Understanding the Cost to Replace Asbestos Fencing in Perth

Asbestos fencing sits in that awkward category of “out of sight, out of mind” until you start planning upgrades or notice damage. If your place or project is in Perth, there is a fair chance you are dealing with old asbestos fence sheets along a boundary line. Understanding what you are looking at, and why replacement is worth taking seriously, will save you a lot of stress and risk.

What Exactly Is Asbestos Fencing?

Asbestos fencing is usually made from old fibre cement sheeting that contains asbestos fibres. For decades it was a popular fencing choice across Perth because it was tough, termite resistant, fire resistant and relatively cheap. Many residential suburbs, older unit complexes and commercial sites still have original asbestos boundary fences in place.

On site, it often looks like flat greyish sheets with vertical posts, sometimes painted, sometimes patched. If your property was built or fenced in an earlier era, it is worth getting any suspect sheeting checked rather than guessing.

Why Asbestos Fencing Is A Problem

Health Risks You Cannot Ignore

Asbestos is most dangerous when it is disturbed or deteriorating. When sheets crack, break, crumble or are drilled or cut, they can release microscopic fibres. If people breathe these in, they can lodge in the lungs and create serious health issues later in life.

The risk jumps when fences are:

Cracked, chipped, leaning or breaking apart
Hit by vehicles, falling trees or heavy impact
Cut, drilled or “DIY modified” without proper controls
Left to age without paint or maintenance so they start to weather and degrade

If you have kids, staff, tenants or regular visitors around the area, this is not something you want to roll the dice on.

Legal Obligations Around Asbestos In Perth

In Australia you must treat asbestos as a hazardous material. There are strict rules around who can remove it, how it is handled on site, and where it can be disposed of. In many situations you are required to use licensed asbestos removal professionals, and you can face penalties if you cut corners or dump it improperly.

That applies to homeowners, strata bodies, builders, developers and commercial property owners. If you manage projects, you also have a duty to protect workers and the public from exposure while work is carried out.

Why Replacing Asbestos Fencing Makes Sense

Safety For Families, Clients And Staff

The most important reason to replace asbestos fencing is simple, you want the risk gone. Once the asbestos is safely removed and disposed of, you are no longer worrying about kids kicking balls at a brittle sheet, forklifts clipping a boundary fence, or a storm snapping panels and spreading debris.

Durability And Low Maintenance

Old asbestos fencing does not improve with age. It gets more brittle, more patchy and more likely to fail. Modern fencing options such as Colorbond, aluminium slats and engineered retaining wall systems give you long term structural strength with far less upkeep.

If you want to dive deeper into material choices for Perth conditions, you can read more about different fencing types and long term value.

Street Appeal And Property Value

Asbestos fencing instantly dates a property. Buyers, tenants and commercial clients notice it and often treat it as a problem to fix, which can drag down perceived value or scare off interest altogether.

Replacing it with a modern fence that suits the building style, such as Colorbond, aluminium slats or architectural batten systems, sharpens the whole boundary line. That helps with:

First impressions at sale, lease or inspection
Perceived security and privacy
Confidence that the property has been properly maintained

For many Perth owners, the equation is clear, remove the old asbestos, install a durable low maintenance fence, and you get safer boundaries along with a cleaner, more valuable asset.

Key Factors That Drive The Cost Of Replacing Asbestos Fencing In Perth

Asbestos fence replacement is not a one size fits all job. The final figure on your quote comes from a mix of practical site factors, safety requirements and the replacement fence you choose. If you understand what drives the cost, you can control more of it.

1. Fence Length, Height And Access

The more asbestos you have, the more you pay to remove and replace it. Longer and higher boundary lines mean more sheets, more posts and more labour.

Access matters as well. A straight run with clear access for vehicles and waste bins is faster to handle. If the fence backs onto tight laneways, steep slopes, gardens, sheds or built in structures, crews will need more time and different equipment, which pushes the price up.

2. Type And Condition Of The Asbestos Fence

Not all asbestos fencing is in the same shape. Common cost drivers include:

Fragile or badly damaged sheets, which break easily and need slower, more controlled removal
Heavily painted or patched panels, which can hide cracks and make handling more careful
Asbestos in posts or footing materials, which can add extra removal steps

Safer, more intact sheets are usually quicker and cheaper to remove than fences that are crumbling or falling apart.

3. Complexity Of Removal And Compliance Costs

Asbestos work in Australia must follow strict rules. For fencing, that can include:

Licensed removal crews and supervision
Protective equipment and controlled work zones
Plastic sheeting, taping and clean up procedures
Transport and tipping at approved asbestos facilities

These are not “optional extras”, they sit inside the base cost of doing the job safely and legally. If your site is near public areas, schools, busy commercial zones or shared boundaries, contractors may need more controls, which influences the quote.

4. Hazardous Waste Transport And Disposal Fees

Every asbestos sheet that comes off your fence has to go somewhere safe. Licensed disposal sites charge fees based on volume and handling. Your contractor will usually include these charges in the quote along with the cost of compliant bags, wrapping and transport.

5. Choice Of Replacement Fence Material And Style

The removal cost is only one side of the equation. The other side is what you put back in its place. Typical choices for Perth include Colorbond boundary fences, aluminium slat fencing, security styles for commercial sites and retaining wall systems with integrated fencing.

Factors that shape the supply and install cost include:

Material type, for example Colorbond, aluminium or glass
Height, profile and colour range
Extras, such as gates, lattice tops or integrated retaining panels

If you are still comparing options, it is worth reading about different fence types for Perth homes and long term value.

6. Residential, Commercial And Bulk Project Pricing

The type of property and scale of work also influence cost structures.

Residential jobs usually involve shorter runs, more access challenges and more custom choices like colours and feature gates.
Commercial and industrial sites often need higher security fencing, vehicle access gates and stricter staging around business operations.
Bulk or staged developments such as new estates and unit complexes may attract sharper rates per metre, because crews can work in long continuous runs with consistent materials.

The smartest approach is to get a detailed, itemised quote that separates asbestos removal, disposal and new fence installation. That way you can see exactly where your money is going and adjust materials or timing to suit your budget.

The Asbestos Fencing Removal Process, Step By Step

Asbestos fence removal is not just “pull a few sheets and load a trailer”. In Perth you are dealing with a regulated hazardous material, neighbours close by, and often tight access. A clean, compliant job follows a clear process.

1. Site Inspection And Assessment

The first step is a proper inspection. A licensed asbestos contractor will:

Confirm the material is asbestos, not standard fibre cement
Measure the length and height of fencing to be removed
Check sheet condition, cracks, broken areas and overgrown sections
Look at access for removal, waste bins and vehicles
Identify risks near public areas, driveways, carparks or play areas

This assessment shapes the removal method, time on site and the controls needed.

2. Permits, Notifications And Planning

Depending on the scope of work and location, there may be permit or notification requirements. A professional will handle things like:

Checking local rules that apply to asbestos removal and fencing
Notifying relevant authorities where required
Planning access, work zones and timing to minimise disruption

If you are unsure whether your fence contains asbestos, use a structured approach to identification, or refer to a resource such as this guide on identifying asbestos fencing before you go any further.

3. Setting Up Safety And Containment

On removal day, the crew sets up the site before touching any sheets. This usually includes:

Clear boundaries using barriers, tape and signage
Personal protective equipment for all workers
Ground protection and, where required, plastic sheeting to catch debris
Plans for keeping neighbours, staff or customers away from the work zone

The aim is simple, keep asbestos fibres out of the air and away from people.

4. Careful Removal Of Asbestos Fence Sheets

Licensed crews remove asbestos fencing using controlled, low dust methods. Common practices include:

Gently unbolting or unscrewing fixings instead of snapping sheets
Avoiding cutting or grinding that could release fibres
Handling each sheet as a whole where possible
Lowering sheets carefully rather than dropping them

Any broken sections are treated with extra care so fragments and dust stay contained.

5. Wrapping, Transport And Disposal

Once the sheets come off the fence line, they are:

Wrapped in approved plastic or bagged in compliant asbestos waste bags
Labelled for hazardous waste as required
Loaded into secure bins or vehicles for transport
Taken to licensed asbestos disposal facilities only

This is where a backyard trailer run is not an option. Illegal dumping or non compliant transport can land you in serious trouble.

6. Decontamination And Clearance

After removal, the crew will:

Wet wipe or vacuum surfaces with suitable equipment
Pick up visible fragments around the work zone
Remove plastic sheeting and barriers carefully

For larger or higher risk jobs, you may also receive formal clearance documentation. This gives peace of mind to owners, strata groups and commercial managers.

Why You Should Always Use Trusted, Licensed Contractors

Asbestos is not a DIY weekend project. Unlicensed removal, broken sheets and backyard dumping put your family, neighbours and workers at risk and expose you to legal penalties. A trusted, experienced contractor will:

Follow the legal process from start to finish
Protect adjoining properties and public areas
Coordinate removal and new fence installation efficiently

If you want the asbestos gone and a compliant new fence in its place without headaches, engage specialists who handle both removal and installation, such as a licensed Perth fencing contractor that offers asbestos fence removal services.

Choosing The Right Replacement Fencing For Perth Properties

Once the asbestos is gone, you have a clean slate. The fence you choose now will shape how your property looks, performs and costs you over the long term. Perth’s heat, coastal air and occasional storms are tough on poor quality materials, so it pays to be deliberate with your choice.

Colorbond Fencing, The Go To For Privacy And Low Maintenance

Colorbond suits most Perth homes and a lot of commercial sites. It delivers solid privacy, strong wind resistance and very low maintenance. You get a clean, consistent look along the whole boundary which instantly lifts street appeal.

Key points to weigh up:

Durability Colorbond steel handles harsh sun and coastal conditions well when installed correctly.
Maintenance No painting, no staining, just an occasional hose down.
Style Multiple colours and profiles to match modern builds, character homes or commercial facades.

If you are leaning toward Colorbond, it is worth reading more about Colorbond compared with timber fencing in Perth so you know exactly what you are paying for.

Aluminium Slat Fencing, Modern Look With Flexible Privacy

Aluminium slats suit clients who want airflow and a more architectural feel. You can control privacy with slat spacing and layout, which is useful for courtyards, front fences and commercial frontages.

Durability Aluminium does not rust, which is ideal in coastal and humid pockets.
Maintenance Powder coated finishes need very little upkeep.
Security When installed at the right height with tight spacing, slats give solid boundary security without looking heavy.

For a deeper dive into styles and layouts, check out this guide to aluminium slat fencing for Perth homes.

Frameless Glass Panels, Best For Pools And Premium Frontages

Frameless glass works where sightlines matter, for example pool areas or premium commercial entries. You get a very open, high end look while still meeting safety and security needs when specified correctly.

Aesthetics Minimal visual bulk, great for views and modern architecture.
Maintenance Needs regular cleaning to keep glass clear, especially near gardens or roads.
Use case Better as a feature fence or pool barrier, not for every boundary on a large block.

Retaining Walls With Integrated Fencing

If your asbestos fence sat on a slope or held back soil, you may need a retaining solution with a fence on top. Panel and post retaining systems with steel or aluminium fencing above provide a clean, engineered outcome that suits both residential and commercial sites.

Durability Engineered systems handle soil pressure and drainage properly.
Safety Correct heights and balustrade or fence design reduce fall risks on level changes.
Value One coordinated installation solves both boundary and level issues.

Matching Fence Type To Property And Budget

For a Perth homeowner, the usual priority list is privacy, low maintenance and appearance. For developers and commercial owners, it is often security, consistency across multiple lots and long term cost control. A simple framework helps:

Define your top priorities, privacy, security, airflow, view, noise, or access control.
Set a realistic budget range per metre, then decide where to upgrade, for example street frontage, entry, pool.
Choose materials that fit your maintenance appetite, if you are busy, avoid options that need regular painting.
Match colours and lines to the building style so the fence looks planned, not tacked on.

Once those pieces are clear, you can compare Colorbond, aluminium, glass and retaining solutions on more than just price, and land on a fence that actually suits the way you live or operate the property.

Budgeting And Cost Saving Tips For Replacing Asbestos Fencing

Replacing asbestos fencing in Perth does not need to blow your budget, as long as you plan it properly. Whether you are a homeowner, developer or commercial manager, a bit of homework before you sign anything can save serious money and headaches.

Start With A Clear, Realistic Budget

Break your budget into two lines, asbestos removal and disposal, and new fence supply and install. Ask every contractor to itemise these. When quotes are structured the same way, you can compare them without guessing what is included.

For larger projects, set a budget range per metre and a total project cap. This keeps scope creep in check when you start talking about extra height, feature gates or upgraded colours.

Compare Quotes Properly, Not Just On The Bottom Line

Do not chase the cheapest number without reading the fine print. Use a simple checklist for each quote:

Is asbestos removal by licensed personnel clearly included
Are tipping, transport and protective materials covered
What fence materials, profiles and heights are allowed for in the price
Are posts, caps, concrete footings and gates listed
Is there any allowance for tricky access or retaining work

When you narrow down your options, it helps to pair this with guidance on quality installers, such as the tips in choosing the right Colorbond fence company.

Choose Value Driven, Low Maintenance Materials

Cheap fencing looks attractive on paper then costs you more in repairs, repainting and early replacement. In Perth conditions, focus on:

Durability, materials that hold up to heat, wind and coastal air
Maintenance, minimal painting, staining or rust treatment
Longevity, products with proven performance on local sites

Colorbond, aluminium slats and engineered retaining systems typically offer strong long term value for both homes and commercial projects. If you are weighing up cheap timber panels versus steel, this comparison of Colorbond versus timber fencing is worth a look before you lock anything in.

Time The Work To Reduce Costs And Disruption

You can often save by planning asbestos removal and new fencing around other works on site. For example, align it with:

Demolition, earthworks or retaining wall construction
New builds or extensions where access is already open
Quiet trading periods for commercial sites to minimise lost revenue

One coordinated mobilisation of machinery, bins and crews usually costs less than several small, disjointed visits.

Integrate Fencing With Other Property Improvements

For developers and commercial owners, batch work where possible. Long continuous runs of similar fencing, shared boundaries completed in one go and combined retaining and fencing stages can bring sharper per metre rates.

For homeowners, consider tackling boundary fencing at the same time as driveways, landscaping or pool installations. You avoid reworking finished areas, reduce double handling and end up with a cleaner finish for the same or less total spend.

The goal is simple, spend once on quality, low maintenance fencing and avoid paying for the same boundary again in a few years.

Legal, Safety And Compliance Considerations In Perth

As soon as asbestos fencing is involved, you are not just picking a new fence style, you are dealing with regulated hazardous material and building rules. If you want a smooth project and no nasty letters from authorities or neighbours, you need to treat the legal and safety side as seriously as the quote.

Key Regulations That Affect Asbestos Fence Replacement

In Perth, asbestos removal and new fence installation sit under a mix of health, environmental and building requirements. In practical terms, that usually means:

Licensed asbestos removal for most significant fence jobs, especially where sheets are damaged, extensive or near public areas.
Approved transport and disposal at licensed facilities, with correct packaging, labelling and documentation.
Compliance with building codes for the new fence, including structural integrity, footings, wind load and boundary placement.
Height and boundary rules that vary by property type and location. For residential sites, it is worth checking a resource such as fence height regulations for Perth homeowners before you lock in designs.

If you are managing a strata, development or commercial site, you also carry duties around worker safety and public protection during the works.

Safety Protocols During Asbestos Removal

A compliant asbestos removal job follows strict on site controls. At minimum, expect:

Site isolation, barriers, tape and clear signage that keep the public, staff and neighbours away from the work area.
Personal protective equipment for all workers, including respirators and disposable coveralls suited to asbestos work.
Low dust methods, no dry cutting or grinding, careful handling of sheets, and measures to prevent breakage.
Containment and clean up, plastic sheeting where needed, controlled wrapping of waste, and thorough decontamination on completion.

These controls protect everyone on and around the site. They are not optional extras a compliant contractor can skip to shave the price.

Compliance For The New Fence

Once the asbestos is gone, the focus shifts to building compliance. For Perth properties, that often includes:

Respecting height limits on side, rear and front boundaries.
Meeting pool safety rules for any fencing that forms part of a pool barrier, which can be supported with resources like this guide to glass pool fencing styles and safety.
Using suitable materials and footings for local soil and wind conditions, especially on exposed sites or retaining walls.
Keeping gates, openings and visibility lines compliant where driveways and public footpaths are involved.

A good fencing contractor will design and install with these rules in mind so you are not asked to modify the fence later.

Why Compliance Protects You

Cutting corners with asbestos or fencing rules can lead to fines, forced removal work, disputes with neighbours and, more importantly, health risks. When you use licensed professionals who follow the right processes, you gain:

Confidence that your site is safe for family, staff and visitors.
Documentation that shows asbestos was handled and disposed of correctly.
A new fence that satisfies local rules, avoids council issues and supports your property value.

Peace of mind is part of the job. Treat asbestos removal and fence compliance as non negotiable, and the rest of the project becomes much simpler.

Conclusion And Next Steps

By this point, you know asbestos fencing is not just an eyesore at the back of the block. It affects health, legal responsibility, long term maintenance costs and how your property presents to buyers, tenants and customers. Leaving it “for later” usually means higher risk and higher cost.

Informed decisions save you money, time and stress. When you understand how removal works, what drives pricing and which fencing options suit Perth conditions, you are in a much stronger position to brief contractors and reject vague or flimsy quotes.

Your Practical Next Steps

If you are ready to move from research to action, use this simple checklist:

Get a professional assessment from a licensed asbestos contractor or fencing company that understands asbestos removal, not just new installations.
Request detailed, itemised quotes that clearly separate asbestos removal and disposal from supply and installation of the new fence.
Confirm compliance, ask how they handle permits, notifications, disposal and building code requirements for your fence type.
Choose a long term fence solution that fits your priorities, such as Colorbond for privacy and low maintenance or aluminium slats for airflow and a more open look, using guides like top fence styles for Perth families as a reference.

Whether you manage a single home, a development or a commercial site, treat asbestos removal and new fencing as one coordinated project. The goal is simple, remove the risk, install a durable, low maintenance boundary and avoid doing this twice.

If you want help scoping the work and running the numbers, you can start with a no obligation quote and practical advice from a specialist fencing team through tools like the Colorbond fencing calculator and quote request.

You do not have to live or work beside ageing asbestos fencing. With the right information and the right contractors, you can clear it out safely, upgrade your boundaries and protect the people who use your property every day.