It could be argued that the second most important thing a residence needs outside of a safe place to call home is an outdoor area to stay connected to nature. As we continually relearn, being outside is one of the most healthy things we can do for a variety of reasons. The effects of sunlight hitting our skin and entering our eyes and the sights, sounds, and even smells of trees, plants, and other foliage produce deeply rooted biochemical responses that make us happy, more relaxed, and, as mentioned, even healthier. We come from nature after all, to be without it is inherently unnatural.
The problem is outdoor areas for most residences are abutted and adjacent to a lot of “unnatural” activity. Other residences, streets and highways and their vehicles, and outdoor equipment and activity can readily rain on the parade of seeking the calming peace of nature. Most specifically, the noise that all of this generates can turn even the most beautifully manicured and designed backyard into somewhere you don’t want to be.
While it may seem hopeless, there is actually a solution, an acoustical solution. By utilizing soundproofing and sound absorption products and creative techniques, unwanted outdoor noise can be controlled and/or eliminated, allowing for your outdoor area’s atmosphere and experience to deliver its promise.
The Acoustic Tools to Reduce Outdoor Noise: Soundproofing and Sound Absorption
In acoustics, we utilize two distinctly separate techniques to solve our problems: sound absorption and soundproofing. These are often confused because of their naming conventions, but that is easily solved by using synonymous terms. Soundproofing is also called sound blocking, and it’s how we create a shield so that unwanted sound cannot pass. Sound absorption is also called sound control, and it’s how we utilize sound absorbing materials to reduce unwanted echo and reverberation.
When it comes to solving unwanted external noise and sounds in backyards, our primary focus will be sound blocking as we try to outright eliminate those sounds. Additionally, we want to make sure that the sounds we can’t eliminate, as well as the sounds we produce ourselves, are controlled such that unwanted echo and reverb are taken out.
Thankfully, in addition to specific acoustic products and techniques to achieve these aims, there are a host of other creative solutions that fit perfectly with the aesthetic most are looking for when crafting a pleasing outdoor experience.
Create a Sound Barrier Fence to Reduce Unwanted Noise in Your Outdoor Area
Build A DIY Sound Blocking Fence With Outdoor Soundproofing Blankets
Block Your Backyard Noise With a Noise Reduction Fence
If there is an existing wooden or chain link fence, you can install PrivacyShield® ABBC-13EXT Exterior Barrier Backed Soundproofing Blankets to block your backyard noise. The combination sound blankets have a barrier backing and an absorptive face to provide sound absorption as well as block sound. To fit the requirements of your specific application, we can custom-manufacture these blankets.
Blankets are typically manufactured with an exterior grade covering with grommets at the top and bottom for mounting and mating Velcro on the vertical edges to provide a sound seal. You can also use them to surround equipment such as pool pumps or HVAC units.
Please be sure to verify your structure will comply with local building codes, ordinances, or homeowners’ associations.
Reduce Outdoor Noise with a Sound Blocking Fence
They are perfect for the air conditioning compressor scenario as you don’t have to see them, but lining your fence with a bunch of blankets is a solution most won’t jump for. That said, there is a straightforward DIY approach that is aesthetically pleasing while still providing excellent sound blocking: a sound blocking fence.
Build A DIY Sound Blocking Fence With AudioSeal® Mass Loaded Vinyl Soundproofing Barrier
As an alternative to the exterior sound blankets, the AudioSeal® Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) Soundproofing Barrier can be inserted between two layers of fencing to provide a sound barrier with a more elegant aesthetic.
You can mount AudioSeal® Sound Barrier to the existing wood fence every 12″ or so as needed starting across the top edge and working down. Screw planking tight per the illustrations below.
Block Your Backyard Noise With a Noise Reduction Fence
Typical Configuration: Planks / Barrier / Posts + Horizontal Studs / Planks
Block Your Backyard Noise With a Noise Reduction Fence
AudioSeal® Barrier on Fence
Block Your Backyard Noise With a Noise Reduction Fence
Completed composite fence structure
Block Your Backyard Noise With a Noise Reduction Fence
Utilize Sound Absorbing Fabrics and Materials
In addition to sound blocking, sound absorbing materials are very effective at eliminating echo and reverb coming from without and from within. While you can certainly employ acoustic panels on walls and even the ceiling of covered porch areas, utilizing products like AlphaSorb® Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panels, offering an array of aesthetic options to blend into your look, even the simple addition of sound absorbing fabrics covering furniture or a nice outdoor rug will help.
Additional Natural Outdoor Noise Reduction Solutions
If you have a space without a fence or a fence that can’t hold up acoustical materials. You may be able to reduce highway noise with a few natural implementations.
1. Plant a Green Barrier
A green barrier is essentially a fence made up of plant life like shrubs, or a staggered set of trees and shrubbery. While plants are not nearly as effective as sound blocking materials like mass loaded vinyl, placing any kind of mass between you and unwanted sounds will reduce noise. The benefit of a green barrier is the beauty and elegance of foliage that add a deep biophilic atmosphere to your outdoor area.
2. Add Water Features
For all the times we’ve seen fountains, it was likely missed that a big part of their appeal is their ability to mask noise. The bubbling of water in fountains, waterfalls, and small ponds is one of nature’s greatest noises – noises here are positive sounds – and provide soothing relief from negative sounds. Installing even one water fountain, or even a bird bath to attract birds to splash around and create even more organic sounds and visuals, is a great way to help alleviate unwanted sounds from beyond.
3. Employ Noise-Reducing Landscaping
In addition to green barriers, being strategic with landscaping can add further protection from unwanted sounds. Instead of opting for gravel or concrete in garden beds and pathways, choose mulch, as the softer material will better absorb sounds rather than reflect them like hard surfaces.
4. Strategically Place Structures
If you’re planning to add a shed, chicken coop, play place, or other structure in your outdoor area, consider placing it in an area where they are between you and the source of unwanted noise. Since the structures are going to exist anyway for their unique uses, it would be ideal to place them strategically so their mass can help block sounds.
Find the Best in Backyard Noise Blocking Products with Acoustical Solutions
Reduce Outdoor Noise with a Sound Blocking Fence
I’ve made a career out of solving acoustic issues in all kinds of rooms and buildings, including outdoor spaces. There really is nothing more satisfying than the peace afforded by great acoustics, and it can be readily achieved with the right modern materials, products and techniques.
To learn more how to employ sound blocking and sound absorption techniques to severely reduce unwanted outside noise to create a peaceful yard or patio area, don’t hesitate to reach out to me today!
To learn more about how Acoustical Solutions can solve your noise control problems, use our contact form, call one of our Acoustical Sales Consultants at (800) 782-5742, or visit us on the web at acousticalsolutions.com.
I my property backs up to an elementary school. I would like to block the noise of the school and the road in front of the school. I am on a lot that is 45′ wide. I have a 6′ high fence, that might be elevated to 8′. How much would it cost to dampen the noise, so I can have a peaceful retreat?
Hi Tanya, our sound combination blankets would be a great solution for you. Just keep in mind that if the fence doesn’t block your view of the noise source, it won’t block to sound, so it is probably a good idea to elevate it to 8′ like you stated. To get a quote for the materials, we need more information. Please give us a call at 800 782 5742 and speak with one of our architectural reps, they would love to help you out!
how high should fence be?
Hi William,
The fence should block the noise source visually. Beyond that, as high as local codes or aesthetic preference allows.
My AC unit sits outside my bedroom stucco wall. I want to reduce the noise of the unit in my bedroom
Hi Frank, One of our combination blankets attached along the wall behind the unit and a few yards beyond, with the absorptive side toward the unit will help lessen sound transmission.
When the neighbor erected a wooden fence between their house and ours, it reflected highway noise into our yard. What we need is a way to reduce reflection, simply blocking the sound only helps the neighbor, not us. I want to spend time in the yard though, so we don’t want something ugly to look at. Do you have any products that might help?
Hi Sandra,
We have several options that may work for you. Our AQFA-EXT Exterior Absorber Sound Blankets would do the job nicely. Another option would be our Cypress Acoustic Panels. Another option would be our Polysorpt panels.
These are all excellent long term treatments to reduce reflected noise in an outdoor application with different aesthetics and price points. If you would like a quote, let me know the length and height of the fence you want to treat and include your full contact info with address and phone number and I’ll send you the cost for the materials.