Removing an Old Fence: Essential Steps Before Installation

Many ageing fences may not completely collapse; rather, they often lean progressively until a panel detaches during a storm, signalling the urgent need for replacement.

Once you’ve scheduled a new fence installation, it’s vital to remove the existing fence and dispose of it properly—this task is often overlooked until the last moment. This guide highlights essential considerations to address before taking down the old panels.

Discuss Fence Removal Plans with Your Neighbour

If the fence serves as a boundary between properties, it is essential to communicate with your neighbour about the removal. This conversation is crucial to avoid potential disputes later on.

In New South Wales, the Dividing Fences Act 1991 outlines how neighbours can share costs related to a dividing fence and the process for reaching an agreement. NSW Fair Trading provides clear guidance on this issue, including steps to follow if an agreement cannot be achieved. Understanding this information before dismantling the old fence can help prevent uncomfortable discussions later.

Practically, key points to clarify include the schedule for the fence removal, the duration for which the boundary will be exposed, and the division of costs. A brief discussion beforehand can prevent misunderstandings and complications.

Understanding the Old Fence Removal Process

The specifics of fence removal largely depend on its construction type.

Timber paling fences typically disassemble in an orderly fashion. Initially, the palings are removed, then the rails, and finally the posts. While the palings come off quickly, the posts can present challenges due to their usual concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be taken apart more rapidly but can be cumbersome to manage. Although the sheets detach easily from the rails, their length and sharp edges can make stacking them neatly difficult. Similar to timber fences, the posts are usually set in concrete.

Older boundary fences may also consist of a mix of materials, including chain wire on steel posts, timber lattice over a low brick base, and sometimes durable hardwood. The type of material affects both the time required for removal and the associated costs.

Deciding on the Treatment of Posts and Footings

This decision should be made prior to removal, as it significantly impacts the fencer’s work rather than your own.

Concreted posts can either be excavated with their footings attached, which results in several holes along the boundary, or they can be cut off at ground level, leaving the footings in place. The choice depends on where the new fence posts will be located. If the new fence aligns with the existing line, the buried footings could complicate the fencer’s job on their first day.

It’s wise to consult with the fencer about their preference before scheduling the removal. They will likely offer a clear recommendation, and a quick phone call can prevent complications when they arrive to commence work.

Critical Checks Before Dismantling the Old Fence

Certain older boundary and side fences in Sydney may not be made from timber or steel. Instead, they might feature flat grey fibre cement sheeting, often affixed to steel posts, and in some instances, this material could contain asbestos.

If the fence resembles flat sheeting rather than palings or Colorbond, it’s critical to halt any demolition efforts until you can identify the material. SafeWork NSW and your local council provide resources for recognising these materials and guidelines regarding licensed handlers. This is not a decision to rush during a weekend project; proper identification and understanding of the correct procedures are essential.

Managing Old Fence Timber After Dismantling

Fence materials can be divided into distinct categories. Steel posts, Colorbond sheeting, and chain wire constitute one category, while timber makes up another. Concrete footings require separate handling.

It’s important to note that treated pine, commonly used in modern fencing, should not be burned. Burning treated timber releases harmful preservatives into the smoke and ash, making it unsuitable for fire pits, wood heaters, or backyard bonfires. While old fence palings may seem like a free source of firewood, they are unsafe to burn.

On the other hand, hardwood palings from genuinely old fences can hold value if you have a specific purpose for them. If you wish to save some for future use, please communicate this preference before the job begins.

What Other Items Will Be Cleared Along with the Old Fence?

A fence line rarely remains free of debris. Vegetation that has grown alongside the fence and items that have been stored against it tend to accumulate over time.

• Vegetation along the fence line: creeping plants, overgrown shrubs, and roots that may have contributed to the fence leaning.
• Timber offcuts and old palings: remnants from previous repairs, often leaning against nearby structures.
• Pots and garden edging: items that have remained adjacent to the fence and have not been relocated.
• Old outdoor furniture and equipment: items that have been tucked away out of sight along that side of the yard.
• Green waste from clearing the area: this is necessary for the fencer to work efficiently, and it generates its own waste load.

To ensure the fence line is fully prepared for the new installation, consolidating all debris into one load optimises the use of the truck and facilitates the fencer’s arrival.

Planning for the Gap Between the Old and New Fence

It is crucial to plan for this gap, as it can catch homeowners off guard.

During the interval between removing the old fence and installing the new one, the boundary will be exposed. If you have dogs, small children, or a pool in your yard, it is imperative to have a plan in place before the removal, rather than scrambling afterwards. Temporary fencing, securing pets indoors, or timing the removal to coincide with the fencer’s arrival are all effective strategies. Failing to plan can lead to complications.

If a pool is present, keep in mind that pool barrier regulations still apply even when the boundary fence is down. If the boundary fence forms part of the pool barrier, consult your certifier before proceeding with any removal.

Coordinating Old Fence Removal Services in Sydney

Our fence removal services are part of our comprehensive backyard demolition and junk removal offerings, with debris and cuttings from the fence removal transported in the same vehicle under green waste removal.

When you contact us, please provide details about the fence: the approximate length in metres, whether it is timber, Colorbond, or wire, if the posts are concreted, and any additional items that need to be removed alongside that side of the yard. If a fencer has already scheduled a start date, mention this, as coordinating the removal with this date can lead to a smoother process.

Consider two additional resources: the differences between council hard waste and private junk removal, which can be useful before placing fence timber on the kerb, and the comparison between skip bags and skip bins if you prefer to dismantle the fence yourself over a weekend.

Common Questions About Old Fence Removal

Should the Old Fence Be Removed Before the Fencer Arrives?

In most cases, yes. Many fencers prefer a clear boundary to enable them to start setting up on their first day instead of spending valuable time stripping and stacking the old fence. Consult your fencer to clarify their preferences, as some include removal in their services while others do not, which may determine whether you need our assistance.

Can You Remove the Concrete Footings from the Old Fence Posts?

Yes, the footings can be taken out along with the posts, leaving holes in the ground, or the posts can be cut off at ground level, leaving the footings intact. The best option depends on the positioning of the new posts, so consult with the fencer first and relay their advice before we begin work.

Is Neighbour’s Consent Needed for Removing a Dividing Fence?

Since a dividing fence affects both properties, it is essential to discuss the matter with your neighbour rather than making unilateral decisions. The Dividing Fences Act 1991 outlines how neighbours in New South Wales can agree on and share the costs associated with a dividing fence. Ensure this is settled before scheduling the removal.

Can I Keep the Old Palings for Firewood?

Not if they are treated pine, which is the case for most modern palings. Burning treated timber is unsafe as it releases harmful preservatives into the smoke and ash. Older hardwood palings are a different matter. If you wish to keep some, please inform us before the job begins, and we will set aside a stack for you.

What Other Items Can Be Cleared Along with the Fence?

The entire area alongside the fence can be cleared as required. The fence line typically contains overgrown vegetation, old timber leaning against it, and various items stored out of sight. Since the boundary must be cleared for the fencer, consolidating everything into one load is a more efficient use of the truck than scheduling separate removals.