UPDATE: Inflector has acquired industry experts in fireproofing, firestopping application and HAZMAT waste removal, Donalco Inc., Ontario division. We are excited for the coming together of two incredible teams. Read more about the acquisition here.

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Demolition 101

High-rise building being demolished

If you have ever asked yourself, “what is demolition of a building?” Inflector Environmental Services can provide some insights for you! We are experts in all things environmental contracting, which includes selective demolition, interior demolition, total demolition, and more. 

There are multiple types of demolition, all of which are complicated jobs that require careful consideration, time and planning from experienced professionals like our team at Inflector. So, what does a demolition contractor do? We’re going to break down the different types of demolition that Inflector provides as part of our main services: 

Table of Contents

Interior Demolition

Interior demolition is a type of demolition that involves demo of interior elements within a structure or building. It generally is required when only a portion of or the entire interior of a building must be demolished, but nothing on the exterior portion. Interior demolition may include the demolition of walls, lights, floors or doors, among other things. 

Selective Demolition

Selective demolition is similar to interior demolition but with a few key differences. Rather than demolishing an entire area, selective demolition involves demolishing specific zones or materials within a structure or building. For example, there may be a building where walls and floors do not require removal, but the doors and drywall need to be demolished.

Selective demolition requires careful planning and precision to ensure that the desired parts of the building are preserved while the unwanted elements are safely and efficiently removed.

What is the Difference Between Interior and Selective Demolition?

Demolition involves the removal of building materials from a space. The key differences in types of demolition lie in what exactly is removed from that space. Interior demolition can look like the stripping of flooring, sinks and cabinetry, and anything else that might be renovated. With selective demolition, a property owner selects what materials they want to be removed. Perhaps they are interested in keeping the walls and the existing layout but want hardwood floors instead of tile. In this case, the demolition team would only remove the flooring to prepare for the new material.

Structural Demolition 

Structural demolition is perhaps the most common or familiar type of demolition. This type of demolition includes knocking down load-bearing structural elements of a structure or building. Rather than working around elements, structural demolition requires the careful removal or ‘gutting’ of an entire structure within.

When choosing the best method for structural demolition, there are several factors to consider, including the size and location of the building, the materials used in its construction, and the environmental impact of the demolition process. It’s important to choose a method that is safe, efficient, and minimizes disruption to the surrounding area.

How Long Does Demolition Take?

The timeline for demolition services can depend on a few factors. Namely, the type of demolition dictates how long this process will take and the extent of work to be done. For example, there is more work associated with the structural demolition of a building since it requires full removal than there is selective demolition which only requires the removal of select elements. If you choose to work with Inflector, our team will survey the project, determine how long demolition may take, and present you with an expected timeline. . 

When do you Need a Demolition Permit?

Permits are a necessary document needed to proceed with construction, renovations, or otherwise, including various types of demolition. These permits take into account the building code, zoning bylaws, and any other legislation that applies to that particular building. Even if you live in an area where a demolition permit is not required, a bylaw could be in place concerning how you go about removal. It’s best to check with your local city or municipality office to confirm what kind of paperwork you’ll need before you schedule demolition. At Inflector, we always recommend working with a professional team, and companies like ours can assist you in obtaining the appropriate permits to get your job started.

Working with the Pros

If you require demolition services, go with the pros at Inflector, where we promise to work according to our motto: jobs done safe, jobs done right. Our commercial demolition services are customized based on every project we take on. We’ll put your needs first throughout the process, and ensure you are more than satisfied with our professional work.

Check out our Projects page to see some of the demolition work we have done in the past for our clients. Now that you’ve gone through Demolition 101, are you interested in what Inflector can offer you? Contact us today.