Through renovation, old and worn-out spaces can get a much-needed facelift. This is an exciting project to undertake, as now, finally, the area will look brand new again. Before the renovation itself, however, is the demolition.
Safety should always be a priority during demolition, given how this is the first step on the long road ahead. Especially when dealing with older structures with decrepit architecture, care and caution have to be exercised to a great extent.
The last thing you’d want is to hit a bumpy road right now at this very early stage, all because you were amiss with safe demolition practices.
Continue reading this article before breaking down the first wall.
Table of Contents
Hire The Services Of A Demolition Contractor
As their name suggests, demolition contractors offer services primarily anchored in demolition. While this may seem like something anyone can do themselves, it’s best to let the experts like a Toronto demolition company do their thing if you want to stay safe. Remember, demolition is more than just knocking down walls. There’s much more to consider to ensure mistakes are minimal, ideally.
For instance, a demolition contractor can work closely with your builder to avoid breaking foundational posts and walls. They also know how to preserve any electrical systems in place if needed. And most importantly, demolition contractors also learn how to deal with asbestos, one of the most dangerous construction wastes in older buildings.
Safe Demolition
Schedule A Junk Removal Company To Pick Up Demolition Debris
The number of days allocated to demolition usually depends on the size and condition of the space, as well as the amount of work and changes that need to be made. Whatever this number is, however, one thing’s for sure: renovation waste will be piling up quickly, even before the day ends.
Unlike any other type of waste, however, debris from renovation requires caution in handling. Some could have hazardous materials. Others could also be too big to fit in a regular household’s usual dumpster.
Coming to the rescue are companies like EZ Cleanup junk removal that offer junk removal services. These businesses have the right trucks and equipment to collect all types and sizes of junk whenever they’re called to. With their help, you’ll have better control over clearing your renovation site of all the accumulated waste.
The inability to stay on top of demolition waste disposal is a safety risk when the renovation site should be cleaner than it is. Instead of having clear walkways and paths to smoothly move from one end of the site to another, there’s leftover debris, many of which could be dangerous, such as those with nails and other sharp construction materials.
That being said, safety can be assured to a greater extent by calling for help regarding waste disposal.
Undergo A Hazardous Materials Diagnosis
A critical precursor to demolition day is a process called hazardous materials diagnosis. This step of thorough decontamination ascertains that no toxic or harmful materials will be released as soon as demolition occurs. Remember, it’s not only the renovation project’s success at stake. It’s also the health of the general public, the workers, and anyone who enters the demolition and renovation site.
Some hazardous materials experts diagnose all the materials that should be removed during the demolition. The most common of those are mold, lead, and asbestos. If found positive for any hazardous material, decontamination should immediately commence, or a clearing.
Wear The Proper Attire
Wearing the proper attire during demolition isn’t about fashion. Instead, it’s about donning suitable protective clothing for safety. Here are a few pointers to guide you:
- For footwear, thick-soled shoes give a layer of protection, so you can avoid stepping on nails and other sharp objects.
- Wear old clothes during demolition and renovation, so you don’t have to worry about your clothes getting soiled.
- If you’re doing any work that involves a lot of pulling and kneeling, knee pads and gloves also come in handy.
- Most importantly, always don a hard hat. You never know what could fall on you from the ceiling.
Having all those layers of clothing and gear may seem quite extra, but it’s not worth risking when the exchange is safe.
Final Thoughts
Those who have mastered the art of successful, smooth, and safe demolitions always abide by the same rule: start with a plan, protect the home and everyone in it, have a sense of order in place, and always keep the worksite clean. There are many ways to meet that goal, including those listed above.
When safe demolition practices are observed, the renovation timeline goes as planned, bumps are reduced, and soon enough, you’ll open your doors to a finished project, ready to move back in.
