Essential Steps for Removing an Old Fence Before Installation

Many ageing fences may not fall apart entirely; instead, they often start to lean progressively until a panel detaches during a storm, indicating an urgent need for replacement.

Once you have arranged 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 minute. This guide outlines important considerations to address before taking down the old panels.

Engage Your Neighbour in Fence Removal Discussions

If the fence acts as a boundary between properties, it is essential to have a conversation with your neighbour about its removal. This communication is vital to prevent potential disputes later on.

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

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

Grasping the Old Fence Removal Process

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

Timber paling fences usually come apart in a systematic manner. First, the palings are removed, followed by the rails, and lastly, the posts. Although the palings can be removed quickly, the posts may pose challenges due to their typical concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be disassembled more swiftly, but they can be cumbersome to handle. While the sheets detach easily from the rails, their length and sharp edges can make stacking them neatly difficult. Similar to timber fences, the posts are often embedded in concrete.

Older boundary fences may consist of various materials, including chain wire on steel posts, timber lattice over a low brick base, and sometimes sturdy hardwood. The type of material influences both the time required for removal and the associated costs.

Determining the Fate of Posts and Footings

This choice should be made prior to removal, as it significantly affects the fencer’s work rather than your own.

Concreted posts can either be excavated with their footings attached, resulting in multiple holes along the boundary, or they can be cut off at ground level, leaving the footings in the ground. The decision hinges on where the new fence posts will be placed. 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 about 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.

Essential 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 feature flat grey fibre cement sheeting, often affixed 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 critical to pause any demolition efforts until you can identify the material. SafeWork NSW and your local council offer resources for recognising these materials and guidelines regarding licensed handlers. This is not a decision to rush during a weekend project; proper identification and understanding of the correct procedures are essential.

Handling Old Fence Timber After Dismantling

Fence materials can be categorised into distinct groups. Steel posts, Colorbond sheeting, and chain wire form one group, while timber constitutes another. Concrete footings require separate handling.

It is important 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. While old fence palings may seem like a free source of firewood, they are unsafe to burn.

On the other hand, hardwood palings from genuinely old fences can retain value if you have a specific purpose for them. If you wish to save some for future use, please communicate this preference before the job commences.

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 tend to 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 it generates its own waste load.

To ensure the fence line is fully prepared for the new installation, consolidating all debris into one load optimises vehicle use and facilitates the fencer’s arrival.

Preparing for the Gap Between the Old and New Fence

It is crucial to plan for this gap, as it can catch homeowners off guard.

During the interval 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 imperative 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 a pool is present, keep in mind that pool barrier regulations still apply even when the boundary fence is absent. If the boundary fence forms part of the pool barrier, consult your certifier before proceeding with any removal.

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, 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 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

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

In most cases, yes. Many fencers prefer a clear boundary to enable 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 need our assistance.

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

Yes, the footings can be taken out 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 impacts 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 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 Alongside the Fence?

The entire area next to 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.