What Is Deconstruction?
The deconstruction of a property is the systematic dismantling of a structure by hand. This process is conducted in order to preserve materials that could be reused or recycled and to prevent hazardous materials from ending up in landfills. Unlike a typical demolition, a deconstruction puts the preservation of natural resources and proper disposal of hazardous materials front and center. When a building is skillfully disassembled by hand, all materials are kept intact for proper reuse, recycling, or disposal.
Reuse
With a standard demolition the valuable, and often reusable, materials used for its construction are destroyed, eliminating the possibility of future use. What sets deconstruction apart from demolition is the environmental impact it has. When a building is taken apart by hand, materials like lumber, doors, windows, piping, appliances, and fixtures can be preserved for use in other homes. These reclaimed pieces are often sought out by people to use in their renovations or new constructions. For this reason, these pieces are donated or reused later in the project. When a property is deconstructed, these reusable materials avoid ending up in landfills where they would wait to burn or rot. Instead, they can take on a new purpose and a new life as part of someone's home.
Recycle
Aside from the materials that can be reused as-is, like an ornate fixture, a significant portion of materials can be recycled at the proper facilities to ensure resources aren’t wasted. Because demolition work isn’t precise or delicate, non-recyclable materials get mixed with those that are, making all the debris an unsortable mess. Meaning that just like the reusable pieces, recyclable materials get destroyed and sent to landfills to waste away. Certain materials, like electronics, not only benefit from recycling because of its possible reuse but because it is the only safe way to dispose of it considering the toxic elements it may contain. In the deconstruction process, trained professionals handle everything by hand to make sure nothing ends up in a landfill that can be processed for later reuse.
While deconstruction is a positive force of sustainability by utilizing reusable and recyclable material, it is also important for protecting our environment from harm. Many homes, especially of older construction, are filled with hazardous materials that can go unnoticed. From lead in the paint to asbestos in the insulation and flooring, these hazardous materials and many others should never find their way to a landfill. Both lead and asbestos for example are extremely dangerous for those exposed, leading to serious health concerns. When hazardous materials end up in landfills, they seep into the surrounding environment, making the soil toxic to humans and other living organisms. The bacteria growth in landfills leads to waste deterioration, which results in the generation of harmful gases that pollute the air. Among these gases are ammonia, methane, sulfides, and carbon dioxide, some of which are directly related to global warming and the disastrous climate change our world is facing. The less we contribute to landfill waste, the safer our world becomes.
Hazardous Materials
Why Choose Deconstruction?
As of October 31, 2016 the city of Portland Oregon put into effect requirements for the demolition of certain properties. Under this ordinance properties built before 1940 must be deconstructed by certified contractors as opposed to demolished. Only contractors that have been licensed with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) are considered to be “certified deconstruction contractors.” This certification is the result of completing a deconstruction program and is recognized by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Deconstruction is the most environmentally beneficial way to demolish a property, and while it is required for properties built before 1940 in Portland, it can be done for anyone looking to make a positive impact on the environment Here at Alpine, we have certified deconstruction experts to assist you with your deconstruction projects. To learn more about deconstruction requirements and history, check out the resources on the City of Portland’s website.
Areas we service
Alpine Abatement is a licensed asbestos contractor serving Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.
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Medford
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Bend
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Eugene
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Salem
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Albany
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Beaverton
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Portland
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Hood River
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Vancouver
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Seattle
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Olympia
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Boise
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Twin Falls
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La Grande
