Removing an Old Fence: Essential Steps for a New Installation

Many ageing fences may not completely collapse. Instead, they often lean gradually until a panel detaches during a storm, signalling a critical moment for replacement.

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

Why Communicating with Your Neighbour is Essential Before Fence Removal

If the fence serves as a boundary between properties, discussing its removal with your neighbour is crucial. This conversation is necessary to avoid 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 procedure for reaching an agreement. NSW Fair Trading provides clear guidance on this subject, detailing steps to take if an agreement cannot be established. Familiarising yourself with this information before dismantling the old fence can help prevent uncomfortable discussions later.

Practical points to clarify include the timeline for fence removal, the duration during which the boundary will be exposed, and the division of costs. A brief conversation beforehand can avert misunderstandings and complications.

Understanding the Old Fence Removal Process

The complexities of fence removal largely depend on its construction type.

Timber paling fences typically disassemble in a systematic manner. Initially, the palings are removed, followed by the rails and ultimately the posts. While the palings come off quickly, the posts can present challenges due to their common concrete anchoring.

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

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

Making Decisions About Posts and Footings Before Removal

This decision should be made prior to removal as it significantly affects the fencer’s work more than yours.

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

Crucial Checks Before Dismantling the Old Fence

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

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

Handling 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’s 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. Although old fence palings may 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 retain some for future use, please communicate this preference before the job commences.

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 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.

Preparing for the Gap Between the Old and New Fence Installation

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 afterwards. 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, remember that pool barrier regulations remain applicable 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 part of our comprehensive backyard demolition and junk removal offerings, with debris and cuttings 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 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.

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 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 settled before scheduling the removal.

Can You 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 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.