Removing an Old Fence: Key Steps for New Installation

Aging fences may not entirely collapse; rather, they often begin to lean, and a storm can cause a panel to detach, signalling the urgent need for replacement.

When you have organised for a new fence installation, it is crucial to remove the existing fence and dispose of it properly—this task is frequently overlooked until the last moment. This guide outlines essential considerations to address prior to dismantling the old fence panels.

Why is It Important to Discuss Fence Removal with Your Neighbour?

If the fence acts as a boundary between properties, it is essential to discuss its removal with your neighbour. This conversation can help prevent potential disputes in the future.

In New South Wales, the Dividing Fences Act 1991 provides a framework for how neighbours can share costs related to a dividing fence and outlines the process for reaching an agreement. NSW Fair Trading offers clear guidance on this matter, detailing steps to take if an agreement cannot be reached. Familiarising yourself with this information before removing the old fence can help avoid uncomfortable discussions later.

Key points to clarify include the timeline for fence removal, the period during which the boundary will be exposed, and how costs will be divided. A brief conversation beforehand can prevent misunderstandings and complications.

What is the Process for Removing Your Old Fence?

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

Timber paling fences generally disassemble in a systematic way. First, the palings are removed, followed by the rails, and finally, the posts. While the palings can be taken off quickly, the posts may pose challenges due to their common concrete anchoring.

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

Older boundary fences might comprise various 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 duration of the removal process and the associated costs.

What Should You Decide About Posts and Footings Before Removal?

This decision should be made before removal, as it significantly impacts the fencer’s work more than yours.

Concreted posts can 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 located. If the new fence aligns with the existing line, the buried footings could complicate the fencer’s job on their first day.

It is wise to consult with the fencer about their preference before scheduling the removal. They will likely provide clear recommendations, and a quick phone call can prevent complications when they arrive to start work.

What Critical Checks Should You Perform 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, which in some instances could contain asbestos.

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

How to Handle 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 comprises another. Concrete footings are treated separately.

It is important to note that treated pine, frequently used in modern fencing, should not be burned. Burning treated timber releases harmful preservatives into the smoke and ash, rendering 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 purpose for them. If you wish to retain some for future use, please communicate this preference before the job begins.

What Additional Items Will Be Cleared Alongside 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: this is necessary for the fencer to work efficiently and 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.

How to Prepare for the Gap Between the Old and New Fence Installation?

It is vital 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, it is 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. Lacking a plan can lead to complications.

If a pool is present, keep in mind that pool barrier regulations remain applicable even when the boundary fence is removed. If the boundary fence forms part of the pool barrier, consult your certifier before any removal occurs.

How to Coordinate 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fence Removal

Is it Necessary to Remove the Old Fence Before the Fencer Arrives?

In most instances, yes. Most fencers prefer a cleared boundary, allowing them to begin 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 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 commence 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 the costs associated with a dividing fence. Ensure this is settled before scheduling the removal.

Can You 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.