Removing an Old Fence: Essential Steps for New Installation

Many ageing fences may not completely collapse. Instead, they often begin to lean progressively until a panel detaches during a storm, signalling a crucial moment for replacement.

Once you have organised a new fence installation, it is vital to remove the existing fence and dispose of it properly—a task that is often overlooked until the last minute. This guide highlights essential considerations to address before dismantling the old panels.

Discuss Fence Removal with Your Neighbour Before You Start

If the fence serves as a boundary between properties, it is crucial to have a conversation with your neighbour about its removal. This discussion is important to prevent potential disputes later on.

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 follow if an agreement cannot be reached. Familiarising yourself with this information prior to dismantling the old fence can help avoid uncomfortable discussions later.

Practically, key points to clarify include 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.

Understanding the Old Fence Removal Process

The complexity of fence removal depends significantly on its construction type.

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

Colorbond fences can be taken down more quickly but can be cumbersome to handle. Although the sheets detach easily from the rails, they are long and have sharp edges, making them difficult to stack neatly. Like timber fences, the posts are usually set in concrete.

Older boundary fences may consist of 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.

Making Decisions About Posts and Footings

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, leaving 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 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 is advisable to consult with the fencer about their preference before scheduling the removal. They will likely provide a clear recommendation, and a quick phone call can avoid complications when they arrive to start work.

Important 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 feature flat grey fibre cement sheeting, often attached to steel posts, and in some cases, this material could contain asbestos.

If the fence resembles flat sheeting rather than palings or Colorbond, it is crucial to pause any demolition efforts until you can identify the material. SafeWork NSW and your local council offer resources for recognising these materials and information regarding licensed handlers. This is not a decision to rush during a weekend project; proper identification and understanding of the correct procedures are essential.

Handling Old Fence Timber After Removal

Fence materials can be organised into distinct categories. Steel posts, Colorbond sheeting, and chain wire fall into one category, while timber forms another. Concrete footings are handled separately.

It is important 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, making 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.

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.

What Other Items Will Be Cleared Alongside the Old Fence?

A fence line rarely stays clear 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 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.

Planning for the Gap Between the Old and New Fence

It is essential to plan for this gap, 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 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. Not having a plan can lead to complications.

If a pool is present, remember that pool barrier regulations remain applicable 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.

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 cuttings from the fence removal transported in the same vehicle as part of our green waste removal service.

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 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.

Common Questions About Old Fence Removal

Should You Remove the Old Fence Before the Fencer Arrives?

In most cases, 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 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 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 story. 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 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.