Installing a New Fence: Your Guide to Removing the Old One

Many fences that show signs of age do not fail completely. Instead, they often start to lean gradually, and it may only take a storm for a panel to detach, indicating it’s time for a replacement.

Once you have arranged for a new fence installation, it is crucial to remove the existing fence and dispose of it appropriately—this task is often neglected until the last minute. This guide outlines essential considerations to keep in mind before dismantling the old panels.

Engage with Your Neighbour Prior to Fence Removal

If the fence acts as a boundary between your property and your neighbour’s, it is important to discuss its removal with them. Having this conversation can help prevent potential disputes in the future.

According to the Dividing Fences Act 1991 in New South Wales, there are guidelines on how neighbours can share costs related to a dividing fence and the necessary steps to reach an agreement. NSW Fair Trading provides detailed information on this topic, including what to do if an agreement cannot be reached. Familiarising yourself with this information before dismantling the old fence can help you avoid uncomfortable discussions later on.

Key topics to clarify during your discussion include the timeline for removing the fence, the period during which the boundary will be exposed, and how costs will be split. A simple conversation can help prevent misunderstandings and complications down the line.

Comprehending the Old Fence Removal Process

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

Timber paling fences are generally dismantled in an orderly manner. First, the palings are removed, followed by the rails, and finally, the posts. While the palings can be taken off quickly, the posts can pose challenges due to their typical concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be taken apart more swiftly but can be awkward to handle. The sheets separate easily from the rails, but their length, sharp edges, and tendency to not stack neatly can be problematic. Similar to timber fences, the posts are usually set in concrete.

Older boundary fences may consist of diverse materials, including chain wire on steel posts, timber lattice over a low brick base, and sometimes durable hardwood. The material type influences both the duration of the removal process and its associated costs.

Determining the Fate of Posts and Footings

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

Concreted posts can either be excavated with their footings still attached, leaving a series of holes along the boundary, or they can be cut off at ground level, leaving the footings in place. The decision depends on where the new fence posts will be located. If the new fence will align with the existing line, the buried footings may complicate the fencer’s work on their first day.

It’s advisable to consult with the fencer about their preference before scheduling the removal. They are likely to provide clear recommendations, and a quick call can help 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 built 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 resembles flat sheeting rather than palings or Colorbond, it’s 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 on licensed handlers. This is not a decision to rush during a weekend project; proper identification and understanding of the correct procedures are paramount.

Post-Removal Management of Old Fence Timber

Fence materials can be categorised distinctly. Steel posts, Colorbond sheeting, and chain wire form one category, while timber constitutes another. Concrete footings are treated separately.

It’s important to remember 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 might seem like a free firewood source, they are not safe to burn.

In contrast, hardwood palings from genuinely old fences can be valuable if you have a specific use for them. If you wish to retain some for future projects, please communicate this preference before the job begins.

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

A fence line rarely stays clear of debris. Vegetation growing alongside the fence and items 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: 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 truck’s usage 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 time 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 imperative to have a plan in place prior to 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. Not having a plan can lead to complications.

If a pool is present, be aware that pool barrier regulations remain applicable even when the boundary fence is down. If the boundary fence forms part of the pool barrier, consult your certifier before any removal takes place.

Arranging Old Fence Removal Services in Sydney

Our fence removal services are part of our comprehensive backyard demolition and junk removal solutions, with debris and cuttings from the fence removal transported together under green waste removal.

When you get in touch with 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 so they can 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 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 Required for Removing a Dividing Fence?

Since a dividing fence affects both properties, it is crucial 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 Along with the Fence?

The entire area alongside the fence can be cleared as necessary. 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.