A Simple Fence Removal Guide

Fences can adorn a property and make it more aesthetically pleasing. However, this only applies to well-maintained fences. Those old rickety fences that have seen better days can be a real eyesore. In fact, they can not only detract from the overall appearance of a property, but they can also pose a health risk. In this article, we will look at fence removal, and Dumpster rental Fort Myers Beach will show you how to remove various types of fences step by step.

If you have decided that it is time to remove an existing fence, you must know how to do so safely and successfully. We are happy to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to do just that; however, we must first do some housekeeping.

Fence Removal Procedures

You may be desperate to get rid of that unsightly fence, but keep in mind that it may also be a barrier for someone else. If a fence is not on your property lines, or even if a portion of it crosses onto your neighbor's property, you must first consult with them. Before proceeding, ensure that you have the legal authority to remove the fence.

Prioritize Safety

If you are not careful, you may need a variety of tools to remove a potential fence. This includes items such as an electric saw. When working with any type of tool, safety should always be a top priority. You usually need two people to safely remove a fence, so don't try to do it alone.

Understand What You're Going To Dismantle

If your fence's posts are still in good shape, you may not need to remove them at all. This means you might only need to remove a few fence panels or boards. If you are not removing the posts, you must ensure that they are stable. It is best to remove them if you push on them and they move fairly easily.

Fence Removal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we've covered fence etiquette, we can move on to the steps involved in tearing down a fence. We'll try to keep things as simple and straightforward as possible.

Dismantling a Wooden Paneled Fence

1. Make sure you have all of the necessary equipment on hand ahead of time. It is also a good idea to check with your utility company to make sure that no major lines run near or under your fence, as these will need to be marked.
2. Hammer near the post to loosen the panel and remove it. Pull the panel off by striking the plank where it is attached to the post. Do this in a systematic manner, beginning at one end and working your way along the fence, removing each board in turn.
3. Take out the wooden post. The method will differ depending on whether the post is set in concrete or not. Each approach will be discussed in detail below.

Posts that are not embedded in concrete

If the post is not embedded in concrete, you should be able to loosen it by rocking it back and forth and pulling it out by hand. Gloves can help you give a better group and prevent splinters.

Concrete Support Posts

If the post is embedded in concrete, loosening it by hand is unlikely. Loosen all of the dirt around the slab with a shovel. Continue to remove dirt until the entire top of the concrete is exposed.

Wrap a log chain around the concrete, one strand at a time, just under the lip. Hook one end of the chain to itself to keep it in place. Set the jack by the post now. Wrap the other end of the chain around the jack foot. Now, with one hand, pump the jack handle while holding the chain in place with the other, creating tension. Continue pumping until the post is free of the ground. Prepare to expend a lot of energy, especially just before the post lifts.

Dismantling A Chain Link Fence

1. As with step one, plan ahead of time for the fence removal. Have the necessary equipment on hand, and make sure you are aware of any underground lines that are close to the fence. Contact the city to have them come out and mark the area.
2. Wearing gloves, use wire cutters to cut all of the ties that hold the fence to the posts. This will allow you to detach the fence from the posts and lay it flat on the ground. Work your way down the fence in a systematic manner until all ties are severed.
3. If you have a long chain link fence, cut it into smaller pieces. Roll the link grids tightly into cylinders. Tie the chain links together with a rope or wire.
4. Remove the top rail next. You can accomplish this by using an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts in the railing on each corner post. The top rail can then be separated.
5. Remove the posts now. You must dig down to the base, which is usually around 12 inches. To loosen the post, use a rocking motion and then pull it from the ground.

Screw a c-clamp at the base of the post if it is set in concrete or will not budge with the above method. Jack up the post with a hi-lift until it pops out of the ground.