Common commercial demolition techniques
The commercial demolition industry encompasses a range of property types, from office buildings and shopping centres to factories, warehouses, and more. However, with such a broad scope of building types comes a wide range of commercial building demolition techniques. From the widespread mechanical demolition to precise methods like saw cutting, each technique ensures safe working conditions while minimising environmental impact.
In this blog, let's take a look at the common commercial demolition techniques in Australia and understand how each method differs.
Understanding demolition rates
Before jumping into the specifics of a demolition plan, it’s important to understand how much demolition services cost across Australia. Budgeting effectively and ensuring a smooth project require being informed about these expenses. The rates for demolition vary widely depending on several factors, such as the structure’s size, the types of materials involved, and the project’s location.
For example, demolishing protected or historic buildings tends to be pricier because it involves specialised techniques and careful planning to comply with preservation guidelines. Additionally, since demolition work often extends over several weeks, hourly wet hire rates can add up. Here’s a general breakdown of those rates (keep in mind that these are estimated values and location, model and other factors can vary the price):
- Small structure: $80 - $130 per hour
- Medium structure: $140 - $200 per hour
- Large structure: $210 - $300 per hour
For exact quotes tailored to your project and location, visit the demolition page on iseekplant to connect with suppliers and view detailed pricing.
Mechanical demolition: The most widely used technique
Mechanical demolition is one of the most common approaches for large buildings, utilising heavy machinery to dismantle structures safely and efficiently. This demolition process is especially suited for structures with solid materials and ample surrounding space.
Key features include:
- Uses excavators, bulldozers, cranes
- Suitable for concrete and steel buildings or structures
- Allows for controlled, fast demolition works
- Effective waste management and recycling options
Implosion demolition: When and how explosives are used
Implosion is a specialised type of demolition that uses controlled explosives to collapse a structure inward, ideal for building in dense urban areas. This technique requires precise planning and expert demolition contractors.
Key features include:
- Best for high-rise buildings in confined spaces
- Detailed structural analysis for safety measures
- Minimal debris spread with inward collapse
- Planning for hazardous materials such as asbestos
Selective demolition: a sustainable approach
Selective demolition involves carefully dismantling parts of a building to preserve materials for reuse, reducing waste and lowering environmental impact. This technique is the standard for commercial projects with sustainability goals.
Key features include:
- Minimal waste through salvaging materials
- Reduce landfill impact and support recycling
- Safe removal of potentially hazardous materials like asbestos
- Useful for partial renovations or structural changes
Deconstruction and dismantling: an alternative to full demolition
Deconstruction allows for dismantling structures piece by piece, preserving valuable elements. This style of demolition is ideal for heritage sites or projects needing controlled removal without disturbing surrounding areas.
Key features include:
- Preserving architectural components
- Minimising environmental disturbance
- Preserving fragile or historically significant structures
- Reducing risks by safely removing specific sections
Interior strip-outs: preparing commercial spaces for renovation
Interior strip-outs remove non-structural elements within buildings, preparing them for renovation or redesign. This type of demolition allows for safe clearing without structural changes.
Key features include:
- Removing flooring, walls, and fixtures safely
- Remodeling units for tenant changes
- Focusing on waste management and recycling
- Asbestos removal if needed
High-Reach demolition: handling tall structures safely
High-reach demolition uses specialised excavators to safely dismantle tall buildings where implosion is unsuitable. This method is essential for urban commercial demolition services requiring minimal disruption.
Key features include:
- Utilises long-arm excavators for multi-story buildings
- Keeps ground-level disruption low
- Removing hazardous materials at height
Saw Cutting and drilling techniques for precision and demolition
Saw cutting and drilling offer precision demolition options, particularly for selective removal in dense commercial areas. These techniques reduce structural impact and ensure precision and peace of mind in confined spaces.
Key features include:
- Allows precise, non-invasive removal
- Useful for cutting concrete and reinforced materials
- Ideal for projects needing minimal environmental impact
- Dust and debris control in high-density areas
Get quotes for commercial demolition work on iseekplant today
If you have an upcoming demolition project that requires professional contractors to handle, check out the iseekplant platform. Whether it’s industrial demolition or general structural demolition of commercial buildings, our suppliers can offer safe and reliable service and demo plans tailored to your project needs. Get a quote and hire a demolition contractor through iseekplant today.