Demolition & Removal
Removal of existing fence, gate, and concrete infrastructure prior to new installation.
Replacement projects require removal of existing systems. We handle demolition, disposal, and site preparation for new installations.
What We Do
- Fence and gate removal
- Concrete foundation demolition
- Post extraction and hole filling
- Equipment disconnection and removal
- Debris hauling and disposal
- Site cleanup and prep for new work
Best Fit For
- Fence and gate replacement projects
- Sites removing damaged or obsolete systems
- Properties clearing for new construction
- Upgrades requiring foundation changes
- Any project with existing infrastructure to remove
How We Deliver
- Scope assessment and removal plan
- Utility disconnect coordination
- Careful removal to protect adjacent elements
- Proper disposal and recycling
- Site restoration to specified condition
Standards & Compliance
- Disposal regulations
- Recycling requirements
- Utility disconnect procedures
- Site restoration requirements
Assessment and Planning
Demolition starts with understanding what exists. Not all fences and gates are the same. Construction methods vary by era, manufacturer, and original installer. What looks like a simple removal can reveal surprises,deeper foundations than expected, hidden utilities, or connections to adjacent structures.
We assess existing conditions before quoting removal work. This means identifying materials, estimating foundation sizes, locating utilities, and noting anything that complicates removal. Accurate assessment prevents surprise costs and delays.
Planning includes sequencing, equipment needs, and disposal logistics. Large projects may require phased removal to maintain site security during the transition. Equipment access affects how we approach the work. Disposal volumes determine hauling requirements.
Fence Removal Methods
Chain link removal is relatively straightforward,fabric comes off posts, then posts come out. The fabric can usually be rolled up for disposal or recycling. Top rails, tension wire, and hardware come off systematically. Posts require extraction or cutting below grade.
Wood fence removal varies by construction. Panels may come off as units or be dismantled board by board. Some wood can be salvaged if the owner wants it. Posts are typically removed with the concrete attached, though sometimes cutting at grade is more practical.
Ornamental steel and aluminum fences often come apart in sections. Panels unbolt from posts. Posts may have shallow foundations that extract easily or deep foundations requiring more effort. The material has recycling value.
Gate and Operator Removal
Gates require careful removal to prevent damage to adjacent structures and to manage the weight safely. Swing gates can often be lifted off hinges. Slide gates need track work before the gate can be removed. Large gates may require equipment for safe handling.
Gate operators have electrical connections that must be properly disconnected. We coordinate with electricians when needed. The operator, mounting hardware, and any controls all need removal. Conduit may stay in place for reuse or be removed if the new system routes differently.
Access control equipment,keypads, card readers, intercoms,mounts to posts or pedestals that may or may not be part of the removal scope. We clarify what stays and what goes before beginning work.
Concrete Demolition
Foundation removal is often the most labor-intensive part of fence and gate demolition. Post foundations range from small concrete collars to massive operator pads. What is underground is not always apparent from above.
Small foundations can often be extracted whole by rocking the post back and forth, breaking the bond with surrounding soil, and pulling the assembly out. Larger foundations require breaking. Jackhammers, breakers, or hydraulic tools reduce concrete to manageable pieces.
Foundation depth affects removal strategy. Shallow foundations come out completely. Very deep foundations may be more practical to break below grade and leave buried. The new installation requirements often dictate how completely old foundations must be removed.
Post Extraction
Posts set in concrete require either extraction with the concrete attached or cutting the post and leaving the concrete. Extraction leaves a hole that needs filling but provides a clean starting point for new work. Cutting leaves buried concrete that may or may not conflict with new posts.
Extraction methods vary by post size and foundation size. Small posts can sometimes be pulled by hand with leverage tools. Medium posts may require vehicle-mounted pullers or excavator assistance. Large posts with massive foundations require breaking the concrete first.
We fill extraction holes appropriately for the site. Compacted fill in lawn areas, matching gravel in gravel areas, or temporary fill if new posts will go in the same locations. Unfilled holes are trip hazards and collect water.
Disposal and Recycling
Demolition generates debris that must go somewhere. Metal fencing,chain link fabric, steel posts, aluminum panels,has recycling value. We separate metals for recycling rather than landfill disposal when practical.
Concrete is recyclable in many areas. Crushed concrete becomes aggregate for new construction. We haul concrete to recyclers when available. Where recycling is not practical, concrete goes to appropriate disposal facilities.
Wood disposal depends on condition and treatment. Untreated wood may be recyclable as mulch or biomass. Treated wood (most fence posts) requires special handling in some jurisdictions. We follow local requirements for all disposal.
- Metal recycling for chain link, steel, and aluminum
- Concrete recycling where available
- Proper disposal of treated wood
- Documentation of disposal for regulated materials
Site Cleanup
Removal is not complete until the site is clean. This means more than hauling away the major debris. Post holes need filling. Concrete chips and fragments need collection. Hardware and fasteners scattered by demolition need pickup. The site should be ready for new work or final use.
Cleanup standards vary by project. A site awaiting immediate new construction has different requirements than a site returning to finished condition. We establish cleanup expectations with the owner before work begins.
Final grading may be included in cleanup scope. Filled holes may need compaction and topping. Disturbed areas may need smoothing. The goal is a site that does not show obvious signs of where the old fence stood.
Protection During Removal
Demolition creates risks for adjacent structures, landscaping, and utilities. Falling posts can damage pavement. Swinging equipment can hit buildings. Underground work can disturb irrigation lines. Careful removal prevents collateral damage.
We identify what needs protection before beginning. Nearby landscaping may get temporary covering. Adjacent structures get clearance verification. Underground utilities get located and marked. Protection is easier than repair.
Some projects require maintaining partial security during removal. We can phase removal to keep sections functional while others are demolished. Gates may stay operational until the last possible moment. Planning accommodates operational requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I keep the materials from my old fence?
- Yes, if you want them. Metal panels, gates, and some hardware may be reusable. Wood in good condition can sometimes be repurposed. We will set aside materials you want to keep. Note that most old fence materials have limited reuse value, and storing them takes space. Most owners prefer we dispose of everything.
- Do you remove the concrete foundations or just the posts?
- We can do either, depending on your needs and new installation plans. If new posts go in different locations, old foundations can often stay buried. If new posts need the same locations, old foundations must come out. Complete removal is more work but provides the cleanest starting point. We discuss options during planning.
- How long does fence removal take?
- A typical residential fence (100-200 feet) with standard post foundations usually takes a day. Larger projects, difficult foundations, or extensive concrete work take longer. Commercial sites with significant infrastructure may require multiple days. We provide time estimates after assessing the specific scope.
- Will removal damage my lawn or landscaping?
- Some disturbance is unavoidable, but we minimize it. Posts along fence lines come out, leaving holes we fill and compact. Equipment access may cause some lawn compression that recovers over time. We avoid unnecessary driving on lawns and protect identified landscaping. Major excavation for large foundations causes more disturbance than simple post pulling.
Related Services
Fence and gate repair, modification, and upgrade services,from storm damage repairs to security enhancements and automation retrofits.
Grading, excavation, drainage management, and site preparation ensuring fence and gate systems install correctly and perform long-term.
Engineered concrete foundations for gate operators, support posts, slide gate tracks, and structural fence systems,designed for actual loads and soil conditions.
Code compliance and permitting information.
Ready to Get Started?
Request a quote for your commercial, industrial, or residential project.