Removing an Old Fence: Tips for a Smooth New Installation

Many ageing fences may not fully collapse; instead, they often lean over time until a panel becomes detached during a storm, signalling a crucial moment for replacement.

Once you’ve arranged for a new fence installation, it’s vital to remove the existing fence and dispose of it responsibly—a task often overlooked until the last minute. This guide details significant considerations before dismantling the old panels.

Consult Your Neighbour Before Starting Fence Removal

If the fence separates two properties, it’s essential to discuss its removal with your neighbour. This dialogue helps prevent potential disputes in the future.

In New South Wales, the Dividing Fences Act 1991 outlines how neighbours can share the costs associated with a dividing fence and the steps to reach an agreement. NSW Fair Trading provides clear guidance on this topic, including what to do if an agreement cannot be reached. Familiarising yourself with this information before removing the old fence can help avoid uncomfortable conversations later.

Practically, it’s important to clarify the timeline for the fence removal, how long the boundary will be exposed, and the division of costs. A brief conversation beforehand can prevent misunderstandings and complications.

Understanding the Old Fence Removal Process

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

Timber paling fences generally dismantle in a systematic way. First, the palings are removed, then the rails, and finally the posts. While the palings come off quickly, the posts can be more challenging due to their typical concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be taken down more quickly but may be cumbersome to handle. Although the sheets detach easily from the rails, they are long, have sharp edges, and do not stack neatly. Like timber fences, the posts are usually set in concrete.

Older boundary fences might also include various materials such as chain wire attached to steel posts, timber lattice over a low brick base, and occasionally durable hardwood. The type of material affects both the time required for removal and the associated costs.

Deciding the Fate of Posts and Footings

This decision should be made prior to removal, as it significantly influences the fencer’s work more than yours.

Concreted posts can either be excavated with their footings, resulting in multiple holes along the boundary, or they can be cut off at ground level, leaving the footings in place. The choice depends on the placement of the new fence posts. If the new fence runs along the same line as the old one, the buried footings could complicate the fencer’s work on their first day.

It’s wise to consult with the fencer about their preference before scheduling the removal. They can provide clear recommendations, and a quick phone call can avert complications when they arrive to start the job.

Crucial Checks Before Dismantling the Old Fence

Some older boundary and side fences in Sydney may not be made of timber or steel. Instead, they could consist of flat grey fibre cement sheeting, often attached to steel posts, and in some cases, this material may contain asbestos.

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

Dealing with Old Fence Timber After Removal

Fence materials can be grouped into distinct categories. Steel posts, Colorbond sheeting, and chain wire belong to one category, while timber constitutes another. Concrete footings are managed separately.

It’s important to stress 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. Although 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 be valuable if you have a specific purpose for them. If you wish to keep some for future use, please communicate this preference before the job begins.

What Additional 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 often 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: necessary for the fencer to work efficiently, generating 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’s essential to plan for this gap, as it can unexpectedly catch homeowners off guard.

During the period between the removal of the old fence and the installation of the new one, the boundary will be exposed. If you have dogs, small children, or a pool in your yard, having a plan in place before the removal is crucial, rather than scrambling afterward. Temporary fencing, securing pets indoors, or timing the removal to coincide with the fencer’s arrival are all effective strategies. Not having a plan can lead to complications.

If a pool is present, remember that pool barrier regulations apply even when the boundary fence is down. If the boundary fence is part of the pool barrier, consult your certifier before any removal takes place.

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 from that side of the yard. If a fencer has already scheduled a start date, mention this, as aligning 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 You Remove the Old Fence Before the Fencer Arrives?

In most cases, yes. Most fencers prefer a cleared boundary, allowing 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 either be removed 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 Required 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 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 different. If you wish to keep some, please inform us before the job starts, 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.