Pre-Demo Inspection

Oftentimes, people want to jump into demolition right away. However, beginning demolition without conducting a pre-demolition inspection can pose a number of risks. Instead, consider delaying the start of your demolition project and conducting a pre-demolition inspection. During the inspection, experts will be able to check for a few key factors that can impact your demo project. For instance, materials, asbestos, mould, structural issues, foundational issues, environmental problems, etc. All of these factors play a huge role in the cost and timeline of your project. So, it is important to have an inspection done prior to beginning demolition. 

It is important to note that a pre-demolition inspection is typically required. However, this can change from city to city. So, it is important to check with your local municipality for the regulations surrounding demolition. You can also ask your demolition company in Kelowna for more information!

Type of Demolition

The type of demolition that is being conducted can also have an impact on the environment. Usually, the type of demolition is determined by what’s being torn down and where. Some of the most common demolition methods include a bulldozer, an excavator, a wrecking ball, and a sledgehammer. Each mode of demolition can produce different sizes/amounts of debris. So, it is important to make sure that you choose the mode of demolition that is most suitable for the area. For instance, you wouldn’t use a wrecking ball to demolish a home in the suburbs. This would make a mess and ultimately be dangerous.

Demolition Company in Kelowna Advises About Asbestos

Asbestos is a dangerous substance that is often found in older homes and structures. It is made up of different minerals that naturally occur and resist heat. Asbestos-containing materials were put into a number of homes in North America prior to the dangers of asbestos being uncovered. Asbestos is known to cause cancer and numerous other life-threatening conditions for people and animals. If you suspect that the structure planned to be demolished might contain asbestos, let your demolition company know. Asbestos is one of the key reasons why getting a pre-demolition inspection is so important!

It is best that a skilled professional handles and disposes of any materials containing asbestos. Without proper care, there are severe health and environmental risks involved. Find a local demolition company in Kelowna that is equipped to assist with asbestos-containing materials. 

Soil Contamination

Soil contamination is a prominent problem when conducting demolition. During a demolition project, the soil becomes disturbed. This can be because of the demo itself or the heavy equipment that come-and-go from the site. Soil can become contaminated through contact with chemicals, oil, gas, or heavy metals. When the soil is disturbed, it is easier for it to be washed away by snow and rain. This can lead to the contaminated soil ending up in waterways and polluting them.

Before demolition, it is important to know how to manage contaminated soil in your municipality. Certain sediment control measures are likely in place in your city to prevent contamination. Your contractor will be able to ensure that these guidelines are met. 

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle With Your Demolition Company in Kelowna!

Yup, that’s right! Demolition companies do their very best to salvage usable materials from pre-existing structures. This helps to minimize waste and repurpose old materials. By taking the time to separate materials, you can help reduce the impact that demolition has on the environment! Help us keep usable materials out of landfills by practicing the three R’s in your next demo project.

Contact us Today!

Demolition is best done by a professional demolition company in Kelowna. At SWIPE we have several years of experience dealing with demolition, excavation, and asbestos/mould removal. For help with a residential demolition project, contact us today. We’d be happy to help you during the demolition process. If you have any questions regarding our procedure, feel free to reach out. We look forward to working with you in the near future. 

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What to Ask Your Demolition Company in the Okanagan. 

Do you Have a Business License and Insurance?

The first step in hiring any construction company is to ask if the company has a business license. Working with a company off the books can be risky and there are fewer options if things go sideways. In this same vein, you should check to see if your demo company carries insurance.

Who handles the permits?

Generally speaking, the person who owns the demolition site will be responsible for obtaining the proper permits. The office of your municipality is where you will apply for a permit. Although, if you are unsure about how to get a permit in your area, your demolition company should be able to provide some guidance. This is one of the most favourable parts of working with a demolition company. Permitting can be one of the trickier aspects of demolition, so having a team of experts to guide you through the process is ideal. Moreover, a demolition company will see that you have  all the necessary permits. This ensures that you can complete your project above board. 

How do you Sort the Materials?

After a structure has been demolished, there will be a large volume of debris that needs to be dealt with. Unfortunately, all of the debris cannot be grouped together and disposed of. This is because all construction materials need to be discarded differently. For example, asbestos-containing materials will be dealt with in a different way than drywall. It is so important that materials are properly sorted before they arrive at the local landfill. Sorting materials is an extensive process that is key to helping the environment and practicing safe work habits. If you are interested in learning more about how we sort our demolition materials, check out this article “Sorting Used Materials With a Demolition Contractor in Kelowna”.

More Questions!

What if there are Hazardous Materials Present?

If you are demolishing a building, your demo team should conduct an inspection to ensure that there are no hazardous materials prior to demolition. Asbestos-containing substances can be life-threatening and impose all sorts of health and safety violations. Any demolition team that you hire should be well-versed in dealing with asbestos and mould. This also means knowing how to sort hazardous materials from recyclable materials.

How much experience do you have?

The experience level of your contractor and demo team will make a big difference in your project. Experienced professionals are a safer option in any scenario. This is because they have the skills and know-how to get the job done right. If you aren’t sure if your demolition team is right for the job, ask to see their portfolio. Moreover, you could reach out to an old client and ask about their experience working with the demo team. Whatever you choose, it is critical that you do your due diligence prior to hiring a contractor. 

What will the project cost? And, How Long Will it Take?

If your contractor knows what they’re doing, they won’t give you a quote over the phone. At least not without seeing the demolition site in person. Instead, they might provide you with a rough estimate based on past projects until they can properly assess the job site and determine a more precise timeline and cost estimate. When your contractor provides you with the quote for your project, make sure you ask for more information about any areas that are unclear. This way, there is minimal confusion and conflict between you and your demolition contractor. 

Contact Your Demolition Company in the Okanagan Now!

Demolition is best done by a professional demolition company in the Okanagan. At SWIPE we have several years of experience dealing with demolition and asbestos/mould removal. For help with a demolition job, contact us today. We’d be happy to help you during the demolition process. Furthermore, if you have any questions regarding our demolition process, feel free to reach out. We look forward to working with you in the near future. 

The post Questions to Ask Your Demolition Company in the Okanagan appeared first on Swipe Contracting Ltd..

Continuing reading below to learn more about this topic!

The Importance of Separating Demo Debris.

A demolition contractor in Kelowna must sort their waste before heading to the landfill. This is done for a number of reasons. Proper waste segregation allows landfill workers to provide the most appropriate treatment/disposal. Failure to properly separate waste can lead to harmful gases and severe environmental damage. For example, soil infertility and air pollution. By taking the time to properly sort waste, there is a reduced impact on the landfill, a higher recycling rate, lower waste costs, and potential revenue opportunities.

Construction and demolition produce some of the highest numbers of waste compared to other industries. Because of this, it is crucial that waste is properly disposed of. The demolition waste can be separated into a variety of different categories.

For instance:

• Insulation and asbestos
• Wood, glass, and plastic
• Concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics
• Metallic waste and cables
• Cement
• Sealants and adhesives
• Paints and varnishes
• Soil and contaminated soil
• Asphalt mixtures, tar, and coal tar
• Electronic equipment (fridges, washing machines, batteries, light fixtures, etc)
• Waste Segregation Rules For A Demolition Contractor in Kelowna.

Waste Segregation Rules For A Demolition Contractor in Kelowna.

Every city has its own rules for waste management. Landfills may differ from area to area, however, the general principle of waste separation remains the same. The City of Kelowna has a strict number of rules surrounding the accepted disposal of waste. If these rules are not followed, you can be subject to a host of fines and penalties. At the Kelowna landfill, demolition and construction waste are charged at a rate of $102 per tonne with the exception of Gypsum board. Loads less than 250 kg are subject to a $12 minimum charge.

Asphalt shingles are accepted at the landfill as a recyclable material, however, additional charges will apply if they are mixed with other garbage. Furthermore, wood waste will be accepted if separated into clean wood (untreated, unpainted wood). Additionally, drywall or gypsum board must be sorted from any other garbage and certified to be asbestos-free before heading to the landfill. Drywall must also be sorted into new and used groups and then further separated by condition. The Kelowna landfill also accepts metal, concrete, asphalt, major appliances, and bulky wastes.

Dealing With Contaminated Materials.

Contaminated materials like those containing asbestos are accepted during a strict timeframe. As of 2022, the Kelowna landfill accepts asbestos-containing materials from 9 a.m to 1 p.m on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Moreover, asbestos products are only allowed in a certain quantity without prior approval. For those looking to dispose of greater quantities of asbestos-containing materials, the Kelowna Landfill will need to be contacted. Approval for your asbestos drop-off needs to be obtained 24 hours in advance of the disposal.

Furthermore, AC pipe (cement asbestos-containing pipe) has a special set of disposal rules because of its hazardous nature. Friable AC pipe needs to be treated as asbestos. However, non-friable AC pipe is considered to be non-hazardous. Despite this, AC pipe still requires special handling because if it is damaged in any way, it becomes friable and, therefore, dangerous.

*Note: Demolition cannot begin until an asbestos check is done on the building.

It is best that a skilled professional handles and disposes of any materials containing asbestos. Without proper care, there are severe health and environmental risks involved. Find a local demolition contractor in Kelowna for assistance with asbestos-containing materials.

Contact a Demolition Contractor in Kelowna Today!

Waste segregation is a vital part of any demolition or construction job. Without proper waste separation, you could be subject to a variety of consequences. In order to prevent health complications and environmental damage, it is crucial that waste is sorted accordingly. For help with a demolition job, contact us today. We’d be happy to help you during the demolition process. If you have any questions regarding waste removal and separation, feel free to reach out. We look forward to working with you in the near future.

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