Replacing an old fibro fence
A grey sheet fence from before 1990 is likely to contain asbestos. Replacing one starts with getting the old one out safely.
We connect you with a local fencer who works in the hills.
Ask for a quoteMain Street, Gembrook. Photo: Tangerineduel, CC BY 4.0
Older than 1990? Assume so
The state's asbestos site says a home built or renovated before 1990 likely contains asbestos, and lists fences among the places outside. A grey, flat or ribbed sheet fence of that age is best treated as asbestos until a test says otherwise.
Checked 25 October 2026 against Asbestos in Victoria: where is asbestos?.
Who can take it down
Victorian law lets a homeowner remove very small amounts in limited circumstances, but the government recommends a licensed asbestos removalist for any amount. A business without a removal licence, a fencer included, may remove at most 10 m² of non-friable asbestos, for no more than an hour in any seven days. A few metres of fence can pass 10 m², and beyond that limit removal needs a WorkSafe licence: Class B covers non-friable asbestos.
Checked 25 October 2026 against Asbestos in Victoria: safe removal steps, Asbestos in Victoria: homeowners and renovators, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic), r.250 (version 018) and WorkSafe Victoria: asbestos removal licences.
Where it goes
Never in a skip or a household bin. Household asbestos carried in your own vehicle can go to a landfill authorised to take it, packaged correctly; those landfills take only small amounts, so ring first.
Checked 25 October 2026 against Asbestos in Victoria: disposal and EPA Victoria: dispose of asbestos waste.
Asking for a quote
Say how long the fence is and send a photo. A replacement fence is the fencer's job; ask whether they work with a licensed removalist for the old one, and who is sharing the cost with your neighbour (dividing fences).
Ask for a quote
Tell us where you are and what needs doing, and we'll contact you as soon as possible.