What Happens to My Old Fence?

In this post:

• Why removal should be written on your quote
• What happens to the old posts and footings
• How to tell if an old fence might contain asbestos, and the Queensland rules

When you get a quote for a new fence, it's easy to forget about the old one. But somebody has to pull it out, and it has to go somewhere.

It's worth asking about up front. Some quotes include removal. Some don't. Some include it but leave the old posts in the ground. And with older fences in Queensland, there's one more thing to think about: asbestos.

Removal should be on the quote

Taking out an old fence is real work. The panels or palings come off, the rails come down, and the old posts and concrete get dug out.

Your quote should say whether removal and disposal are included. If it doesn't say, ask. Otherwise you could end up with a pile of old fence in your yard, or a surprise extra charge.

On Synergy jobs, we take the old fence and the rubbish away with us.

What about the old posts?

Sometimes old concrete footings sit right where the new posts need to go. They have to come out, or the new post holes get moved.

A shortcut some contractors take is snapping old posts off at ground level and building over them. It's quicker, but it can leave problems underground. We'd rather tell you about it at the quote.

Could my old fence contain asbestos?

If your fence is made of flat grey fibro sheeting, it may contain asbestos. Asbestos cement sheeting, often called fibro, was used in many Queensland buildings before 1990, and fences too.

Bonded asbestos in good condition is generally low risk if it's left alone. The risk comes when it's broken, cut or drilled, because that can release fibres.

The rules in Queensland are strict:

• Removing more than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos needs a business with a Class B asbestos removal licence.
• A typical 1.8 m high fence only needs to be about 6 m long to pass 10 square metres. Most fences are well over that.

So for nearly every old fibro fence, this isn't a quick DIY job, and it isn't a job for an unlicensed fencer either.

How we handle it

If we think your old fence might contain asbestos, we'll tell you at the quote, before any work starts. It's removed by a licensed asbestos removalist, then we build your new fence.

It adds cost, and nobody likes hearing that. But it's far better to know at the start than to find out halfway through the job.

If you're not sure what your old fence is made of, send us a photo. We'll let you know.

Common questions

How much does it cost to remove an old fence?

For a standard timber or Colorbond fence, allow roughly $25 to $40 per metre for removal and disposal. Asbestos removal is priced separately.

Can I take the old fence out myself to save money?

Yes, for timber or Colorbond. Just agree a date with us so it's cleared before we start. Don't do it yourself if it might be fibro.

How do I know if my fence is asbestos?

Flat grey fibro sheeting from before 1990 may contain it. Only a lab test confirms it, so treat it as asbestos until you know.

Keep reading

• Will the fencers damage my property?
• How much does a Colorbond fence cost in Brisbane?
• Will the price change after I pay the deposit?

Ready to replace your old fence? Call us on 07 2141 7748, get a price online or let's have a chat.