Selective concrete demolition is the precise removal of part of a structure — an opening, a mezzanine, a section of slab or wall — while the rest stays standing and, often, in use. It relies on controlled wall and wire sawing plus GPR scanning, not crushing, so occupants can often keep working. Our demolition crews handle it across Ontario.
Why selective concrete demolition needs cutting, not crushing
On an occupied site you can’t simply break things apart — the surrounding structure, services and people have to be protected. Selective concrete demolition relies on controlled wall and wire sawing to isolate exactly the section coming out, so the remaining structure is left clean and intact. Sections are cut to a liftable size and rigged out rather than dropped.
Scan first — always
Before any cut, we scan with GPR to map rebar, post-tension cables and conduit. On a partial removal this is critical: you’re cutting into a structure that has to keep performing, so knowing exactly what’s inside protects both the building and the schedule. For pre-demolition planning we also offer dedicated pre-demo scanning.
A contractor who slots into your team
As an experienced demolition contractor, we work trade-to-trade with general contractors, engineers and project managers — fully insured ($5M liability), WSIB compliant, with a current health-and-safety program, so we clear prequalification without holding up your start. Electric, low-emission equipment keeps the work clean in occupied buildings.
We take on selective demolition across the province, including Toronto and the other regions we serve. Request a free quote.
Concrete Services Across Ontario
Concrete Drilling & Sawing Ltd. is based in Hamilton and has served projects across Ontario since 1967. We mobilize crews province-wide — see all the areas we serve, including concrete contractor service in Waterloo Region, Peel Region and Toronto.
This guide is part of our concrete removal and haul-away resources.
Related guides in this cluster: Cut-and-Lift vs Jackhammering
Frequently Asked Questions
What is selective concrete demolition?
It’s the precise removal of part of a structure — an opening, slab section, mezzanine or wall — using controlled sawing and scanning, while the rest of the building stays standing and often in use.
Can selective demolition be done without closing the building?
Frequently, yes. Controlled wall and wire sawing plus electric, low-emission equipment and containment let us remove sections while occupants keep working, with night and weekend options.
Why scan before selective demolition?
Because you’re cutting into a structure that must keep performing. GPR scanning maps rebar, post-tension cables and conduit so the cut is safe and the remaining structure stays sound.