Commercial Demolition Glossary (A–Z)

Navigating a commercial demolition project requires a clear understanding of the technical language involved. Whether you are reviewing a bid or planning a site-specific safety plan, use this glossary as a quick reference for the common terms, equipment, and regulations used in the demolition industry today.

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+2,000

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95%

Customer Satisfaction

1.5M

Total ManHours

our qualifications

alpine is 100% women-owned

We are certified as a DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) by the Illinois Department of Transportation, a FBE (Female Business Enterprise) by Illinois Central Management Services, and a WBE (Women-Owned Business Enterprise) by the State of Wisconsin & the City of Chicago. Alpine is also a small business as defined by the federal government.


Alpine’s estimating and project management team has over 30 years of experience in the demolition industry. The field personnel are skilled union members with extensive training in safety, OSHA, demolition practices, and environmental issues.

"No matter the size or complexity of your project, Alpine can handle the task with the highest level of service in the industry."


— Kelli Pawlik, President

A man wearing a helmet and gloves is welding a piece of metal

Breaking news

Alpine in the News

Keep up with Alpine Demolition's projects being reported in the news and media.

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Demolition site with excavator tearing down brick buildings, red caution tape, and a large tree in front
June 30, 2026
The three-building campus formerly home to House of the Good Shepherd is in the process of being torn down, as the Chicago Cubs look to expand their “Camry” parking lot on West Grace Street just north of Wrigley Field.
An aerial view of Ryan Field being demolished by Alpine Demolition.
April 22, 2024
Northwestern University is tearing down its old Ryan Field to build a new stadium funded by a $480 million donation from the Ryan family. Take a look at the final sections being demolished here .

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Demolition Details

Our Latest Resources

Keep up with Alpine Demolition's current thoughts, stories, and reports in the industry.

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Construction worker in hard hat and safety vest inspecting debris inside a damaged building
August 10, 2026
Selective demolition removes only what needs to go and keeps the rest intact. See how it works, when it beats a full teardown, and where Alpine leads.
Excavator arm demolishing a building corner, with dust billowing against a blue sky.
August 5, 2026
Learn why aging suburban office buildings are demolished and rebuilt as a residential subdivision, and how Alpine clears the site for new home development.
Two construction workers in hard hats inspect a demolition site beside an excavator.
July 2, 2026
Demolition safety meetings are the operational rhythm that holds a jobsite together. Here's how the cadence, topics, and documentation actually work on a real demo site.

Professional Associations

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Alpine Demolition is a full service demolition contractor. We demolish buildings, infrastructure, railroads, interior, and provide specialty demolitions. 

Interested in our services? Fill out our contact form or call 630.761.0700.

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