Old Fence Removal: Tips for a Seamless New Installation

Aging fences may not completely collapse; instead, they often begin to lean over time, eventually leading to a panel detaching during severe weather. This situation serves as a clear indication that it’s time for a replacement.

Once you have scheduled a new fence installation, it is crucial to remove the existing fence and dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner—a task that is often postponed until the last moment. This guide outlines important factors to consider before taking down the old panels.

Why You Should Talk to Your Neighbour Before Removing the Fence

If the fence divides two properties, it is essential to discuss its removal with your neighbour. Open communication helps to avoid potential disputes later on.

In New South Wales, the Dividing Fences Act 1991 specifies how neighbours can share costs related to a dividing fence and the necessary steps to reach an agreement. NSW Fair Trading offers straightforward advice on this subject, including what actions to take if an agreement cannot be made. Familiarising yourself with this information before removing the old fence can help prevent awkward conversations down the line.

It is also important to clarify the timeline for the fence removal, how long the boundary will be exposed, and how costs will be shared. A brief discussion beforehand can eliminate misunderstandings and complications.

A Comprehensive Overview of the Old Fence Removal Process

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

Timber paling fences are typically dismantled in a methodical manner. First, the palings are removed, followed by the rails, and finally the posts. While the palings come off relatively quickly, the posts can be more difficult due to their usual concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be dismantled more swiftly, but they can 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 usually set in concrete.

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

Making Decisions About Posts and Footings Before Removal

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

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

It is advisable to consult the fencer about their preference before scheduling the removal. They can provide specific recommendations, and a quick phone call can prevent complications when they arrive to commence the job.

Essential 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, which is often attached to steel posts, and in some cases, this material may contain asbestos.

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

Managing Old Fence Timber After Removal

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

It is important to highlight that treated pine, commonly used in modern fencing, should never be burned. Burning treated timber releases toxic preservatives into the smoke and ash, making it unsuitable for fire pits, wood heaters, or backyard bonfires. Even though old fence palings may seem like a free source of firewood, they are unsafe 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.

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

A fence line is rarely 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.

Preparing for the Gap Between the Old and New Fence

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

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 dogs, small children, or a pool in your yard, having a plan in place before the removal is indispensable, rather than scrambling afterward. Temporary fencing, securing pets indoors, or timing the removal to coincide with the fencer’s arrival are effective strategies. Failing to 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, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fence Removal

Is It Necessary to 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 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.

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 impacts both properties, it is vital 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 that 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.