Removing an Old Fence for a New Installation Project

Many ageing fences may not collapse entirely. Instead, they tend to tilt gradually until a panel becomes dislodged during a storm, indicating an urgent need for replacement.

Once you have arranged for the installation of a new fence, it is essential to remove the existing fence and dispose of it responsibly. This task is often overlooked until the last minute. This guide outlines the key considerations to address before dismantling the old panels.

Why You Must Communicate with Your Neighbour Before Removing a Fence

If the fence marks the boundary between properties, having a discussion with your neighbour about its removal is crucial. This conversation is vital to avoid potential disputes later on.

In New South Wales, the Dividing Fences Act 1991 clarifies how neighbours can share expenses related to a dividing fence and outlines the process for reaching an agreement. NSW Fair Trading offers clear guidance on this subject, including steps to take if an agreement cannot be reached. Familiarising yourself with this information before dismantling the old fence can help prevent uncomfortable discussions later.

Key points to discuss include the timeline for fence removal, the duration during which the boundary will be exposed, and how costs will be split. A brief conversation can prevent misunderstandings and complications.

Key Steps in the Old Fence Removal Process

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

Timber paling fences are generally disassembled in a systematic manner. Initially, the palings are removed, followed by the rails, and finally the posts. Although the palings come off easily, the posts may pose challenges due to their typical concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be taken apart more swiftly, but they can be cumbersome to handle. While 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 usually set in concrete.

Older boundary fences may consist of various materials, including chain wire attached to steel posts, timber lattice over a low brick base, and sometimes durable hardwood. The materials involved will influence both the duration of the removal process and the associated costs.

Making Decisions About Posts and Footings Before Removal

Deciding on the fate of the posts and footings prior to removal is essential, as it significantly affects the fencer’s work more than your own.

Concreted posts can either be excavated along with their footings, resulting in a series of holes along the boundary, or they can be cut off at ground level, leaving the footings behind. The choice depends on the positioning of the new fence posts. If the new fence aligns with the existing line, the buried footings could complicate the fencer’s job on their first day.

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

Essential Checks Before Dismantling the Old Fence

Some older boundary and side fences in Sydney may not be made 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 is vital 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 critical.

Properly Handling 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 treated separately.

It is crucial to emphasise that treated pine, commonly used in modern fencing, should never 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.

Conversely, 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 inform us before the job begins.

What Other Debris 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 stored against it can accumulate over time.

• Vegetation along the fence line: creeping plants, overgrown shrubs, and roots that may have caused the fence to lean.
• Timber offcuts and old palings: remnants from previous repairs, often leaning against nearby structures.
• Pots and garden edging: items that have been left adjacent to the fence and have not been moved.
• Old outdoor furniture and equipment: items that have been hidden away out of sight along that side of the yard.
• Green waste from clearing the area: 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.

Preparing for the Gap Between the Old and New Fence

It is essential to prepare for this gap, as it can unexpectedly catch homeowners off guard.

During the period 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 crucial to have a strategy in place before the removal, rather than scrambling at the last minute. Temporary fencing, securing pets indoors, or timing the removal to coincide with the fencer’s arrival are all effective strategies. Failing to have a plan can lead to complications.

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

How to Arrange Old Fence Removal Services in Sydney

Our fence removal services are integrated into our comprehensive backyard demolition and junk removal offerings, with debris and offcuts 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 cleared from 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.

Frequently Asked 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 begin setting up on their first day without wasting 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 the Concrete Footings from the Old Fence Posts Be Removed?

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 in place. 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 Necessary for Removing a Dividing Fence?

Since a dividing fence impacts both properties, discussing the matter with your neighbour is essential 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 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 scheduling separate removals.