If you have an old wooden fence and it’s time to replace it, you may be wondering how to take it down and dispose of it. It may seem like it should be fairly easy, but it might take a bit more effort than you think. Here are some tips on how to take your fence down and dispose of it.
Check With Your Utility Companies
Before removing your fence, you should contact your utility company and make sure no lines run through the area where your fence is located. Otherwise, you could get electrocuted or disrupt utility service to your neighbors. If you do disrupt services, you could be required to pay repair costs and be assessed other penalties.
Prepare Your Equipment
Before you start removing your fence, you should gather your equipment together. You’ll want to have safety equipment, such as safety goggles and work gloves. You’ll also need a screwdriver, claw hammer, and pry bar.
You will also need to plan for what to do with all of the junk from your old fence. You can hire someone to haul it away, or you can rent a dumpster to throw all of the waste in. Either way, be ready for a lot of material to dispose of by the time you are done.
Remove Gate Doors
Use a screwdriver to detach any gate doors from the fence. It’s possible you may be able to just pull the hinges out and remove the gate if the fence is rotted.
Take Down the Paneling
Once you get all of your equipment together, it’s time to take the fence paneling down. Separate the boards from the fence posts. Then, use a saw to break them down. Look for termites or other pests as you remove the paneling. If your fence is near your home, you will want to keep an eye out for pest infestation. If there are pests, you will need to take care as they could enter your home.
Pull Out the Fence Posts
Depending on how well affixed your fence posts are, it may be extremely difficult to remove them. In most municipalities, fence posts must be cemented in order to resist storms and high winds.
So, assuming that the fence was correctly installed in order to meet the code, you will have quite a job ahead of you in removing them. The cement will need to be dug out and removed along with the posts.
If you aren’t up to this arduous task, then you may want to have a demolition contractor remove them for you. However, once removed, you can throw the posts in your dumpster or leave them with the rest of the junk to be hauled away.
Final Thoughts
Removing an old wooden fence can be quite a job, but with time and effort, it is a job most homeowners can handle. However, you may also want to consider having a demolition expert handle the job for you. A high-quality contractor can break down your old fence and handle the disposal of the old materials in an environmentally friendly manner.
Contact Us
For high-quality demolition, junk removal, and dumpster rental services, contact ABH Services at (781) 941-2422 or connect with us on Facebook.