Old Fence Removal Tips for a Fresh Installation

Many ageing fences may not entirely collapse. Instead, they tend to lean gradually until a panel breaks off during a storm, indicating a crucial need for replacement.

Once you have arranged for a new fence installation, it is essential to properly dismantle and dispose of the existing fence—often a task that gets postponed until the last moment. This guide outlines important considerations to keep in mind before taking down the old panels.

Why You Should Discuss Fence Removal with Your Neighbour

If the fence marks the boundary between properties, it’s vital to have a discussion with your neighbour about its removal. This conversation helps avoid potential disputes in the future.

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

Be sure to clarify key points such as the timeline for fence removal, how long the boundary will remain exposed, and how costs will be split. A simple conversation can prevent misunderstandings and complications down the track.

What You Need to Know About the Old Fence Removal Process

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

Timber paling fences typically come apart in an orderly manner. First, the palings are removed, followed by the rails, and finally the posts. While the palings are relatively easy to take off, removing the posts can be challenging due to their concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be dismantled more swiftly, but they can be cumbersome to handle. The sheets detach easily from the rails, but their length, sharp edges, and difficulty in stacking can pose challenges. Like timber fences, the posts are usually set in concrete.

Older boundary fences may include a mix of materials, such as chain wire on steel posts, timber lattice over a low brick base, or even durable hardwood. The type of material significantly influences both the time required for removal and the associated costs.

Making Decisions About Posts and Footings Before Removal

Deciding what to do with the posts and footings should be addressed prior to removal, as it significantly affects the fencer’s work more than yours.

Concreted posts can either be excavated with their footings attached, leaving holes along the boundary, or they can be cut off at ground level, with the footings remaining in place. The best option 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 wise to consult with the fencer about their preference before scheduling the removal. They can provide valuable recommendations, and a quick phone call can prevent complications when they arrive to start work.

Essential Checks Before You Dismantle the Old Fence

Some older boundary and side fences in Sydney may not be made from timber or steel. Instead, they could consist of flat grey fibre cement sheeting, often affixed 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 critical to pause any demolition activities 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 vital.

How to Dispose of Old Fence Timber After Removal

Fence materials can be classified into distinct categories. Steel posts, Colorbond sheeting, and chain wire fall into one group, while timber makes up another. Concrete footings are handled separately.

It is crucial to note that treated pine, commonly used in modern fencing, should never 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 might seem like 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 keep 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. Over time, vegetation that has grown alongside the fence and items stored against it often accumulate.

• 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 creates 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 crucial, 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 vital to have a plan in place before the removal, rather than scrambling afterward. Temporary fencing, securing pets indoors, or timing the removal to coincide with the fencer’s arrival are all effective strategies. Lacking a 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 takes place.

How to 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 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

Do I Need to Remove the Old Fence Before the Fencer Arrives?

In most situations, yes. Most fencers prefer a cleared boundary, allowing them to start setting up on their first day rather than wasting valuable time stripping and stacking the old fence. Consult your fencer to clarify their preferences, as some may include removal in their services while others do not, which may determine whether you need our assistance.

Is It Possible to 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 start work.

Is Neighbour’s Consent Necessary 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 resolved 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 are a different case. 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.