Removing an Old Fence: Essential Steps for New Installation

Many ageing fences may not entirely collapse but tend to lean over time. This gradual decline can lead to a panel detaching during a storm, which is a clear sign that urgent replacement is necessary.

Once you have arranged for a new fence installation, it is crucial to remove the existing fence and ensure proper disposal—often a task that is overlooked until the last minute. This guide outlines key considerations to address before dismantling the old panels.

Engage in Neighbourly Discussions Before Fence Removal

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

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

It is important to clarify key aspects such as the timeline for the fence removal, how long the boundary will be exposed, and how costs will be divided. A brief conversation beforehand can prevent misunderstandings and complications.

Understand the Procedure for Old Fence Removal

The complexity of removing a fence largely depends on its construction type.

Timber paling fences typically disassemble in a systematic manner. Initially, the palings are removed, followed by the rails, and finally the posts. While the palings can be taken down quickly, the posts are often more challenging due to their usual concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be disassembled more rapidly but can be cumbersome to handle. 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 generally set in concrete.

Older boundary fences may 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 time needed for removal and the associated costs.

Decide on the Fate of Posts and Footings

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

Concreted posts can either be excavated with their footings attached, leaving a series of holes along the boundary, or they can be cut off at ground level, allowing the footings to remain. The decision depends on where the new fence posts will be positioned. If the new fence aligns with the existing line, the buried footings could complicate the fencer’s tasks on their first day.

Consulting with the fencer about their preference before scheduling the removal is advisable. They will likely provide a clear recommendation, and a quick phone call can help prevent complications when they arrive to commence work.

Essential Checks Before Dismantling the Old Fence

Certain older boundary and side fences in Sydney may not consist of timber or steel. They might feature flat grey fibre cement sheeting, frequently 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 pause 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 crucial.

Proper Disposal of Old Fence Timber After Removal

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

It is important to highlight that treated pine, commonly used in contemporary 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 appear to be 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 retain some for future use, please communicate this preference before the job begins.

Identify Additional Items for Removal Alongside the Old Fence

A fence line often accumulates debris. Vegetation that has grown alongside the fence and items stored against it tend to gather 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.

Prepare for the Gap Between the Old and New Fence

Planning for this gap is essential, as it can catch homeowners off guard unexpectedly.

During the interval between the removal of the old fence and the installation of the new one, the boundary will be exposed. If you have pets, small children, or a pool in your yard, developing a plan in advance is crucial 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 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.

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 reach out to 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 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 Regarding Old Fence Removal

Should the Old Fence Be Removed Before the Fencer Arrives?

In most instances, yes. Most fencers prefer a cleared boundary, allowing them to start setting up on their first day rather than 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.

Is It Feasible to Remove the Concrete Footings from the Old Fence Posts?

Yes, the footings can be removed along with the posts, creating 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 Neighbourly Consent Required for Removing a Dividing Fence?

Since a dividing fence affects both properties, it is crucial to discuss the matter with your neighbour instead of 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 common for most modern palings. Burning treated timber is unsafe as it releases harmful preservatives into the smoke and ash. Older hardwood palings, however, 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 compared to scheduling separate removals.