Exterior noise and sound can be quite irritating, whether in a residential or commercial area. Noise sources can come from neighboring homes, traffic noise, pool pumps, HVAC equipment, and nearby commercial spaces. If you cannot completely isolate the sound within an enclosure, insert a sound barrier into the direct path of the sound to block your backyard noise. This may not completely block the sound, but will disrupt the direct path of the sound into the open area. In some cases, you may wish to contact a local acoustical consultant for a site survey.
Building a DIY Sound Blocking Fence with AudioSeal® Sound Blankets
If there is an existing wooden or chain link fence, you can install exterior grade absorber-barrier blankets to block your backyard noise. The combination sound blankets have a barrier backing and an absorptive face to provide sound absorption as well 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’ association.
AudioSeal® Exterior Sound Blankets (ABBC-13EXT Sound absorption with a barrier layer) installed over an existing fence:
AudioSeal® Exterior Sound Blankets (AQFA-10EXT sound absorption only) in use for HVAC enclosure:
Building a DIY Sound Blocking Fence with AudioSeal® Sound Barrier
As an alternative to the exterior sound blankets, the AudioSeal® Sound 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 top edge and working down. Screw planking tight per illustrations below.
Typical Configuration: Planks / Barrier / Posts + Horizontal Studs / Planks
AudioSeal® Barrier on Fence:
Completed composite fence structure:
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.