Demolishing Special Structures in Modern Homes: What Do You Need To Do?

Special structures have peculiar attributes because of the nature of their construction. Their condition requires complex construction and integration into the rest of the structure. Therefore, these components can influence the whole building's integrity, demanding attention to detail when you want to demolish them. Bringing down special structures calls for proper planning if you want to carry out a safe demolition. The demolition sequence and methods need to be clear and documented before you start the process. The following piece teaches what you need to do when demolishing special structures fitted in your home's structure:

Pre and Post-tensioned Concrete

Pre-tensioned and post-tensioned concrete is an excellent example of special structures fitted when building your home. Pre-tensioned concrete has tendons made of bars, strands and wires. These strands undergo intense tensioning to provide maximum support to the concrete slab from the time of placement. On the other hand, post-tensioned concrete has a similar type of tendons, only that the tendons undergo tensioning after the concrete hardens. During demolition, tensioned tendons need controlled removal. They have lots of potential energy that runs through the whole structure, which means that there is a risk of damaging the adjacent walls and fittings. You must have control measures at every step, including steel plates to restrain the effects of removing the tensioned concrete.

Ruinous, Structurally Unsound and Fire-Damaged Homes

The passage of time takes a toll on any built structure. Your home is not an exception. It is only a matter of years before the walls and fittings start to degrade due to inclement weather and other harmful elements. Secondly, fire outbreaks can damage parts of your home and necessitate a demolition before carrying out repairs.

Start by examining the building for hazardous materials such as asbestos. You should contain or remove them before starting the demolition process. Secondly, stick to mechanical methods of demolition for structurally unsound, ruinous or fire-damaged buildings. It is safer compared to other methods like manual demolition.

Lift Shafts

Does your storeyed home have a lift shaft? Combining the lift shaft, counterweights and electrical supply components affects your home's structure in many ways. Therefore, the lift feature calls for special attention to detail during demolition. Start by providing temporary support to the lift cage and disconnecting all the electrical components that may be hazardous. Secondly, you will have temporary decks for the lift shafts as the demolition team lowers all the counterweight. The counterweights will be removed when they reach a suitable, safe level. The demolition will be progressive, especially for the walls securing the lift shaft.

If you have additional questions, reach out to a local home demolition service.