Archive for the ‘ Demolition ’ Category

Frequently Asked Demolition Questions

Wednesday, October 19th, 2016

Did you know that up to 90% of the materials recovered in a demolition are recycled, salvaged, or reused?

Demolition involves a series of complex tasks such as structural dismantlement, site clearance, environmental remediation, salvage, recycling, industrial recovery and more. As a highly sophisticated craft, demolition requires experts who have specialized training and equipment in order to be carried out safely and effectively. Here are the answers to a few frequently asked demolition questions. (more…)

Posted in Demolition

When Is Masonry Demolition Necessary?

Friday, May 6th, 2016

Cracks in your masonry are a sign that you need repair or replacement.

If you notice cracks or chips in your bricks or concrete blocks, then it may be time to have them repaired or replaced. Dilapidated masonry can negatively affect the professional presentation of a business, which may even affect your success with sales and client retention. If left untreated, defects in masonry could worsen and even become safety hazards. It’s important to know when you need masonry demolition and to act quickly before the damage worsens. (more…)

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Properly Demolishing Your Concrete Masonry

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015

Proper preparation is key to a successful concrete masonry demolition.

There are a few key elements to keep in mind when properly demolishing your concrete masonry.

Demolition projects should not be taken lightly. Not only do you need the proper tools to take on a concrete demolition project, but you also need to implement proper safety techniques when moving and lifting the concrete. There are a few key elements to keep in mind when properly demolishing your concrete masonry. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Demolition

The Top 4 Commercial Masonry Demolition Methods

Thursday, September 17th, 2015

So it’s finally time for your old masonry structure to go. It’s old, it’s crumbling, it’s ugly – and it’s past the time for restoration. You’ve called Del Prete Masonry for help and now you’re wondering just how we will go about demolishing your structure or building. Well, there are four different ways we might go about it. Demolition methods will vary depending on several factors: the area the demolition will occur, the building material, the demolition’s purpose, and the method that debris must be disposed. Find out what method we will use to demolish your masonry structure in this week’s blog.

Demolition methods will vary depending on several factors: the area the demolition will occur, the building material, the demolition’s purpose, and the method that debris must be disposed.

Masonry Demolition Methods

Implosion

Perhaps the most “fun” demolition method, implosion involves the use of explosives to eliminate the critical vertical structure supports. A blaster crew will need to first assess the structure to identify what areas need to be blasted, what type of explosives to use, and how to time the detonations. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Demolition

How to Prepare for Demolition Day

Thursday, August 13th, 2015

When it comes time to demolish your old building, you’re probably excited about the prospect of fresh starts and new beginnings. However, a big change is enough to leave anyone frazzled, especially when it comes to the demolition of an entire building. There fortunately are a few things you can do to help yourself prepare for demolition day in order to save money and keep your demolition on track and on schedule.

There fortunately are a few things you can do to help yourself prepare for demolition day in order to save money and keep your demolition on track and on schedule.

Tips to Help Prepare for Your Building’s Demolition

Move Your Property to Storage

Before any demolition project, you of course need to get your valuables out of there. Usually there’s at least something in your old building worth holding on to! Make sure your property is well out of harm’s way long before the demolition begins so you aren’t scrambling at the last second. Anything you find that you don’t need any more can be sold for a profit or donated to charity. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Demolition

Safety Rules to Follow When Beginning a Demolition Project

Wednesday, July 1st, 2015

Demolition projects may seem mostly straightforward, but in reality, there is a lot that can go wrong. When you’re dealing with the destruction of large buildings, there is always the chance of someone getting hurt. However, you can minimize that risk by implementing some basic safety rules. If you follow these rules and play it safe, you can complete your demolition project quickly and with no trouble at all.

When you’re dealing with the destruction of large buildings, there is always the chance of someone getting hurt. However, you can minimize that risk by implementing some basic safety rules.

Be Prepared

The first step before making a demolition is to conduct a thorough survey of the building. Make sure to note the condition of the walls, floors, and framing to prevent the possibility that part of the structure may make an unplanned collapse during the process. You also need to find out if any hazardous materials such as chemicals, gases, or explosives were used with any equipment in the structure. These materials can cause big safety hazards during a demolition if not taken into account and removed.

Check it Twice!

Take care to remove any glass ahead of time that may shatter during demolition. If the structure of the building has been damaged, you will need to brace the walls so that your employees are not put in danger when they must work inside the building. Perhaps most importantly, ensure that all utility and service lines have been shut off before you begin any work. Finally, always go from top to bottom in any demolition project. Each story of the building needs to be demolished and removed prior to beginning demolition on the next story. Warning and safety signs are also always a great idea to install around the area to make sure everyone involved remains aware.

Demolition doesn’t have to be a chore! If you call DelPrete Masonry, we promise to take every precaution necessary to ensure that every aspect of the structure and the surrounding property are prepared for a safe demolition. We perform a thorough cleanup of the area and leave it ready for you to begin your next phase.

Need Demolition Services?

Contact DelPrete Masonry. Our masonry restoration professionals have the experience and history of satisfied clients to prove that we’ll get the job done right, and cost-effectively. To get started with your professional masonry restoration project, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. Keep up with our blog for masonry related information, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Posted in Blog, Demolition

Demolition Doesn’t Have to be a Disaster

Monday, June 8th, 2015

Demolition doesn’t have to be a disaster. Plan with us!

Sometimes an old building just has to go. It happens, but are you ready for it? Having a building or structure demolished can get messy quickly if you’re not properly prepared. That’s why we’re giving you the rundown on demolition so that you can be ready when the time comes. Interested in learning more about the process? Read more and find the answers to your demolition questions. (more…)

Posted in Demolition

The Masonry Demolition Planning Process

Friday, March 20th, 2015

Planning and preparation is the most important part of the masonry demolition process, and the primary reason you should always use a professional demolition service when you demolish a masonry structure. The masonry demolition planning process includes goal identification, site inspection, inspection analysis and planning, budgeting, and finally acquiring a contract and permits. Masonry demolition is a serious process that poses many health and safety risks, and should only be undertaken by professionals who follow the process below. (more…)

Posted in Demolition

Methods of Masonry Demolition in Maryland: Pusher Arm

Monday, November 24th, 2014

Whether you’re clearing way for a beautiful new masonry structure, or just looking to get rid of a structurally unsound eyesore, you need to consult a masonry demolitions expert on how you’re going to take down your masonry structure in Maryland. But how to do it? Del Prete Masonry is here with the inside scoop on one of the most common masonry demolition tools: the pusher arm.

What is a Pusher Arm?

A pusher arm is masonry demolition in-speak for a hydraulically powered excavator or loader that has been re-fitted with attachments to repurpose these construction machines for masonry demolition, such as percussion breakers and excavator buckets.

The Advantages of Pusher Arm Demolition

The chief benefit of using a pusher arm for your Maryland masonry demolition project is that the machines are very mobile, can handle large amounts of masonry at once, and are able to work on walls and floors that are above ground level. A team of pusher arm machines can be strategically employed to bring down masonry structures in a relatively short amount of time. Great for demolishing masonry infill structures, pusher arms can take down an infill structure by pushing them over in stages using continuous horizontal pressure.

The Disadvantages of Pusher Arm Demolition

To work efficiently, pusher arm machines need sufficient space to maneuver and gain access to a structure, as well as a flat and sturdy base. They are also limited by the reach of their arms whch must be extended at least 1.5 meters above the building being demolished. This method of masonry demolition is not recommended for large buildings on difficult to navigate sites

Pusher Arm Demolition Safety Precautions

Make sure that your Maryland site has been secured against unintentional entry by unauthorized personnel during demolition.
Always conduct demolition from the exterior of the building, and never let anyone enter the building while pusher arms are in operation.
Be sure that the operator has been trained in the work, or is being instructed by a trained person.
Use hand demolition to get the building to a level where pushing can start.
Separate the masonry structure from any attached buildings using hand demoltion.
Make sure that debris does not build up too high against the walls: this may push the wall onto the machine.

Need Masonry Demolition in Maryland?

Call Del Prete Masonry. At Del Prete Masonry, we’ve got the expertise to perform masonry demolition by pusher arm, and a wide variety of other methods to ensure your unwanted structure is safely, and quickly, taken apart. We’re also one of Maryland’s most respected masonry construction groups, so we can replace any demolished structure with a pristine, and affordable, one in no time.

To find out more about your masonry demolition options, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. Keep up with our blog for masonry related information, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Posted in Blog, Demolition

Methods of Masonry Demolition in Maryland: Demolition by Ball

Monday, November 10th, 2014

If you have a structurally unsound or physically unappealing masonry structure, or have purchased land with a building that doesn’t meet your needs, chances are that you need masonry demolition. Continuing our series on the various types of masonry demolition, Del Prete Masonry, your Maryland masonry company, is here with a behind-the-scenes look at how demolition via wrecking ball works.

While most building can be taken down with a wrecking ball, it’s a highly delicate process that requires years of training and experience to execute safely. Below are some general precautions that masonry demolitions experts must observe when demolishing a building via wrecking ball.

Machine Safety

Most wrecking balls are not attached to dedicated wrecking machines; rather they are affixed to converted cranes. Demolishing masonry via wrecking ball is a taxing task and it’s important to make sure the crane is properly equipped to deal with the added strain. Cranes using a converted drag line are considered the best for demolition via wrecking ball while hydraulic ram cranes should never be used for this purpose. Cranes must be outfitted with a Falling Object Protective Structure and the Safe Working Limit (The maximum weight which the crane arm can safely carry) must be at least 3 times the weight of the wrecking ball.

General Safety

The wrecking ball must be fixed to prevent it from disconnecting with the line and this connection should be safety checked every hour. All unnecessary personnel and the general public should be kept well away from any masonry demolition, particularly when using a wrecking ball. Also, any building that are attached to the masonry that will be demolished must first be detached by hand, otherwise serious structural damage could occur.

Need Masonry Demolition in Maryland?

Call Del Prete Masonry. At Del Prete Masonry, we’ve got the expertise to perform masonry demolition by wrecking ball, and a wide variety of other methods to ensure your unwanted structure is safely, and quickly, taken apart. We’re also one of Maryland’s most respected masonry construction groups, so we can replace any demolished structure with a pristine, and affordable, one in no time.

To find out more about your masonry demolition options, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. Keep up with our blog for masonry related information, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Posted in Blog, Demolition