Installing a New Fence: Tips for Removing the Old One

Many ageing fences may not fall down completely. Instead, they often start to lean gradually until a panel becomes dislodged during a storm, indicating a crucial moment for replacement.

Once you have arranged for a new fence installation, it is essential to remove the existing fence and dispose of it appropriately—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 marks the boundary between properties, it is crucial to discuss its removal with your neighbour. This dialogue is vital to avoid potential disputes in the future.

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

Practically, it is important to clarify several key details, including the timeline for the fence removal, the duration during which the boundary will be exposed, and how costs will be shared. A brief conversation beforehand can avert misunderstandings and complications.

Comprehending the Old Fence Removal Procedure

The intricacies of fence removal largely depend on the materials used in its construction.

Timber paling fences typically come down in a systematic manner. First, the palings are removed, followed by the rails, and finally the posts. While the palings detach easily, the posts may pose challenges due to their usual concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be taken down more swiftly but can be cumbersome to manage. Although the sheets easily detach from the rails, they are long, have sharp edges, and do not stack neatly. Similar to timber fences, the posts are generally embedded in concrete.

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

Deciding on the Fate of Posts and Footings

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

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

It’s prudent 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 commence 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 instances, this material could contain asbestos.

If the fence appears to be 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 provide resources for recognising these materials and information about licensed handlers. This is not a decision to rush during a weekend project; proper identification and understanding of the correct procedures are essential.

Handling Timber from the Old Fence 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 managed separately.

It’s 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, 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 for burning.

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 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.

• Overgrown vegetation: creeping plants, dense 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 moved.
• 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.

Preparing for the Gap Between the Old and New Fence

It is essential 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 takes place, rather than scrambling afterwards. Temporary fencing, securing pets indoors, or timing the removal to coincide with the fencer’s arrival are all effective strategies. Lack of planning can lead to complications.

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

Coordinating Professional 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 circumstances, yes. Most fencers prefer a cleared boundary, allowing them to begin 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 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 choice 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, it is important 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 Retain 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 are a different story. If you would like 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.