Work Progression

Demolition crews typically work downward, floor by floor. Materials such as doors, windows, electrical and other fixtures which can be salvaged are removed first. Interior partitions are then ripped, cut, or knocked out using various hand-held tools including sledge hammers, axes, adzes and pry bars.

Brick is generally segregated immediately after being knocked out of walls so it can be examined at the site by potential buyers. Ceilings are also ripped out using pry bars, axes and sledge hammers.

Steel and other metal materials are typically placed in separate debris piles from other materials. Work proceeds in a similar floor/wall, floor/wall pattern until the first floor is once again reached.

Courtesy of The EPA