Essential Steps for Removing an Old Fence Before Installation

Aging fences may not necessarily collapse entirely; they often lean progressively until a panel detaches during a storm, leading to a critical moment where replacement becomes essential.

Once you’ve arranged for a new fence installation, it is important to remove the existing fence and ensure its proper disposal—a step frequently overlooked until the last minute. This guide outlines crucial considerations to address before dismantling the old panels.

Engage Your Neighbour in Fence Removal Discussions

If the fence is a boundary between properties, discussing the removal with your neighbour is essential. An open conversation can help prevent potential disputes in the future.

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 offers clear guidance on this topic, including steps to take if an agreement cannot be reached. Understanding this information before dismantling the old fence can help avoid uncomfortable discussions later.

Key points to clarify include the timeline for removal, the duration during which the boundary will be open, and how costs will be divided. A brief conversation can prevent misunderstandings and complications.

Comprehending the Old Fence Removal Process

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

Timber paling fences are typically disassembled systematically. First, the palings are removed, followed by the rails, and finally, the posts. While removing the palings is generally quick, the posts can be challenging due to their typical concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be dismantled more quickly but may 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 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.

Determining the Treatment of Posts and Footings

Deciding on this matter should occur before removal, as it significantly impacts the fencer’s work more than your own.

Concreted posts can either be excavated with their footings intact, resulting in a series of holes along the boundary, or they can be cut off at ground level, leaving the footings behind. This choice depends on the alignment of the new fence posts. If the new fence aligns with the existing line, the buried footings could complicate the fencer’s work on their first day.

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

Essential Considerations Before Dismantling the Old Fence

Some older boundary and side fences in Sydney may not be made from timber or steel. They might instead consist of flat grey fibre cement sheeting, often attached to steel posts, and in some instances, this material may contain asbestos.

If your fence resembles flat sheeting rather than palings or Colorbond, it is critical to halt any demolition efforts until you can identify the material. SafeWork NSW and your local council provide 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.

Proper Handling of 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 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. While old fence palings may seem like 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 begins.

What Additional 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 accumulated against it often gather 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

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, having a plan in place before the removal is crucial, rather than scrambling at the last minute. Temporary fencing, securing 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 are still applicable even when the boundary fence is down. If the boundary fence is 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 from 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 helpful 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 cases, yes. Most fencers prefer a cleared boundary, as it allows them to start 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 begin work.

Is Neighbour’s Consent Required for Removing a Dividing Fence?

Since a dividing fence affects both properties, discussing the matter with your neighbour is crucial 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 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 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.