Asbestos Fence Removal

Where asbestos is found in fences

Asbestos cement fencing, often called fibro or “super six” fencing, was installed across Melbourne suburbs from the post-war years until the mid 1980s. Many of these fences are now leaning, cracked or broken after decades of weather, tree roots and garden work. We regularly remove:

• Corrugated asbestos cement dividing fences between neighbouring properties
• Flat fibro sheet fences and garden screens
• Fence panels buried in the ground, which often break below soil level
• Asbestos sheeting used as garden edging or retaining
• Offcuts and broken fence pieces buried or left in garden beds

These fences are very common in established streets in Dandenong, Frankston and Chelsea. Where old sheds or garages sit along the fence line, we can include them with our asbestos roof removal and asbestos wall removal services.

Our asbestos fence removal process

Fence removal often involves neighbours and garden areas, so we plan around both:

• Confirm the material: we inspect the fence and arrange asbestos testing if it is unclear what it contains.
• Talk access: we confirm access to both sides and suggest you let your neighbour know the work date.
• Set up: the work zone is marked and signed, and plastic is laid along the fence line.
• Wet and remove: panels are wetted and eased out whole, including sections set into the ground.
• Collect fragments: we check the soil along the fence line for broken pieces and remove visible fragments.
• Wrap and label: panels are stacked on heavy plastic, fully wrapped, sealed and labelled.
• Dispose: waste goes to a facility authorised to accept asbestos, leaving the line ready for your new fence.

Before you replace your fence

If you are planning a new fence, a little preparation makes the removal day smoother. Talk to your neighbour about timing and access, as we usually need to work on both sides of the fence line. Clear pot plants, furniture, trampolines and stored items away from the fence, and let us know about dogs, pools or gates that need to stay secure. Where a pool fence or security is involved, arrange for your fencing contractor to install the new fence soon after removal, or discuss temporary fencing. It also helps to avoid digging, mowing or whipper snipping along the old fence line beforehand, as this can break buried panels and spread small fragments through the garden and lawn.

What affects the cost

We quote fences after seeing them, as the details matter. Cost depends on:

• The length and height of the fence
• Access to both sides and to the street for waste handling
• How deeply the panels are buried and how many are broken below ground
• Plants, sheds or structures built against the fence
• Soil contamination from broken fragments that needs cleaning up

Your safety and compliance

Under WorkSafe Victoria rules, removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos requires a licensed removalist. A typical dividing fence quickly passes that area, so licensed removal is usually needed. Fences must not be knocked down with machinery, snapped by hand or cut with power tools, as broken panels release fibres into gardens where people and pets spend time.

All fence waste is securely wrapped and taken to a facility authorised to accept asbestos in line with EPA Victoria requirements. It must never go into skips for general waste or household bins. We are registered with the EPA in Victoria and handle disposal properly.

From Brighton to Mornington and throughout Melbourne, we can help. Get a free quote for your asbestos fence removal.