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Deconstruction
What is Deconstruction?
Deconstruction is the selective dismantlement of building components, specifically for re-use, recycling, and waste management. It differs from demolition where a site is cleared of its building by the most expedient means. Deconstruction has also been defined as “construction in reverse”. The process of dismantling structures is an ancient activity that has been revived by the growing field of sustainable, green building. Buildings, like everything, have a life-cycle. Deconstruction focuses on giving the materials within a building a new life once the building as a whole can no longer continue.
When buildings reach the end of their useful life, they are typically demolished and hauled to landfills. Building implosions or ‘wrecking-ball’ style demolitions are relatively inexpensive and offer a quick method of clearing sites for new structures. On the other hand, these methods create substantial amounts of waste. Components within old buildings may still be valuable, sometimes more valuable than at the time the building was constructed. Deconstruction is a method of harvesting what is commonly considered “waste” and reclaiming it into useful building material.
The market for deconstruction grows as the cost of disposing of construction and demolition (C&D) waste goes up. The value of used building materials similarly has increased. Environmental awareness of the need to reduce extraction of virgin materials as an antidote for global warming is driving conscientious businesses to think recovery and recycling.
Top Ten Reasons to Deconstruct (in no order):
- Create jobs in your community
- Save the environment
- Decrease imported oil - deconstruction saves energy
- Reduce harvesting of natural resources
- Preserve historical architectural elements
- Get Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (L.E.E.D.) points
- Work force development
- Helping low-income homeowners
- Ex-offenders back to work = less crime
- Deconstruct buildings, work hard, lose weight
Where to Learn More
Deconstruction is an emerging industry in Northeast Ohio. If you are interested in talking with deconstruction companies in the region, try the below:
URBAN LUMBERJACKS OF CLEVELAND (ULOC)
1310 East 49 Street, First Floor
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 502-2095
Deconstruction services for residential and commercial properties. 9-5 (M-F).
DYNASTY DECONSTRUCTION
15224 Madison Avenue
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 571-9048 or (216) 254-4606
Deconstruction services for residential and commercial properties.
DECONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, INC.
Joe Rettman, Vice President
(216) 857-4222