Essential Steps for New Fence Installation After Removal

Many ageing fences may not completely give way; instead, they often start leaning over time until a panel detaches during a storm, indicating it’s time for a replacement.

After arranging for a new fence installation, it is crucial to remove and properly dispose of the existing fence—a task often left until the last minute. This guide outlines key considerations to address before taking down the old panels.

Engage in Conversation with Your Neighbour Before Fence Removal

If the fence acts as a boundary between properties, discussing its removal with your neighbour is essential. Such discussions help prevent 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 outlines the process for reaching an agreement. NSW Fair Trading offers clear guidance on this topic, detailing steps to take if an agreement cannot be made. Understanding this information before dismantling the old fence can help avoid awkward conversations later.

Key points to clarify include the timeline for the fence removal, the duration the boundary will be exposed, and how costs will be divided. A simple conversation can prevent misunderstandings and ease the process.

Navigating the Old Fence Removal Procedure

The complexity of removing a fence largely depends on its construction type.

Timber paling fences generally come apart in a methodical way. Start by removing the palings, then the rails, and finally the posts. While the palings are relatively easy to take off, the posts can pose a challenge due to their typical concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences are generally quicker to dismantle but can be cumbersome to manage. Although the sheets detach easily from the rails, their length and sharp edges make stacking them neatly difficult. Like timber fences, the posts are also usually set in concrete.

Older boundary fences may consist of a mix of materials, such as chain wire on steel posts, timber lattice over a low brick base, and sometimes durable hardwood. The material type affects both the removal duration and associated costs.

Deciding on the Fate of Posts and Footings

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

Concreted posts can either be 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 behind. The decision hinges on the positioning of the new fence posts. If the new fence aligns with the existing line, leaving the buried footings could complicate the fencer’s job.

It is wise to consult the fencer about their preference before setting a removal date. They can provide clear recommendations, and a quick phone call can prevent complications when they arrive to commence work.

Essential Checks Prior to Dismantling the Old Fence

Certain older boundary and side fences in Sydney may not be made of timber or steel. Instead, they might feature 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 made of flat sheeting rather than palings or Colorbond, 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 into; proper identification and understanding of correct procedures are vital.

Properly Managing Old Fence Timber After Removal

Fence materials can be categorised into distinct groups. Steel posts, Colorbond sheeting, and chain wire fall into one category, while timber comprises another. Concrete footings are treated separately.

It is crucial to understand 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. Even if old fence palings seem like a free source of firewood, they are not safe to burn.

Conversely, hardwood palings from truly old fences can be valuable if you have a specific use in mind. If you wish to keep some for future projects, please inform us ahead of the job starting.

Identifying Other Debris to Clear Along with the Old Fence

A fence line typically accumulates debris over time. Vegetation that has grown alongside the fence and items stored against it often contribute to clutter.

• Vegetation along the fence line: creeping plants, overgrown shrubs, and roots that may have contributed to the leaning of the fence.
• 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 tucked away out of sight along that side of the yard.
• Green waste from clearing the area: essential for the fencer to work efficiently, generating its own waste load.

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

Strategically Planning for the Gap Between the Old and New Fence

Planning for this gap is essential, as it can 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, it is vital to have a plan ready before the removal rather than scrambling afterwards. Options include temporary fencing, securing pets indoors, or timing the removal to coincide with the fencer’s arrival. Without a plan, complications may arise.

If a pool is present, remember that pool barrier regulations still apply even when the boundary fence is down. If the boundary fence serves as 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. The debris and cuttings from the fence removal are transported in the same vehicle as part of our green waste removal service.

When you contact us, please share 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 is already scheduled to start, 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 a 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 scenarios, yes. Most fencers prefer a cleared boundary so they can start setting up on their first day instead of spending valuable time stripping and stacking the old fence. Check with your fencer to clarify their preferences, as some include removal in their services while others do not, which determines whether you require our assistance.

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

Yes, the footings can be removed along with the posts, creating holes in the ground, or the posts can be cut off at ground level, leaving the footings in place. The best choice depends on where the new posts will be positioned, so consult 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 affects both properties, discussing the matter with your neighbour is important rather than making unilateral decisions. The Dividing Fences Act 1991 specifies how neighbours in New South Wales can agree upon and share 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 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 than scheduling separate removals.