Essential Steps Before Installing a New Fence

Many ageing fences may not fully collapse. Instead, they often lean over time until a panel becomes detached during severe weather, creating a critical situation that requires urgent replacement.

Once you have arranged for a new fence installation, it is essential to remove the existing fence and dispose of it appropriately—this task is frequently overlooked until the last minute. This guide outlines key factors to consider before dismantling the old panels.

Engage in Fence Removal Discussions with Your Neighbour

If your fence acts as a boundary between properties, it is crucial to discuss the removal with your neighbour. Initiating this conversation can help prevent potential disputes in the future.

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

Clarifying practical points such as the timeline for the fence removal, the duration of boundary exposure, and the division of costs is vital. A brief discussion beforehand can prevent misunderstandings and complications.

Navigate the Old Fence Removal Process Effectively

The intricacies of fence removal primarily depend on the construction type.

Timber paling fences are typically taken apart in a methodical manner. Initially, the palings are removed, followed by the rails, and ultimately the posts. While the palings come off quickly, the posts can be challenging due to their usual concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be dismantled more swiftly, but they 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 generally set in concrete.

Older boundary fences may be constructed from various materials, including chain wire on steel posts, timber lattice over a low brick base, and occasionally durable hardwood. The type of material influences both the duration of the removal process and the associated costs.

Make Decisions Regarding Posts and Footings Beforehand

This decision should be made prior to 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 depends 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.

Consult with the fencer regarding their preference before scheduling the removal. They will likely offer a clear recommendation, and a quick phone call can prevent complications when they arrive to start work.

Crucial Considerations Before Dismantling the Old Fence

Certain older boundary and side fences in Sydney may not consist of timber or steel. Instead, they might feature flat grey fibre cement sheeting, often attached 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 imperative to halt any demolition efforts until you can identify the material. SafeWork NSW and your local council provide resources for recognising these materials and details regarding licensed handlers. This is not a decision to rush during a weekend project; accurate identification and understanding of the correct procedures are crucial.

Properly Handle Old Fence Timber After Removal

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

It is important to emphasise that treated pine, commonly used in modern fencing, should not 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 may seem like a free source of firewood, they are not safe to burn.

On the other hand, 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.

Identify Other Items to Clear Alongside the Old Fence

A fence line rarely remains free of debris. Vegetation that has grown 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 use of the truck and facilitates the fencer’s arrival.

Prepare for the Gap Between the Old and New Fence Installation

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 is crucial to have a plan in place before the 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, remember 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 any removal occurs.

Coordinating Old Fence Removal Services in Sydney

Our fence removal services are integrated into our comprehensive backyard demolition and junk removal offerings. The debris and cuttings from the fence removal are 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 removed 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

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 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 Necessary for Removing a Dividing Fence?

Since a dividing fence impacts both properties, it is important to discuss the matter with your neighbour instead of 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 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 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.