What is a Soft Strip Demolition?

In 2022, the construction industry in the UK alone produced 10.8 million metric tons of CO2. Construction waste from building demolition ends up in landfills, and new construction in place of the old building generates volumes of carbon dioxide.

Don’t you think the situation is alarming? So, how do we, as responsible citizens. Adopting a green construction approach for new construction could be a way out. But what about the old buildings that require renovation or demolition?

Soft strip demolition is a sustainable way to demolish your old building and give it a new look.

So, what is it? Let's find out.

What is Soft Strip Demolition?

In this process, you aim to remove all the non-structural elements from your building. But be careful; you might damage the building structure. In soft strip demolition, you remove all fittings and fixtures without breaking or damaging the entire building. It is the first step in renovating your old building.

However, you need to ensure that the building structure is strong enough to support new construction and is in good condition. Imagine how fruitless it would be to demolish the entire building, even after its renovation, only due to structural failure.

With this approach, you can salvage old building materials and renovate the old building. This helps maintain environmental sustainability.

Reusing and recycling old materials will lower your building's total carbon footprint. The sustainable process approach is much more beneficial than you can imagine.

Key Elements of Soft Strip Demolition

So now you know what soft strip demolition is and have a brief idea of how it can benefit your construction project. But what exactly does it remove from your old building?

Non-structural elements—The Old ceiling, partitioning walls, and floor panels can be removed during soft strip demolition. Professionals carefully remove these non-structural elements from the old building. If they are in good condition, you can sell them to those needing them or use them in your new building. Either way, soft strip demolition benefits you and the environment.

Fittings and fixtures - Similarly, windows, doors or partitions in your commercial (or, residential) building can be carefully removed with soft strip demolition. If the removed doors or windows are in good condition and go well with the new look of your building, you can see you.

Electrical wiring, internet connection, plumbing system—If your old building has complex electrical wiring or wires for an Internet connection, you can carefully remove them from the building through a soft strip demolition process. Moreover, you must carefully remove the plumbing system installed in the building.

Otherwise, it would be difficult for construction workers to give the old building a new look through construction work.

The Process of Soft Strip Demolition

We know that soft strip demolition helps reduce environmental impact. We also discussed what things it removes from your old building. There is no need to mention that the entire process needs to follow some specific steps.

Step 1: Site inspection—Before you start the process, ask your soft strip demolition contractor to properly inspect and analyse the site. Ask if there are any structural decay or ground settlement issues with the building. Based on the building's condition, you can plan for further demolition work.

Step 2: Health and Safety—The workers on the demolition project must be aware of risk factors for their health. For example, wearing a proper PPE kit or mask to filter out dust particles will help protect their health.

Step 3: Managing Waste-  After the soft strip demolition process is over, you must plan to remove the waste materials from the site. It will help prepare the area for new construction and comply with the local waste management regulations.

Soft Strip Demolition vs. Full Demolition

Regulations and Compliance in the UK

Soft Strip Demolition may produce excessive dust if proper control measures are not imposed. The HSE asks you to utilise the Assess, Control and Review model. Through the model, you can Assess potential risk factors, Control risk escalation, and Review the control measures.

You must also follow the Asbestos and waste removal guidelines for soft strip demolition in London or other parts of the UK.

Conclusion

Soft strip demolition is the best option if you focus on recycling and sustainability. You can renovate your old building and give it a new look through soft strip demolition. Besides, you don’t generate a lot of waste through soft-strip demolition. It also helps in reducing carbon dioxide emissions through construction activities.