Replacing an Old Fence With Colorbond: What to Sort Out First

Most Colorbond jobs in established Adelaide suburbs aren't brand new fences. They're replacing leaning timber, rusted sheeting or old fibro panels.

Replacing a fence brings its own checklist. A bit of preparation makes the day go smoothly.

Cream steel panel fence behind a lawn and garden bed, with trees and hills in the background

A neat, level fence line is the goal once the old fence is gone. Example image only. Not a New Fence Adelaide project.

Find out what the old fence is made of

This is the big one.

Many older fences in Adelaide are fibre cement. Fibro made before the late 1980s may contain asbestos.

  • Don't cut, drill, break or water blast it.
  • SafeWork SA sets the rules for how asbestos is handled and removed.
  • If there's any chance your fence contains it, get advice and use a licensed removalist.

Agree on removal with your neighbour

Removing the old fence is part of the project, not an afterthought.

Agree who's arranging it and how the cost is shared before work starts.

Plan for the days without a fence

There's usually a short period with no fence at all. Plan ahead if you have:

  • Dogs
  • Young kids
  • A pool. Temporary barriers may be needed, so check your obligations.

Clear the fence line

  • Move pot plants, bins, furniture and anything stored against the old fence.
  • Trim back shrubs and vines.
  • Note garden beds and irrigation lines along the boundary, as post holes may cut through them.

Check the ground levels

Over the years soil often builds up on one side of an old fence.

If one yard is noticeably higher, the new fence may need a plinth or retaining so soil doesn't push against the panels.

Quick checklist

  • ☐ Old fence material identified
  • ☐ Asbestos advice sought if needed
  • ☐ Removal and costs agreed with neighbour
  • ☐ Pets, kids and pool covered for the gap
  • ☐ Fence line cleared
  • ☐ Ground levels checked on both sides

Where to go next

For a full replacement checklist, read the guide to replacing an old fence with Colorbond.

There are more tips on removal, asbestos checks and keeping pets secure while the yard is open on this page about swapping an old fence for Colorbond.

If you'd like the old fence assessed and replaced, New Fence Adelaide outlines its Colorbond fence replacement service.

About this blog: Adelaide Colorbond Fence Planning shares practical planning tips for Adelaide homeowners. It was created for New Fence Adelaide and supports the Adelaide Colorbond Fence Guide. It isn't a separate fencing business.

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