Deconstruction and Building Demolition

Building Demolition Rochester NY by Rock Environmental LogoImageImage

Experts in Building Deconstruction and Select Demolition


Rock Environmental building deconstruction services handles projects for commercial, industrial and residential clients whether the project is small or large. 

The reuse or repair of structures, their components or specific areas requires careful removal of outdated or unusable equipment, old interior finishes and damaged elements. Salvaged items typically include doors, windows, cabinets, lighting and plumbing fixtures, framing lumber, roofing materials and flooring.

Our team is on-site throughout the planning and execution making certain that the disassembly of  a building is done safely and efficiently.

Building deconstruction is an environmentally-friendly alternative to demolition. At Rock Environmental we work to take a building apart while preserving different elements of a structure whenever possible.


Building Demolition Rochester NY by Rock Environmental LogoImageImageImage

What is Commercial and Residential Deconstruction and Selective Demolition 




Rock Environmental has the heavy equipment, training and expertise necessary for every type of commercial and residential demolition–no matter what the size.

When you contract with us for your demolition project, we’ll handle the entire project from top to bottom. Our skilled team utilizes careful planning, thorough site assessment and effective, efficient demolition procedures including land clearing to ensure your timeline is met within budget.

If selective demolition is needed, Rock Environmental has the expertise and experience needed to ensure your building is protected while safely removing walls, floors, ceilings, equipment or a select portion of a structure.

Selective demolition is an alternative to completely tearing down a structure and can be more cost-effective and sustainable solution.   

When a building is structurally sound but an interior remodeling is desired, selective demolition is often the best solution.  

The team at Rock Environmental are equipped to execute challenging projects that require sophisticated capabilities, specialized equipment and skilled supervision. Our selective demolition services include exteriors, selective interiors and load bearing walls.

Typically, our clients leverage selective demolition when the structure has “good bones” (sound structure and electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems are in working order). This process allows you to repurpose a facility to fit your business needs – reducing cost and waste.

Whether you have building demolition, structural demolition or selective demolition needs, with our team you can count on safe removal of walls, buildings and structures from your site safely, efficiently and cost effectively.

Why and When to Demo?




Rock Environmental has the heavy equipment, training and expertise necessary for every type of commercial and residential demolition–no matter what the size.

When you contract with us for your demolition project, we’ll handle the entire project from top to bottom. Our skilled team utilizes careful planning, thorough site assessment and effective, efficient demolition procedures including land clearing to ensure your timeline is met within budget.

If selective demolition is needed, Rock Environmental has the expertise and experience needed to ensure your building is protected while safely removing walls, floors, ceilings, equipment or a select portion of a structure.

When a building is structurally sound but an interior remodeling is desired, selective demolition is often the best solution.  

The team at Rock Environmental are equipped to execute challenging projects that require sophisticated capabilities, specialized equipment and skilled supervision. Our selective demolition services include exteriors, selective interiors and load bearing walls.

Typically, our clients leverage selective demolition when the structure has “good bones” (sound structure and electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems are in working order). This process allows you to repurpose a facility to fit your business needs – reducing cost and waste.

Whether you have building demolition, structural demolition or selective demolition needs, with our team you can count on safe removal of walls, buildings and structures from your site safely, efficiently and cost effectively.


Let's Get Started!


Building demolition Rochester NY machine tearing down a buildingBuilding demolition Rochester NY machine tearing down a buildingBuilding demolition Rochester NY machine tearing down a buildingBuilding demolition Rochester NY machine tearing down a building

Reasons Why A Structure
May need to Be Demolished

New Buildings/Building Expansions



Building demolition performed by Rock Environmental

When new structures are created, demolition teams are often contacted to remove previously existing structures. If a nearby building is going up, and if an individual is considering relocation, demolition is a healthy alternative to costly closing costs. Expanding buildings may require additional space. However, before such space is acquired, demolition of previous structures may be required. Partial building demolition, while an option, is advised under extremely controlled circumstances.

Similarly, areas should be secured to prevent personal injury, property damage, and utility service damages. Additionally, when a business needs to expand, there may be a need to deconstruct another building to allow for more room of the expanding business. Partial demolition services may be selected to alter a building’s foundation and surrounding areas through destruction and removal of chimneys, exterior walls, overhangs and divider areas. These structures are easily removed—making additions easier and more cost effective.


Reductions of Hazards



Old buildings that haven’t been inhabited in a while can attract living visitors that no property owner wants to see or deal with. Whether it’s mice or insects, the pervasive presence of pests can be one of the better reasons to demolish a building.

This goes for any mold that may have cropped up as well. Poor ventilation and excess moisture can lead to mold forming in areas where it cannot be seen or appropriately dealt with. Add onto this the fact that old buildings may contain hazardous materials like asbestos, mercury or lead, and you can see why they might need to be demolished. If asbestos is located within a structure’s foundation, interior demolition may be required to clear dangerous debris.

Damage to the Structure


When the initial structure has been damaged by underground plumbing, foundation or sub-flooring, it is best to have the building demolished for safety reasons. Damage to the foundation of a residential or commercial structure will be evident if you see uneven floor and cracks in both the interior and exterior walls.

There are times where the foundation can be so damaged that it is no longer properly holding the home together.

When the initial structure has been damaged by underground plumbing, foundation or sub-flooring, it is best to have the building demolished for safety reasons. Damage to the foundation of a residential or commercial structure will be evident if you see uneven floor and cracks in both the interior and exterior walls.

There are times where the foundation can be so damaged that it is no longer properly holding the home together.


Building demolition completed by Rock Environmental

Other Reasons for Building Demolition



Old buildings that date back farther than 80 years may not be worth fixing and may need to be torn down, unless it is a historic building, but even these may have to be partially demolished because they contain dangerous materials such as asbestos.

There are also times when zoning laws and building codes are updated resulting in a need to demolish full or partial structures to meet all codes and laws.

We've all heard "the value is in the land." Demolishing a structure, clearing the land, and selling an empty lot maybe more profitable than when there is an old and decrepit building included in the sale.

The goal is to make the site appealing, and many times demolishing an older building can help achieve that goal.

Building Demolition Safety


Building Demolition Check List



There are many steps that must be followed before any type of building demolition can begin. Any asbestos testing and abatement must be completed along with removing any other hazardous or regulated materials. Most cities and town require permits for demolition projects as well as notifying neighbors and utility companies.

There are times where animals like mice, raccoons or bats need to be removed. Lastly, the site-specific safety and work plans must be created. Regardless of the project, safety comes first. There is always certified personnel on site to enforce safety and precaution.

If there is asbestos found in the home or building, the abatement process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Only after all asbestos has been removed can the demolition begin. There are also other Health and Safety measures that Rock Environmental experts follow throughout the entire Building Demolition procedure including:


  • Training & certification programs
  • Pre-site inspections
  • Environmental testing
  • Air monitoring
  • Work area clearance
  • Confined space entry plan
  • Fall protection plan
  • Fire protection plan
  • Lead health protection plan
  • Equipment operator's certification & licensing
  • Lock-out / tag-out procedures
  • Respiratory protection plan
  • CPR
  • Safety meetings
  • Emergency response training
  • First aid equipment & hospital locations
  • Decontamination procedures