What to Consider When Installing a Sound Barrier Fence

Maybe you live in a quiet residential neighborhood that abuts a busy highway, or maybe you installed a noisy HVAC system that makes a ton of noise when it kicks on. Perhaps your neighbor has taken up drums and the music is keeping you up at all hours. Or perhaps you live right in the middle of the busiest section of the city. Whatever the case, you can’t get any peace and quiet for all the noise!

There may be a solution. Have you thought about installing a sound barrier fence? This is one of the most effective ways of preventing outside noise from invading your property. Dense masonry materials such as brick, stone, and concrete are best as sound barriers, and that may work for along highways, but in a residential setting, you need something more affordable and realistic.

Wood is often the best choice in this case.

Factors to Consider

For optimal noise exclusion, you need to have as few gaps in the fence as possible so the sound can’t get in as easily. In fact, there should be no spaces between the boards. A “tongue and groove” construction is a good idea here, to ensure a snug fit. There shouldn’t be any gaps at the bottom of the fence either.

Think about the height of your fence. Sound waves will pass easily over a short fence, so yours should be tall enough to block as much sound as possible. Good rule of thumb is: if you can see the source of the noise, you can hear it as well. Consider local ordinances, though, before constructing a very tall fence.

If you already have a standard fence but want to add sound retardant qualities, you can use materials like sound blankets or mass-loaded vinyl, which you would apply between two layers of fencing.

Decibels

Your sound barrier fence should reduce outside noise by between eight and 10 decibels. Ambient noise clocks in at 60 to 70 decibels (the dim sound of a conversation) but with prolonged exposure to noise more than 70 decibels, hearing loss can occur. Another solution to blocking out noise would be to add ambient sound, such as a fountain or other form of white noise that can trick your mind. Alternatively, you could plant trees or bushes at the edge of your yard to not only block sight but to dampen sound as well.

In the end, your best bet is to install an effective sound barrier in the form of a fence designed for that very purpose. You will be glad you did when you can actually relax in your own home and not hear the sounds of your neighbor’s roosters or the cars zooming past on the highway.

Contact Alamo Decks and Fence

If you’re interested in learning more about our sound barrier fences and the benefits they bring to commercial and residential applications, contact us at 210-880-9899 for a free quote.