Are you searching for a demolition contractor for a project?  You should know the types of demolition jobs so you can understand what your contractor will be doing for you.

The 4 general types of demolition are:

• Crane & Ball demolition
• High Reach Arm demolition
• Implosion Demolition
• Selective Demolition

Crane & Ball Demolition

You can guess by the name how this type of demolition is done.  It is the oldest method and depends on the crane raising a metal ball of about 1,300 to 1,400 pounds which is swung at a high velocity from atop a structure to demolish it.

A crane and ball demolition has disadvantages as it can only be used on structures with lower heights.  It is dangerous when a structure is more than 3 stories high.

It also cannot be used in areas near power lines so it is not very practical for residential demolition projects.  Further, it causes noise, debris, dust, and mess.

Although professional demolition companies aim to reduce mess, this is much more difficult to do with a crane and ball.  Only licensed operators can operate this type of equipment.

High-Reach Arm Demolition

A high-reach arm demolition generally uses equipment with a high arm reach.  It is usually an excavator that could reach more than 20 meters.  Oftentimes, it uses demolition tools including a hammer, crusher, or shear on its end.  It is more precise than a crane & ball since it allows a change in tools, depending on the situation.  

This is more common for residential demolition because the arm’s height can’t be raised very high.  It is limited by the height of the machinery’s arm.  However, it cannot be used under power lines.

Implosion Demolition

An implosion demolition will use an implosion to demolish a structure.  Generally, it is used at support points so that the structure’s weight will implode in a more controlled manner.

This is ideal for house demolitions because the structure’s blueprints allow the demolition contractor to identify the support points so that he can lay the explosives correctly.

But then again, this type of demolition can only be undertaken by experienced contractors because it still poses many risks.

Selective Demolition

This method of demolition is designed to reduce, recycle, and reuse.  The materials from a demolition job such as concrete, wiring, steel, etc. are recovered in the best possible condition so they can be reused.

This demolition method takes more time and can be more costly because the structure is taken down one piece at a time but it can save money from the next construction due to the materials recovered.

When a structure is demolished, some items may be recycled for future use or reduced into aggregates.  Some materials may be taken to landfills or discarded if they are dangerous or contaminated.

You must consult a demolition contractor if you need to demolish any type of structure or building so he can recommend the best demolition procedure for your project.