Removing an Old Fence: Steps Before New Installation

Many ageing fences are unlikely to collapse entirely. Instead, they tend to lean gradually until a panel becomes detached during a storm, signalling a critical need for replacement.

Once you’ve organised the installation of a new fence, it is crucial to remove the existing one and dispose of it properly—this task is often overlooked until the last minute. This guide highlights essential considerations to keep in mind before taking down the old panels.

Discuss Fence Removal Plans with Your Neighbour

If the fence serves as a boundary between properties, engaging in a discussion with your neighbour about the removal is vital. This conversation can help avoid potential disputes later.

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

Practically, it’s important to clarify key details such as the timeline for the fence removal, the duration during which the boundary will be exposed, and how costs will be divided. A brief conversation in advance can avert misunderstandings and complications.

Understanding the Old Fence Removal Process

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

Timber paling fences are typically taken apart in a systematic way. First, the palings are removed, followed by the rails, and finally, the posts. While the palings can be taken off quickly, the posts might present challenges due to their common concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be dismantled more efficiently but can be cumbersome to manage. Although the sheets detach easily from the rails, they are long, have sharp edges, and do not stack neatly. Similar to timber fences, the posts are usually set in concrete.

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

Making Decisions About Posts and Footings

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

Concreted posts can either be excavated with their footings, leaving a series of holes along the boundary, or they can be cut off at ground level, leaving the footings behind. This 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 work when they arrive.

Consulting the fencer about their preference before scheduling the removal is advisable. They can provide clear recommendations, and a quick phone call can help avoid complications on the first day of work.

Critical Checks Before Dismantling the Old Fence

Certain 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, which could potentially contain asbestos.

If the fence resembles flat sheeting rather than palings or Colorbond, it is essential to halt any demolition efforts until the material is correctly identified. SafeWork NSW and your local council offer 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 critical.

Handling Old Fence Timber After Removal

Fence materials can be categorised into distinct groups: steel posts, Colorbond sheeting, and chain wire form one group, while timber constitutes another. Concrete footings are treated separately.

It’s important to highlight 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 unsafe for fire pits, wood heaters, or backyard bonfires. Although old fence palings may seem like free firewood, 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 keep some for future projects, please communicate this preference before the job begins.

What Other Items Will Be Cleared Along with 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 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

Planning for this gap is essential, as it can unexpectedly 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’s crucial to have a plan in place before the removal, rather than scrambling afterwards. Temporary fencing, keeping 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, 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 prior to any removal.

Scheduling Old Fence Removal Services in Sydney

Our fence removal services are part of our comprehensive backyard demolition and junk removal offerings, with debris and materials 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 cleared from that side of the yard. If you have already scheduled a start date with a fencer, 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.

Common Questions About Old Fence Removal

Should the Old Fence Be Removed Before the Fencer Arrives?

In most cases, yes. Most fencers prefer a clear boundary, allowing them to start setting up on their first day without 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 begin work.

Is Neighbour’s Consent Required 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 resolved 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 different. 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 required. 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.