Deconstruction Rather Than Demolition; Planning to Demolish Your Home? Here’s What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos

Safety 1st Removals Ltd Talks Deconstruction rather than Demolition. Safety 1st Removals as a Maori Owned Company practices the practice of old Maori that talk about Kaitiakitanga (Custodian) of the Environment so we promote Environmental and Best Practice Models of Recycling and Reusing a lot of the Material when we look at Demolition.

Safety 1st Removals Ltd Believes that we can reuse the Tin Roof or if we can recycle the the Concrete to be used on other purposes and if all metal could be recycled we could reduce the amounts of Rubbish going to our Landfills.

Safety 1st Removals believe that Global Warming is taking an effect on our Planet and believe that individually Businesses can make an effect or reduce their footprint of emission we can make a difference.

Alongside our Deconstruction Model of Work we are looking at how Science is producing ways of breaking down Asbestos Fibres to make a Safer Environment. Safety 1st Removals Believes Deconstruction and Asbestos Safe Practices will or could individually promote our Safe Practices and Safe Environmental Practices and new model for Businesses to Work.

Deconstruction and Asbestos Removal are 2 ways that Safety 1st Removals Ltd are forging the way forward in this field and would like to promote this practice amongst other Businesses in New Zealand

Deconstruction and Asbestos Removal go hand in Hand when we work alongside our partners to better look at different ways of moving waste that would normally go to the main Waste Stream. We are now developing ways to teach others about Deconstruction Models and the benefits they bring.

Safety 1st Removals is one of the pioneers in the field of Deconstruction and is educating more and more Businesses on the model of Deconstruction we are also promoting this practice amongst Asbestos Removals as well.

Safety 1st Removals Believes that the Principles of Deconstruction will be a norm in some many years to come and will become normal ways to Practice in the future.

Safety 1st Removals Challenges other Companies to Practice or Learn the Deconstruction Principles and adopt them in the way they practice. Asbestos Removal and Deconstruction is a good mix for practices of the future.

For Further information on Deconstruction contact John Kerr

Deconstruction, as opposed to traditional demolition, is a method that involves dismantling a house systematically with the aim of recovering, repurposing, and reusing materials. This environmentally-friendly approach not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also conserves natural resources by promoting the reuse of materials. Here, we explore the deconstruction process, the benefits, and the challenges associated with this practice.

The Deconstruction Process:

1. Planning and Assessment: Before deconstruction begins, a detailed plan is necessary. This involves assessing the structure to identify materials that can be salvaged and reused. Specialists might be needed to evaluate the potential for reuse and to estimate the value of materials.
2. Permit and Safety Measures: Just like demolition, deconstruction requires permits from local authorities. Safety measures for workers and nearby residents must be established, including addressing hazards such as asbestos or lead paint.
3. Systematic Dismantling: Unlike demolition, where buildings are quickly torn down, deconstruction involves carefully taking apart the house. This is usually done in the reverse order of construction. Workers remove fixtures and fittings, then non-structural elements, followed by structural components. Tools used in deconstruction are typically hand-operated to minimize damage to materials.
4. Sorting and Processing: Materials are sorted on-site. They might be cleaned, repaired, or refinished to prepare them for resale or donation. Commonly salvaged materials include wood, metal, glass, fixtures, and bricks.
5. Repurposing and Recycling: Once processed, materials can be sold to second-hand building materials stores, donated to non-profit organizations, or used in other construction projects. Materials that cannot be reused are recycled whenever possible.

Benefits of Deconstruction:

1. Environmental Conservation: By reducing waste, deconstruction significantly lowers the environmental impact associated with building materials. It conserves natural resources and reduces carbon emissions from manufacturing new materials.
2. Waste Reduction: Deconstruction can divert 70-90% of building materials from landfills, significantly reducing the burden on waste management systems.
3. Economic Savings and Job Creation: Salvaged materials can be sold, offering economic returns. Deconstruction also tends to be labor-intensive, creating more job opportunities than traditional demolition.
4. Cultural Preservation: Reusing materials can help preserve architectural heritage, especially when historic buildings are deconstructed.

Challenges:

1. Time and Cost: Deconstruction is often more time-consuming and initially more expensive than demolition. However, the sale of salvaged materials and tax incentives can offset these costs.
2. Market for Salvaged Materials: There must be a demand for reused materials, which can vary regionally. Establishing markets and distribution networks is crucial.
3. Regulatory Hurdles: There may be legal and regulatory barriers to deconstruction, including zoning laws and lack of incentives.
4. Technical Expertise: Deconstruction requires skilled labor and expertise, which can be a barrier in regions lacking trained professionals.

Conclusion:

Deconstruction offers a sustainable alternative to traditional demolition, emphasizing the reuse and repurposing of building materials. While it presents certain challenges, the environmental, economic, and cultural benefits can be significant. As awareness grows and technology advances, deconstruction could become a standard practice in the dismantling of buildings, contributing to a more sustainable and waste-conscious construction industry.

Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners Demolishing a Home with Suspected Asbestos

If you’re planning to demolish your home and suspect that asbestos may be present, it’s crucial to handle the situation with extreme care. Asbestos, once widely used in construction for its durability and fire resistance, poses serious health risks when disturbed. Before you move forward with demolition, follow these essential steps to manage asbestos safely and legally.

1. Identify Potential Asbestos Materials

Step 1: Know Where Asbestos Might Be Hiding Before you begin any demolition work, it’s important to identify where asbestos might be present in your home. Common areas include:

• Roofing and siding materials
• Insulation around pipes and boilers
• Vinyl flooring and adhesives
• Textured ceilings (e.g., popcorn ceilings)
• Cement sheeting (often found in walls, floors, and roofing)

Handy Tip: Do not attempt to inspect these materials yourself. Asbestos is most dangerous when it’s disturbed, so it’s best to leave this to professionals.

2. Hire a Certified Asbestos Inspector

Step 2: Get a Professional Inspection Before any demolition can begin, you need to hire a certified asbestos inspector. The inspector will safely collect samples from suspected asbestos-containing materials and send them to a laboratory for testing. This is the safest way to confirm whether asbestos is present in your home.

Cost Estimate: An asbestos inspection typically costs between $400 and $800, depending on the size of your home and the number of materials that need to be tested.

3. Review the Inspection Report

Step 3: Understand the Findings Once the lab results are in, the inspector will provide a detailed report indicating whether asbestos is present, and if so, its condition. This information is crucial for planning the next steps. If asbestos is found, you’ll need to take appropriate measures to manage or remove it before demolition.

4. Plan for Asbestos Removal or Management

Step 4: Choose Between Removal or Encapsulation If asbestos is present, you have two main options before demolition:

• Removal: This involves completely removing the asbestos-containing materials from your home. It’s the most comprehensive solution but also the most expensive. Removal must be done by licensed asbestos abatement professionals who follow strict safety regulations.
• Encapsulation: In some cases, asbestos materials can be encapsulated (sealed) to prevent fibers from becoming airborne. However, for demolition, removal is usually required to avoid any risk during the process.

Cost Estimates:

• Asbestos Removal: Costs can range from $1,500 to $30,000 depending on the extent of contamination and the size of the home.
• Encapsulation: While not typically recommended for homes being demolished, encapsulation usually costs less, ranging from $500 to $2,000 depending on the area covered.

5. Obtain Necessary Permits and Comply with Regulations

Step 5: Follow Legal Requirements Before proceeding with demolition, you must obtain all necessary permits and ensure compliance with local and national asbestos regulations. This typically involves submitting a detailed asbestos removal plan to your local environmental or building authority.

Handy Tip: Your asbestos removal contractor can help you navigate the permitting process and ensure that all legal requirements are met. Failure to comply with asbestos regulations can result in hefty fines and delays in your demolition project.

6. Conduct a Final Clearance Inspection

Step 6: Ensure the Area Is Safe for Demolition After asbestos removal, a final clearance inspection is required to certify that all asbestos has been safely removed and that the site is ready for demolition. The clearance certificate is crucial, as it confirms that the demolition can proceed without the risk of asbestos exposure.

Cost of Clearance: Expect to pay around $200 to $500 for a final clearance inspection and certification.

7. Proceed with Demolition

Step 7: Move Forward Safely With the asbestos removed and the site cleared, you can now proceed with the demolition of your home. Ensure that your demolition contractor is aware of the asbestos removal process and that all safety protocols are followed during the demolition.

Conclusion

Demolishing a home that may contain asbestos is not a task to be taken lightly. By following these steps—hiring a certified inspector, planning for asbestos removal, obtaining the necessary permits, and conducting a final clearance inspection—you can ensure that the demolition process is safe, legal, and free from health risks. Handling asbestos responsibly not only protects you and the demolition crew but also ensures compliance with environmental regulations, avoiding costly fines and delays.