It can seem like a waste to demolish what appears at first glance to be a perfectly good building. Even a building that looks a little rough can seem like an excellent candidate for a fixer-upper investment. But there are times when a building is too far gone to save, and the better course of action is to demolish and start new. But how do you know when to demolish a building? What are the signs that a building is too far gone? Join us as we explore these questions and more.
Gumdale Demolition are Queensland’s leading demolition contractor. With over 30 years of experience to our name, we have built a reputation for performing quality work and for completing even the most complex jobs on time and on budget. Contact us today to learn more by calling (07) 3809 4108, or get a free quote online.
When to Demolish a Building
Foundation Damage
A foundation can become damaged in several different ways – anything from extreme events like earthquakes or floods, to the slow but persistent forces from tree roots shifting the foundation. The damage can be exacerbated by poor soil conditions or sub-standard construction. No matter the cause, when a foundation is severely damaged, repairs will be a big undertaking and very expensive. The repairs will also take a lot of time. It is often cheaper and easier to demolish and rebuild.
Frame Damage
A building that has been compromised by frame damage is a risk to both occupants and to neighbouring structures. This raises many issues of liability, so immediate action must be taken – either fix the frame or remove the building. Much like a damaged foundation, frame damage is another situation where a fix is sometimes possible, but it is often more economical to demolish. Also, depending on the extent of frame damage, it could be impossible to repair the frame in a way that makes the building safe, which simplifies the choice of whether to repair or demolish.
Fire Damage
Even a relatively small fire can wreak havoc on the soundness of a building. The fire can weaken structural integrity and cause damage in unseen locations, such as to structural supports as flames travel inside walls. But there is also the damage from putting out the blaze. It is the policy of firefighters that it is always better to use too much water to extinguish a fire than too little and risk the fire reigniting later.
Water damage from firefighting can sometimes cause more damage than the fire itself. There is also the very hard to eliminate smell of wet, burned wood, or the smell from toxins that were released as chemicals and plastics burned. If your building has experienced a fire, demolishing the structure should be a serious consideration.
Outdated Construction
Building codes change, and what may have been considered a perfectly usable structure could now be deemed unsafe. In these situations, the building can be brought up to code, but in many cases that can be too costly. If you face the situation where your building has been found to not meet regulatory standards, a cost benefit analysis could help in making the decision of when to demolish a building or when to refit. If you do decide to demolish and rebuild, you will have a shiny new building, complete with all the modern conveniences.
Risk to Public Health
When buildings have been abandoned or left unused for long periods of time, they often become hosts or homes to unwanted guests. Pest infestations and dangerous mould growth are not uncommon in these kinds of buildings. It can be very difficult to eliminate the health risks from pests or mould without demolishing the building.
Homeless squatters can also take up residence in unused buildings. They often live in poor conditions that quickly deteriorate from unsanitary to completely hazardous. Demolishing a building can sometimes be the only course of action if health conditions are too far gone. This will also prevent future squatters from occupying the same space.
Gumdale Demolition is Here for You
You have questions and we have the answers. Gumdale Demolition are the experts in demolition, and we want to hear about your concerns or questions related to when to demolish a building, or about any of our other services. Our friendly and helpful staff can be reached on (07) 3809 4108, or you can request a free quote online.
