6 Things to Consider When Installing a Sound Barrier Fence
If you live near bustling traffic, in a busy neighborhood, or next to a noisy neighbor, you may have considered a sound barrier fence to shield you from all the commotion so you can enjoy peace and quiet in your own backyard. For the most effective sound barrier fence, Mossy Oak Orlando has all the tips and tricks you need for ultimate noise protection.
1. Choose the right material.
When people think of noise-canceling fences, their first thought is usually a thick concrete wall because of its density. Although this may be true, a solid stone wall is not always a practical option for residential homes and it won’t look too appealing, either. If done right, wooden fences are still very effective in blocking out excess noise and they’re much more doable for the average house. This is because natural wood is highly capable of absorbing and dampening incoming sound waves.
2. The taller, the better.
If you could visually see sound waves, you could easily understand why it’s necessary for a fence to be tall enough to effectively block out noise. A fence that is too short will not be able to catch these waves as they glide over the top without any obstructions. Just make sure the height of your fence complies with local laws and guidelines. Twelve to fifteen feet is the recommended height for an effective sound barrier fence, but it’s always best to double check what is allowed for your location.
3. Mind the gap.
Think about holding water in a cup. Even the smallest crack is enough to render the vessel completely useless. The same goes for sound waves in the sense that any gaps in your fence will allow the means for noise to pass through. For a true sound barrier, your fence should be a privacy fence void of any sort of gaps or cracks. Pressure-treated wood fences can help in preventing splits that happen from gradual wear and tear.
4. Don’t forget the bottom.
Talking about gaps, we also mean the space along the bottom of the fence. Even if you have the best privacy fence in the neighborhood, sound can still pass through if the fence isn’t completely flush with the ground. A trained and licensed contractor will ensure that the bottom of the fence is completely closed off even if the ground in question isn’t 100% level.
5. Use other elements to your advantage.
In regard to dampening sound waves, the thickness of your fence and the overall mass of your barrier are crucial. You can use other elements to add to the mass of your wall such as plants which will also give your yard a colorful and natural feel. Additionally, you can insert your own sources of white noise to directly combat outside noises. This can be done with running water fixtures or wind chimes.
6. Mass-loaded vinyl rolls.
An easy way to add more mass to your sound barrier fence is to line it with mass-loaded vinyl. These come in rolls that you attach to your fence for extra dampening as they’re made with padding specifically for this purpose. If you have any left over after applying it to your fence, the rest can be used in the house itself such as in the ceiling or walls.
Order Your Sound Barrier Fence Today!
Want to enjoy a quiet and peaceful yard? Call Mossy Oak Orlando at (407) 900-2940 for a free estimate on a sound barrier fence! We have so many wooden privacy fences to choose from in various styles that you’re sure to love.