Posts by ColdFoot Environmental Services, Inc.

Demolition practices today are not only quicker, but also safer and more cost-effective. During the past two decades, environmental and safety regulations, as well as growing technology, have impacted the dynamics of the industry. The basic tools of a demolition contractor were once usually a crane, wrecking ball, and front-end loader. Today’s standard equipment has…

A safe and successful demolition project requires a working knowledge of both construction and the law. Decisions involving mechanical and electrical systems, engineering as well as environmental regulations, must be constantly addressed. Trained professionals are required to identify, remove, and dispose of any and all hazardous, toxic, or regulated materials. Too often owners have had…

The industry is reducing its use of landfills in favor of recycling. In just the past decade, landfill costs have soared from $40 a truckload to as high as $800 in some areas. In addition, pressures from regulators have decreased the number of landfills open for business and caused others to strictly limit what they…

The demolition industry was salvaging building elements and materials for reuse log before it was the “ecological thing to do.” Recycling is a major part of the demolition contractor’s business; it represents 20-50 percent of some companies’ revenues. With current technology, contractors are able to separate demolition debris; these processes maximize the use of reusable…

Demolition contractors are instrumental in achieving the goals of preservationists. The façade and many important architectural details are preserved in a building when its interior is gutted and renovated to incorporate modern conveniences and energy efficient equipment. Communities are improved aesthetically when demolition contractors remove deteriorated roads and bridges and unstable structures that were damaged…

Implosions account for less than 1 percent of all demolition work. Even though our industry is currently estimated to be a 3.5+ billion dollar business, the spectacular sight of a building collapsing in a matter of seconds always garners mass media attention. The fact is, more than 99 percent of demolition work is handled with…