Essential Steps Before Installing a New Fence

Many ageing fences might not fall apart entirely. Instead, they often lean gradually until a panel becomes detached during a storm, creating a crucial moment that calls for replacement.

Once you’ve arranged for a new fence installation, it’s essential to remove the existing fence and dispose of it correctly—this task is often forgotten until the last minute. This guide outlines important considerations to take into account before dismantling the old panels.

Engage in Fence Removal Discussions with Your Neighbour

If the fence acts as a boundary between properties, it’s crucial to discuss the removal with your neighbour. Initiating a proactive 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 processes 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 taking down the old fence can help avoid uncomfortable discussions later.

Important points to clarify include the timeline for the fence removal, the period during which the boundary will be exposed, and how costs will be divided. A brief conversation beforehand can prevent misunderstandings and complications.

Comprehending the Old Fence Removal Process

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

Timber paling fences are typically disassembled systematically. The palings are removed first, followed by the rails, and finally, the posts. While the palings come off quickly, the posts can be challenging due to their usual concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be taken down more rapidly but can be cumbersome to handle. 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 consist of various materials, including chain wire on steel posts, timber lattice over a low brick base, and sometimes durable hardwood. The type of material impacts both the duration of the removal process and the associated costs.

Determining the Fate of Posts and Footings

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

Concreted posts can either be excavated with their footings attached, resulting in 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 work on their first day.

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 begin their work.

Critical Considerations Prior to Dismantling the Old Fence

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

If the fence resembles flat sheeting rather than palings or Colorbond, it is 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 information on licensed handlers. This is not a decision to rush during a weekend project; taking the time to identify and understand the correct procedures is essential.

Managing 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 constitutes 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 might seem like a free source of firewood, they are unsafe 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 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 truck usage 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, it is vital 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 could 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 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 as part of 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

Should You Remove the Old Fence Before the Fencer Arrives?

In most instances, yes. Most fencers prefer a cleared boundary, allowing 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.

Is It Possible to 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 affects both properties, it is essential to discuss the matter with your neighbour instead of making unilateral decisions. The Dividing Fences Act 1991 specifies how neighbours in New South Wales can agree on and share the costs associated with a dividing fence. Ensure this is resolved 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 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 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.