Introduction:

Want to safely remove an old fence? Whether your old fence can no longer sufficiently encircle your yard or is rotting, rusting, or sagging, or you simply need an upgrade, removing an old fence is a full-fledged task. In this blog, you’ll get a detailed guide on how to remove a fence, either wooden or chain-linked, made of vinyl. 

• Know The Type: What Fence Are We Taking Down & Why?

Removing an old fence seems like a big task, right? But there are different types of fences based on the material used. 

For instance, wooden fences or chain-link fences. Wooden ones are removed in 3-4 steps.

 Whereas chain-link fences are relatively easy to remove.

Here’s a brief breakdown of their differences:

Wooden Fences	Chain-Link Fences
Provide complete privacy, blocking views from neighbours and passersby.	Offer little to no privacy, as they are see-through.
Susceptible to rot and pest damage, especially if not properly maintained.	highly durable and resistant to weather damage, typically with proper maintenance.
Removing them can be a lot of work.	Easy to remove.
It should be removed in the following order: Fence Panels, Fence Rails, and Fence Posts.	Remove the wire ties and metal fittings, and then simply peel the chain link off.

There can be multiple reasons to remove the fence. For instance,

• Damage beyond repair
• Pest Infestation or rot
• Need an upgrade 
• Change in property layout with a new fence style 

• Step-by-Step Guide On How to Remove The Old Fence:

Well, that day has come, the day when you have to say goodbye to your fence. Now, the question arises: how do you do it? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove an old fence. 

Step 01: Prepare for the Removal—Make Calls and Gather Tools

Preparation is the key. For the removal of the fence, you’ve got to make some calls. For instance, 

• Your neighbour: if you share the same fence
• Utility Companies: to mark any utility lines running below the fence
• Local Government: for permits

Pro Tip: Dial 811 to set up a survey and have someone flag all the lines in your workspace.

The other part of the preparation is gathering the right tools. Here’s what you might need to remove an old fence: 

For dismantling/removing fence panels	Hammer Pry bar Screwdriver  Reciprocating or Hand saw  Plier Crowbar/Wrecking bar Wire & bolt Cutters (in case of vinyl)
For pulling out fence posts	Chain with a grab hook Shovel Car jack
Safety Equipment	Gloves  Safety Glasses Boots or Close-toe shoes

Step 02: Start With The Easiest—Fence Panels

At first, wear your gloves and glasses. Then, to remove the fence panels, use a pry bar to pull out the nails holding the fence boards. If it doesn’t work, use a screwdriver. 

Remove the panels from the fence rail and keep them aside for disposal, reuse, or recycling. 

Pro Tip: If the screws of the fence panel are not getting out, use a reciprocating or hand saw to cut the panels from the rail.

Step 03: Go For The Fence Rails Next

The next step is removing the fence rails. Use a pry bar to loosen the nails of the rails from where they are attached to the fence post. If they are screwed tight, use hammer’s claw to pull them out. 

Step 04: Then Comes The Hard Part—Fence Posts Pullout

After that, it’s time to remove the fence posts. This is the hardest part, so ensure your safety at all costs. Anyways, there are two major ways to go with it:

The Dig and Pull Method	The Car Jack Method
This is more like manual labor to remove cemented posts if you don’t have a car jack  Dig around the fence post at least six inches.  Push the post on all sides to loosen it.  Then try to pull it up or completely push it over.  Repeat the process around 3-4 times. Pull out the post completely from the ground.	You’ll need a car jack, a shovel, and a chain with a grab hook: Dig 3-4 inches around the post, six in case of concrete. Wrap your chain around the concrete. Wrap the other end of the chain around the jack. Use the grab hook to lock it in place. Pull the jack lever until the fence post is out.

Step 05: Reuse, Recycle, or Dispose? Choose the Right Cleanup Method

Last but not least, the cleanup process. Now it’s time to choose the right method. Gather all the debris, including wooden pieces of boards, rails, or posts, nails, and other materials. Then, sort those materials either for recycling, reusing, or disposal. 

• Conclusion

Hence, removing an old fence can be a challenging task if you don’t know the process or don’t take care of the safety guidelines. Although it’s recommended to call before you dig, calling the professionals for assistance. But diy is also possible if you follow the above-given steps and meet the safety criteria.

• FAQS

How long does removing an old fence take?

A few hours to several days, depending on the complexity and size.

What are the safety precautions necessary while removing a fence?

Wear gloves, glasses, and boots, and make sure to be conscious and well aware of your surroundings. 

How much does removing an old fence cost?

$3 to $7 per linear foot, but can vary based on the area. 

Can you remove a fence that is present on your property?

Yes, you can. But some areas might need permits so you should check with the local laws.

Is it difficult to remove a fence?

Not really, but for precision, safety, and good quality work, you should call the professionals.