There are many reasons why homeowners want to install fences in their yards. Although some just want them for privacy and security, fences can serve another purpose. If you live near a busy road or have rowdy neighbors, a fence can be just the ticket to reducing noise in your backyard. The right fence can even make sure to keep in any noises to make sure you’re not disturbing your neighbors. Need help choosing the right fence for noise reduction? We’ve got some tips!
Best Materials
When installing a fence, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is what type of material you want your fence to be made out of. If the primary goal of your fence is to help with noise reduction, the material it is made out of will not only be one of the first decisions but one of the most important.
Any solid fence material is going to be great for noise reduction. This can include wood, composite, vinyl, or even masonry. Although a masonry fence such as brick or concrete blocks may be more expensive or not the aesthetic look you are going for, their density is the most effective against loud sounds because it will help to absorb them before they reach you.
Best Height
As far as height goes when you are trying to reduce the amount of road noise disturbing your yard, the higher the better. The taller your fence is, the more likely it is going to be able to block any unwanted soundsand direct it away from you and your yard. A four-foot fence will not do much for noise control, because it is shorter than most adults’ standing height. In general, if you can see it, you can hear it. The noise will travel over the top of such a short fence and right into your ears.
However, a six-foot fence- or even taller- would be able to block out more noise. Depending on where you live, you may need to conform to any height restrictions your neighborhood and HOA has on residential fences. Building codes in your area may also affect how tall you are able to build your fence.
Best Placement
You may think the placement of your fence doesn’t matter, but it’s actually one of the key factors in noise reduction. The closer the fence is to the source of noise, the more effectively it will be able to block it. If you are dealing with road noise, the closer your fence is to the road (while still staying within your property lines) the better. Your fence being closer to the source means that the noise is bounced back to its source before it has a chance to become a disruption in your yard.
Alternatively, you can also place your fence as close as possible to where you plan to spend the most time. This will help to keep that area quieter because the noise has farther to travel. Just like with choosing the best height, if you can see it, you can hear it. Wherever you place your fence should also take into consideration this rule.
Best Construction
Because of how sound travels, the construction of your fence can go a long way to blocking out noise. Sound travels much like water in that it can move through the smallest of gaps. To make sure you’re getting the most sound reduction out of your fence as possible, you’ll want to ensure it is airtight as possible. This means no gaps anywhere. Your fence should go all the way to the ground and there shouldn’t be any cracks or spaces between your posts and panels. A solid, impenetrable surface will ensure as much noise as possible is staying out of your yard.
Other Ways to Block Noise
Landscaping is another way to reduce noise in your yard. A large tree- or series of trees- create shade in your yard. They can also double as a barrier against noise. You could also create an outdoor living space for entertainment.
The addition of soft surfaces, such as canopies or curtains, around an outdoor hangout space can help reduce noise as well. If you have a covered porch or patio, mesh screens along the sides can create a form of insulation to reduce noise and make the space more enjoyable.
Where To Start
From the fence itself to other ways to block noise, there are many factors to consider when choosing a fence as a noise barrier. With a project like this, whether it is for your residential or commercial property, consulting with a professional fence contractor can be the best first step. They will be able to walk you through the ins and outs of what a project like this would entail and even be able to suggest what fence would be best for you. If you’re considering a fence for noise reduction, Clarksville Fencing can help! Request a quote today!
