Having problems with noise? Your neighbours or the surrounding traffic trouble you? How should you go about this? Just leave it? Let the noise grow on you, sort of, or purchase earbuds to have a good night's sleep? You could choose this path. You could also take a look at alternatives, such as installing a new fence. A new fence? Yes, the installation of a new fence can help with noise reduction. Therefore, without further ado, let's find out what is the best fence for noise reduction.
Usually, when we talk about steel fencing, we start talking about tubular steel fencing, as this is one of the most widely used and popular fencing solutions in Melbourne, without a doubt. However, when it comes to noise reduction and appropriate fencing for it, we are going to go down a different path.
When you intend to install a fence that you wish to act as a sound or noise barrier, you need to remember that mass dampens sound the best. Consequently, this is the reason why we are not talking about tubular steel fencing or chain link fencing as preferred fencing solutions for noise reduction. The fencing that is intended to block the road sounds or your neighbours having a loud Sunday BBQ has to be heavier than other fencing styles that have been installed just for aesthetic or security fencing purposes.
Another factor to consider when choosing a fence for noise reduction is the height of the fence as height is the key element when it comes to blocking the sounds. If your fence is not high enough, the sound waves can travel above it. Hence, even if you have chosen the appropriate fencing style, you need to have the appropriate height. However, there's another factor to consider and that is talking to the powers (municipality). Why is it important? In some cases, you will need a permit, depending on the circumstances. You do not want to get in a dispute for installing a fence. You may face financial losses! Therefore, it is a smart decision to do your homework before any fence installation takes place.
Now, we have given you some tips on what to pay attention to before the installation of a new fence for noise reduction. Let's take a look at your fencing options.
Let's start with an option that does not include the installation of a new fence, in case you already have an existing one. It is an installation of an acoustic fence wrap that will make your fence soundproof. What is acoustic fence wrap? It's a 100% Australian designed and owned material that is installed on top of your fence and can reduce the noise up to 70%. It has other good qualities, including being UV tolerant, paintable, water-resistant, washable and when you decide to remove it, also recyclable. For example, you can also install the wrap on top of Colorbond steel fencing
to make it more soundproof.
If you have a light noise problem, then Colorbond steel fencing can do the job at reducing it. We talked about the height of the fence previously. Therefore, if you are allowed to install a fence up to 2.4m in height, then the Colorbond steel fence with that height can effectively act as a noise barrier. However, if you are allowed to install a higher fence, you will need to have thicker sheets of Colorbond steel. Also, doubling the layers of the Colorbond steel fencing improves fence’s acoustic properties.
Colorbond acoustic fences are an option that can be considered. These fences have an enhanced design that has double skin galvanized steel and variation of wall thicknesses.
One of the other options is modular fencing. It looks similar to Colorbond steel fencing. However, the price is higher than for the Colorbond steel fencing. Nevertheless, modular walls offer good soundproofing qualities that have been proven by the testing of the National Acoustic Laboratory of Australia. For example, the SlimWall modular fence reduces the noise on average by 20 dB and the VogueWall modular fence by 25 dB. One of the additional differences with the Colorbond steel fencing is also the convenience. Modular fencing panels need a post-installation finishing, requiring more time and effort to have a finished product when Colorbond steel fencing does not. However, when it comes to noise reduction purposes, modular walls are a way to go.
Not so obvious, yet creative and beautiful fencing option to reduce the
noise is the bamboo. Having a bamboo hedge can act as a noise reducer as plants have a softer texture when compared to metal fencing. Therefore, they can absorb and diffuse the sound. Bamboo plants grow very quickly and they can form a dense mass that can act as a privacy screen on top of the noise reduction screen.
We have provided you with some examples of fencing solutions for noise reductions. Which one is the best? The answer is not that simple. In addition to your financial capabilities and how much are you willing to pay for your new fence, you need to consider the following factors when it comes to the installation of a new fence for noise reduction:
- The distance from the sound source to the fence.
- The distance from the house to the fence.
- The type of noise (trams, trucks, music, etc., and frequency).
- The intensity of the sound.
- The allowed height of the fence.
The above are just a few of the factors to consider. If you do not have the answers, then contact our fencing experts who can give you advice on the fencing solutions offered by Diamond Fence that can help with noise reduction.
Call us on (03) 9753 4566, shoot us an email on info@diamondfence.com.au or just get a FREE online quote.
