survey will help to determine the correct method for your demolition project. Most importantly, the safety of the public and the workers are the priority. Maybe a few of the methods will be combined to carry out the project in the safest way. 

6. Secure Necessary Demolition Permits

Part of the pre-planning process includes getting the proper permits to take on a project of this size. Experts in the industry will be well-versed in this process and can provide an accurate timeline of when the project can begin. Permits are a common reason why some projects get delayed, so industry knowledge is vital for this part of the process. 

7. Take Appropriate Safety Measures

Safety is vital during a demolition project. Do not hesitate to ask every question that comes to mind regarding safety during your project. The team should have comprehensive answers and show their experience and caution when answering safety questions. 

8. Perform Demolition

Once all of the pre-planning is laid out and permits are obtained, it is time to execute the plan. The actual demolition can be the shortest part of the process. With all of the safety procedures in place and the plans drawn out, the team will be ready with the proper equipment to get the job done right. 

9. Dispose of Demolition Debris

A significant portion of the waste materials from a demolition gets reused, and industry experts will know how to transport and carry away those materials for salvaging. Having the right equipment to load up and dispose of the debris is vital to the process of demolition. This lengthy portion of the project requires hiring a commercial or residential demolition team to dispose of the rubble responsibly. 

How to Start a Demolition Project in NJ

A demolition project is not something that can be done without industry knowledge and equipment. Leave it to the experts to carry out your project from the plumbing and electrical disconnections all the way to the rubble cleanup. Mikula Contracting can handle all the stress and hard work. 

If you are looking to hire a demolition contractor in New Jersey, look no further than Mikula Contracting. Our experienced team will have the safety procedures in place to make sure your residential or commercial demolition goes down without a hitch. We have all the necessary equipment and expertise to do the job efficiently and at an affordable price. Please contact us today to receive a consultation on your specific project. 

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Construction and Demolition Materials Are Safe and Recyclable

Out of sight, out of mind; that’s what they say. Plenty of customers are happy to see demolished material disappear, but many are curious about where it all goes. Here’s the answer.

C&D (Construction and Demolition) debris certainly mounts up. America was producing 548 million tons of it in 2015, and that’s a figure set to hit 2.2 billion tons globally by 2025. Concrete, wood, and building fixtures and even earth, rock, and trees displaced at a site all go somewhere when the job is over. Many assume it will be dumped in a landfill somewhere and, to some degree, they’d be right.

Recycling is the way to go in a modern world that cares more about the environment than ever. Here in North America we’re second only to the Asia Pacific region in the C&D debris we generate. How well are we handling all that waste material?

C&D debris and landfills

You’ll be glad to hear that modern construction landfills are far from the negative image that might first spring to mind. Many kinds of industrial landfills exist today (of which C&D debris is one) and all are strictly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Some types of C&D like asphalt can be extremely toxic, so any such materials reaching a landfill end up in environmental locations which are responsibly chosen to not expose people or place the local eco-system at risk.

Recycling is an effective approach to debris

Recycling is the next step up. New Jersey has over 100 recycling facilities which take in a wide variety of C&D debris and make sure they’re recycled responsibly. What exactly happens? Let’s take concrete as an example. It may become RCA or recycled concrete aggregate; a durable, versatile, and sustainable resource which goes a long way in helping to build things like roads and highways.

Even soil that’s been classed as C&D waste material by becoming contaminated at a site, can get a second lease of life by recycling. Petroleum may have spilled into the earth, but remediation is possible so it can be returned to a safe state for use. Even toxic asphalt can be recycled safely.

Recycling has some interesting benefits

Rejected clay from demolition sites played a part in this amazing house in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. This and other waste products helped give birth to a brand-new building which is healthier for the environment and more cost-efficient all around. Massachusetts has a great program called RecyclingWorks to incentivize responsible deconstruction practice. The program rewards firms who contribute with a double bonus of lower disposal costs and tax deductions.

There are no recycled houses in New Jersey (yet), but we’re still doing our part to be responsible.

How is New Jersey doing with debris?

Here at home, C&D debris means any waste building material and rubble resulting from construction, remodeling, repair, and demolition operations on houses, commercial buildings, pavements and other structures, but not including other solid waste types. Our state has a long list of waste material guidelines that covers all the bases, as well as further strict rules regarding the storage and processing of solid waste that protect people and the environment.

Even more eco-friendly is how NJ tries to minimize waste from the beginning. As we mentioned earlier, trees and other organic elements can become C&D debris, which is why NJ’s push for preserving trees during site development is such a good idea. There are plenty of benefits like reduced drainage, replanting, and energy costs, along with improved air quality and erosion control. There’s no need to handle demolished material if it’s not demolished in the first place.

Every good contractor knows the many elements which contribute to construction and demolition waste. The best firms don’t just dump and forget. They make environmental safety and staff awareness top priorities every time they get to work in their community.

Mikula Contracting cares about the job from start to finish

We hope you’re as happy about all these responsible ways to deal with debris as we are. Here at Mikula, the environment is one of our foremost concerns, which is why all of our operations throughout the state of New Jersey are carried out with our EPA license. We want to improve people’s lives and leave a site better than we found it, so we’re also proud members of the Land Improvement Contractors of America.

There’s no doubt that commercial construction and demolition can be a messy business. Get in touch today for help with your project or to learn more about what we do.

Mikula Contracting, Inc. provides commercial and residential customers with a wide range of excavation, demolition, environmental, snow removal, trucking and soil materials services. For more information, call 973-772-1684 or email info@mikulainc.com

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

The 8 Stages of a Demolition Project

What they entail and why each is essential for success

Before any sort of construction project can take place, often a certain amount of deconstruction is necessary. In many cases, something old has to be removed to make way for something new. This could involve a building or parking lot, or perhaps an in-ground pool. And while the demolition process is pretty straightforward, it entails much more than just knocking something down or taking something out. In order for a project to be successful, there are certain steps that have to be followed.

Assessment

A demolition company has to create a customized plan for each project, which is why the first step has to be a thorough assessment. This needs to include a survey of the structure, as well as the surrounding area and anything that could be affected during demolition. Knowing what materials were used in the building of the structure and how it was built is important, as both will have an impact on the demolition strategy. It’s also crucial to learn about potential hazardous materials that could be onsite, including anything flammable or explosive.

Estimate

Once the scope of the work is identified, it’s time to discuss costs. A demo company should offer an estimate for the job, explaining how they arrived at their numbers. Of course, an estimate is just that, and different factors throughout the demo process could change things.

Planning

The next stage in the demolition process is the creation of a plan, and one of the most important parts involves obtaining all of the necessary permits. Both city ordinances and those pertaining to local areas have to be adhered to. When the job gets approval, the demo company will then devise a plan for the demolition procedure, which includes the methods that will be used. At that point, safety measures will be put in place, such as nets, screens, and covered walkways. A plan will also be put together for handling any debris that is left behind.

Preparation

When the plan is in place, it’s time to prepare the site. This starts by ensuring that the entire building is completely cleaned out. Water, gas, and electricity must also be addressed, if applicable.

Inventory

In order for a demo project to go off without a hitch, building owners have to do their part. This includes taking an inventory of everything left and then making the necessary arrangements for it. Anything in good shape – including desks, chairs, or other furniture – should be donated. Things like old cleaning supplies or paint can’t just be thrown out; they need to be picked up by hazardous waste collection.

Inspections

It is vital to conduct a thorough inspection to discover any of the hazardous materials mentioned earlier, along with things like lead paint or asbestos before demolition. Finding something potentially harmful while the work is going on will immediately grind things to a halt, resulting in wasted time and money.

Demolition

Okay, so now it’s finally time for the actual demolition. With a good plan and the right preparation, this should actually be the easy part. Of course, during the demo stage, safety is the number one priority. All workers should know exactly what to expect and the roles they will play. Fire-fighting materials should always be nearby, along with medical and first-aid facilities.

Cleanup

The last step in the demolition process is the cleanup. Even when a small building is torn down, it can create quite a big mess. This is why debris removal should be part of the initial plan. Once everything is hauled away, things like temporary fencing or signs also need to be removed.

At Mikula Contracting, we go to painstaking efforts to ensure that every demolition project we work on is successful. In order to get the best and safest outcome for everyone, we follow all of the steps outlined above and never take any shortcuts. To learn more about our demolition services for homes or commercial buildings, or to get a free quote on your project, contact us. Call us at 973-772-1684 or send an email to info@mikulainc.com.

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Demolition: It’s Not Just Wrecking Stuff

You have to be a sleuth before you can swing that demo hammer

Not so fast! If we’re to believe those renovation/remake shows on cable, demolition is just donning a pair of safety glasses, knocking it all down, and hauling it away. It’s hardly ever that simple.

Demolition first requires that you know what you’re knocking down. It may contain hazardous materials that must be properly handled and discarded. Maybe even some of the material can be recycled. Long before the demolition gets underway there’s a complex level of investigation and identification that happens first.

Not a DIY project

Older structures undergoing demolition or renovation often contain substances that have, over time, been found to be dangerous. They might continue to be fine if left undisturbed, but they pose a serious danger to people or the environment if improperly handled during the demolition process.

One of the most common substances that must be identified prior to demolition and then handled and discarded properly, is asbestos. The Spruce reports that, according to the latest information published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners can remove asbestos themselves.

The agency advises, however, that you seek out the services of an accredited asbestos abatement professional. They’ve got both the equipment and the experience to safely remove, contain, and dispose of this material. It has the potential to cause serious harm. Asbestos irritates and causes scarring of lung tissue and it’s been linked to a fatal form of lung cancer called mesothelioma.

Even though there may be no regulations preventing you from removing asbestos yourself as a homeowner, you may likely be required to obtain specific permits. You’ll also have to take demolition material containing asbestos to approved facilities. It might be a better idea to put down the demolition hammer and call a professional.

And, all bets are off if it’s a commercial property. Current laws require the owner to utilize a certified abatement professional to contain, remove, and dispose of any material containing asbestos.

Costly mistakes

Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Does not knowing about – or ignoring – potential hazardous or harmful material that will be exposed during a demolition excuse you from paying the consequences?

Ask Joanna and Chip Gaines, stars of the HGTV home improvement hit Fixer Upper. The EPA watched five seasons’ worth of episodes and concluded that the couple and their workers did not depict the normal lead-safe practices that should be followed when lead paint is removed during the demolition process.

In all, the EPA announced it had found possible violations in 33 of the properties the couple and their business had worked on and which had appeared on the show. The Gaines agreed to pay a civil penalty of $40,000. They’ll also spend $160,000 to properly abate any lead-based paint hazards in these homes. Meanwhile, Chip Gaines has been using social media to advise that Fixer Upper viewers should work with “certified renovators” as they approach home projects. A wise and money-saving suggestion.

The show is no longer being produced for HGTV, but the couple’s company, Magnolia Homes, announced it would take steps to stay in compliance with the EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act. It specifies with how to deal with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos, radon, and lead-based paint.

Your neighbors will get involved

They probably aren’t going to ask if they can help, but your neighbors will be in on the action when the demolition gets underway. Watching it on a DIY or home improvement channel doesn’t give you a realistic experience. You might not hear it because it’s been edited or music has been added, but demolition is loud. Workers wear hearing protection. Your neighbors will get an earful of it, too.

Besides being potentially dangerous, improperly handled demolition can also be messy. A professional contracting company specializing in demolition will work to contain the dust and mess and they’ll get it done quickly. You and your neighbors will appreciate the efficiency.

An actual residential or commercial demolition project bears little resemblance to anything you’ve seen on TV. Sure, common sense tells you the process takes longer than 30 minutes. But it takes even longer than most people realize because the demolition actually starts with a wide array of preparatory activities that involve everything from applying for permits to sampling and testing for hazardous building materials. Showing it on TV could fill up a whole season’s worth of episodes. Get a demolition quote from us.

by djm

9 Precautions to Take Before Hiring a Demolition Contractor

Taking every conceivable precaution may sometimes lead you to make no decision at all. However, taking precautions is necessary, especially before hiring a demolition contractor.

Precaution should not be used for over-thinking and indecision. It’s simply the first step in hiring a demolition contractor to help minimize potential risks and achieve the best possible outcome.

Why you may need a demolition contractor

Demolition is not a do it yourself project – You Tube and the Internet is filled with videos and tips for how you can save money by taking care of certain tasks without having to hire a professional. Demolition is not typically one of them. If you don’t really know what you’re doing, it’s best to hire a demolition contractor. They have the right equipment to get the job done in less time. By doing it yourself, you will likely end up paying more in the long run because you will have to bring someone in to fix any mistakes or misjudgments.

There is more involved than just breaking or blowing things apart – TV home improvement shows make demolition look like fun. Wrecking something you are unhappy with in the first place can be liberating. But that’s not all you need to be concerned with. You also must think about the effect on surrounding walls and structures as well as what you will do with all that debris. A quality demolition contractor will have the experience and knowledge to handle all aspects of the project, both anticipated and the unexpected.

Demolition is dangerous – you could be injured or killed from falling debris. The existing structure could be unstable, which may lead to damage to your property. Then there is the possible issue of power, gas and water lines. Failure to take all these matters into consideration might create a dangerous situation or even death for you and everyone else around you. Play it safe by hiring a demolition contractor.

Why it’s vital to take precautions before hiring a demolition contractor

If you are building a home, re-building a home or removing a structure from your commercial property, you will need demolition. Any major undertaking such as this is a big deal and should not be taken lightly.

Therefore, you need to find a demolition contractor that understands the job, is trustworthy and will do the job right. No two projects are the same so it’s vital to compare apples and oranges separately to ensure you get the right company for you. This takes preparation, planning and precaution.

Steps you need to take before hiring a demolition contractor

1. Get references and actually contact them.

Every business lists reviews from satisfied customers on their website, but do you ever actually speak to these people? If you are like most of us, the answer is probably no. Nevertheless, this is crucial in finding the right demolition contractor for your project.

2. Ask the right questions.

Have there been any complaints about their work? How did the demolition contractor handle those complaints? Do they have the proper certifications and licenses? What permits will you need and is the company going to handle this for you or do they expect you to take care of it? You should also check with OSHA for resources to find out if the company has a good track record for compliance and worker safety. This is essential whether you are hiring a demolition contractor for residential or commercial endeavors.

3. Decide how you will function while demolition is taking place.

For example, if you are having your kitchen demolished to make way for renovations, how will you cook and eat until the job is done. How will you operate your business in the midst of noise, dust or blocked access to your building? Even if you are only having one small area demolished, the entire home or building might be unsafe and dangerous for you to stay there while the work is being completed. For your business, you might have to move certain functions to another location, such as your call center or conference rooms. You must determine what your backup plan will be so that you experience as few interruptions as possible.

4. Determine your budget.

It’s important to develop a realistic budget for your project. Also, remember that sometimes things don’t go as planned and it could end up taking longer than estimated. As a result, you should add a little extra to your budget to compensate for unforeseen issues that could arise. For instance, removing a bathtub could reveal a leak that you were not aware of but that needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later. You should check around and get a few estimates. Then, even if you don’t select the highest bidder, budget for a cost that is a bit higher than the quote.

5. Open the lines of communication.

It’s important that you and your contractor are on the same page. This cannot be done without frequent communication. Make sure you describe what you want in detail and that the contracting company is able to fully grasp your vision. More importantly, you must also comprehend their instructions and advice. If there is anything you don’t understand, ask questions. That way, everyone is on the same page and there are no surprises.

6. Check that the demolition contractor is licensed.

One of the worst things you can do is hire a contractor who is not licensed. You are doing a disservice to your project and your property. Without the proper licenses, there is nothing stopping them from doing shoddy work or scamming you out of your money. Those that are legitimate will proudly display their license number on their website, social media pages and in official documents. If you don’t see it anywhere, this is a telltale sign that something may be amiss and you should run. When it comes to licenses, each state has different requirements. You can find information online that tell you the requirements in your state. It’s also imperative that your contractor is bonded and insured. In addition, permits should be displayed onsite throughout the duration of the work.

7. Get a contract in writing.

A written contract puts everything you’ve discussed in black and white to eliminate the chance for shockers or unexpected disclosures after the job has begun. Your contract should spell out the scope of the project, a payment schedule, what equipment will be necessary and an estimation of the timeframe for completion. It should be as specific as possible and clearly state how any changes will be handled. This is legally binding for both of you so make sure you comprehend all details before signing on the dotted line.

8. Watch out for red flags.

The last thing you want is to give up your money or get halfway through a job only to realize you have been scammed. At that point, you will ask yourself if there were any signs you missed and how could this have happened. When you are armed with the right knowledge, you can protect yourself.

• Beware of a demolition contractor that asks for payment in full before starting your project. They may tell you that they need the money to purchase materials but this is a warning sign. A top quality contractor with experience in the industry should already have what they need. Also, try to avoid paying in cash.
• If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. You may feel lucky if you find a contractor that quotes a price far below other estimates or tells you the job can be completed in no time. However, that joy will be short-lived when you discover they cannot possibly live up to their promises.  This is often the sign of an unqualified contractor who doesn’t really know what it takes to get your job done. And they are counting on you not knowing either. A closer look may reveal a long line of disgruntled customers. You must look beyond price to find a contractor that is trustworthy, skilled and offers you a fair price.
• A contractor that lacks insurance is big trouble. If there is an accident or other calamity, you will be liable.

9. Trust the demolition contractor you choose.

Don’t go through all this work only to constantly question every decision made by the contracting company. Keeping an eye on your project is understandable, second-guessing is not. If you have done your homework and selected the company with the most experience and skill, your project will be fine. Trust that they can handle any issues that come up and will communicate effectively at each step along the way.

Demolition projects take time, expertise and competence. Don’t trust your job to just anyone. Mikula Contracting can handle all your demolition and disposal needs. From garage demolition to asphalt removal, we’ve got you covered. We service Essex, Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Union and Morris counties. Don’t live with that unwanted structure, room or ground material a minute longer than you have to. Call today for a fast quote.

by djm

Demolition: It’s More Than Just Knocking Stuff Down

When most people think about demolition, they envision wrecking balls plowing into the side of buildings or controlled explosions causing massive structures to sink into their foundation. But demolition is an involved and delicate process. There’s so much more that goes into the destruction of a structure than the simple act of knocking it down.

In fact, there are four very important steps that all demolition teams must undertake before they can even think about starting the process.

They are:

• Surveying
• Preparation
• Removal of Hazards
• Safety Measures

Only once all of these steps have been completed can a team move in and start tearing the structure down.

But what goes into these four key components of demolition that most people never see? And why is it important to hire the best team available to ensure that it’s done right?

1. Surveying

To survey a structure is to study the different parameters of the building itself and the area immediately surrounding it. This is typically undertaken in two steps. They are building surveys and structural surveys.

Surveying a building for demolition involves a lot of in depth analysis. We need to look back at its initial construction to gauge a few key components.

First off, we need to know what materials were used when the building was erected. Different materials require different strategies when demolition time comes around.

We also need to know what the building was used for prior to demolition. Was it a residence? A business? Did anything occur within that could change our overall strategy? Were harmful chemicals stored on the premises? These are all things that we need to know.

Speaking of chemicals, we have to determine if any hazardous materials exist within the structure. This includes wastewater, toxic chemical matter, flammable elements, and explosive or radioactive materials.

Drainage is another big concern. We have to gauge all possible water related issues, including pollution, flooding, and erosion.

If the building is sharing any facilities with an adjoining structure that’s something we need to address. Are there common walls, entrances or staircases? It would not be a good thing if another building came down with the first one.

We have to gauge the neighborhood as well. What does the through traffic look like, both pedestrian and vehicular? How will the surrounding area handle the noise, vibration, and dust? Are we creating a traffic hazard?

Once we know all of that, it’s time to survey the structure itself. What method was used when the building was constructed? How is the structural system laid out? What is the make up of the basement? Are there any underground vaults or tanks that we need to map out?

2. Removal of Hazards

Certain materials can cause adverse environmental and health conditions if exposed to the air. That’s why before demolition can occur, we have to remove these materials, lest we cause severe issues for the surrounding area.

Some of these include petroleum contamination, asbestos, or radioactive metals. We carefully remove these items from the site, disposing of them properly. It would not do well to release a cloud of asbestos into the sky as the building comes down.

3. Preparation

Once hazards have been removed and both building and structural surveys have been completed, then it’s time to create the demolition plan.

Yes, there’s a plan. You don’t just go in like the Hulk knocking buildings down.

A number of factors have to be taken into account and plotted strategically.

We take note of the location of the building, determining the distance between it and the adjacent structures, including buildings, streets, and street furniture.

We map out the buildings structural support to help us figure out the most efficient plan of attack. Then we begin to plan out the demolition procedure. That includes identifying the sequence of structural members that will be demolished and the demolition method that will be employed.

We also lay out protective measures such as covered walkways, catch fans and platforms, protective screens, hoardings, and safety nets.

Finally, we determine what our method will be for handling the debris left behind and lay out the time required for the entire process to be completed.

4. Safety

Before we start demolishing, the last thing we have to do it put all safety measures in place. All essential staff members are briefed as to what hazards exist and what our process is going to be.

We make sure that all non-essential flammable materials are removed. That includes any fuel, oil, timber, or wood. We make sure that these are stored in a proper facility far away from the demolition site.

We surround the demolition sight with firefighting materials and they remain there throughout the entire process.

We find suitable measures to protect our workers. There are multiple hazards which can adversely impact crew members, including chemical exposure, heat stress, dust exposure, noise exposure, ventilation, sanitation, and occupational diseases. We ensure that medical and first aid facilities are readily available.

In-Ground Demolition

Demolition is more than just knocking over a building. In-ground structures like foundations, basements, and in-ground pools are also part of the process.

We break up the concrete surrounding the pool or foundation and then break up the walls and floor. We remove the remaining debris, hauling it away in a dumpster. Any wood or aluminum framing that surrounds the perimeter also has to be removed.

Then, we have to fill the hole left behind with dirt or gravel. Once the site is graded, it is ready for grass seed to be laid down, or for a new structure to be built.

Conclusion

So much work and finesse go into the demolition process. It’s more than the mindless smashing that most believe it to be. When you’re planning your next demolition, whether it’s a commercial building, a home, a garage, or an in-ground pool, remember that you need a detailed and accurate team ensuring the safety and security of your property throughout the process.

Call Mikula Contracting for all of your New Jersey Demolition needs. We can be reached via phone at 973-772-7684 or reach out to us online.

by djm