Essential Steps for New Installation: Removing an Old Fence

Many ageing fences may not fully collapse. Instead, they often start to lean progressively, with panels detaching during storms, indicating a critical moment for replacement.

Once you’ve arranged for a new fence installation, it’s essential to remove the existing fence and dispose of it correctly—a task often overlooked until the last minute. This guide outlines key considerations to address before dismantling the old panels.

Engage Your Neighbour Before Initiating Fence Removal

If the fence marks the boundary between properties, it’s vital to discuss its removal with your neighbour. This conversation helps prevent potential disputes down the line.

In New South Wales, the Dividing Fences Act 1991 details how neighbours can share costs associated with a dividing fence and the procedure for reaching an agreement. NSW Fair Trading offers clear guidance on this topic, including steps to follow if an agreement cannot be reached. Familiarising yourself with this information before dismantling the old fence can help avoid uncomfortable conversations later.

Practically, it’s important to clarify key points such as the timeline for the fence removal, how long the boundary will be exposed, and the division of costs. A brief conversation in advance can prevent misunderstandings and complications.

Navigating the Old Fence Removal Procedure

The complexity involved in fence removal largely depends on the type of construction.

Timber paling fences typically come apart in a systematic manner. Initially, the palings are removed, followed by the rails, and finally, the posts. While the palings can be taken off swiftly, removing the posts may prove more challenging due to their usual concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be dismantled more quickly, but they can be cumbersome to manage. Although the sheets detach easily from the rails, their length and sharp edges make them difficult to stack neatly. Similar to timber fences, the posts are often 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, and occasionally durable hardwood. The type of material significantly influences both the duration of the removal process and the associated costs.

Deciding on Posts and Footings Prior to Removal

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

Concreted posts can either be excavated with their footings attached, 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 hinges on the positioning of the new fence posts. 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 the fencer regarding their preference before scheduling the removal. They will likely provide a clear recommendation, and a quick phone call can help avoid complications when they arrive to start work.

Critical Checks Before Dismantling the Old Fence

Certain older boundary and side fences in Sydney may not be constructed from timber or steel. Instead, they could feature flat grey fibre cement sheeting, often mounted on steel posts. In some instances, this material might contain asbestos.

If the fence resembles flat sheeting rather than palings or Colorbond, it’s 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 guidelines regarding licensed handlers. This is not a decision to rush during a weekend project; accurate identification and understanding of the correct procedures are vital.

Managing Old Fence Timber Post-Removal

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

It’s essential 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. Even if old fence palings appear to be 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 usually accumulates debris over time. Vegetation that has grown alongside the fence and items that have been stored against it tend to build up.

• 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 past 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: 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 Old and New Fences

Planning for this gap is essential, as it can unexpectedly surprise homeowners.

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’s crucial 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, keep in mind 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 proceeding with any removal.

Booking 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 as part of our green waste removal service.

When contacting 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 along 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 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 situations, yes. Most fencers prefer a cleared boundary, allowing them to begin setting up on their first day instead of 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 the Concrete Footings from the Old Fence Posts Be Removed?

Yes, the footings can be removed along with the posts, leading to 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’s 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 upon 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 applies to 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 want 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 adjacent to 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.