Removing an Old Fence: Tips for a Smooth Installation

Many ageing fences may not completely collapse; instead, they often lean over time until a panel detaches during a storm, signalling a critical need for replacement.

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

Consult with Your Neighbour Before Removing the Fence

If the fence serves as a boundary between properties, discussing its removal with your neighbour is essential. This conversation is key to preventing potential disputes later on.

In New South Wales, the Dividing Fences Act 1991 governs how neighbours can share costs related to a dividing fence and outlines the procedure for reaching an agreement. NSW Fair Trading provides clear guidance on this matter, including steps to follow if an agreement cannot be reached. Familiarising yourself with this information before dismantling the old fence can help avert uncomfortable discussions later.

Practically, important aspects to clarify include the timeline for the fence removal, the duration during which the boundary will be exposed, and how costs will be divided. A brief discussion beforehand can prevent misunderstandings and complications.

Understanding the Old Fence Removal Process

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

Timber paling fences typically dismantle in an orderly fashion. Initially, the palings are removed, followed by 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 down more rapidly but can be cumbersome to manage. Although the sheets detach easily from the rails, they are lengthy, have sharp edges, and do not stack neatly. Like timber fences, the posts are generally set in concrete.

Older boundary fences may also incorporate various materials, such as chain wire on steel posts, timber lattice over a low brick base, and sometimes durable hardwood. The type of materials influences both the duration of the removal process and the associated costs.

Deciding the Fate of Posts and Footings

This decision should be made before the removal, as it significantly impacts the work required by the fencer more than your own.

Concreted posts can either be excavated with their footings attached, resulting in a series of 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 situated. If the new fence aligns with the existing line, the buried footings could complicate the fencer’s job on their first day.

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

Crucial Checks Before Dismantling the Old Fence

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

If the fence resembles 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 regarding licensed handlers. This is not a decision to rush during a weekend project; proper identification and understanding of the correct procedures are vital.

Disposing of Old Fence Timber After Removal

Fence materials can be categorised into distinct groups. Steel posts, Colorbond sheeting, and chain wire form one category, while timber constitutes another. Concrete footings are handled separately.

It’s essential 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. Although old fence palings may seem like a free source of firewood, they are not safe to burn.

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

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

A fence line rarely stays 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: this is 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 take homeowners by surprise.

During the time 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, it’s crucial 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 there is a pool, remember that pool barrier regulations remain applicable even when the boundary fence is down. If the boundary fence forms 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 extensive 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: its 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 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 the Old Fence Be Removed 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 require our assistance.

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

Yes, the footings can be removed 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 Required for Removing a Dividing Fence?

Since a dividing fence affects both properties, it’s important to discuss the matter with your neighbour rather than making unilateral decisions. The Dividing Fences Act 1991 details 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 story. 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 needed. 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 arranging separate removals.