Reduce Outdoor Noise with a Sound Blocking Fence

Reduce Outdoor Noise with a Sound Blocking Fence

As it gets warmer and people emerge from their winter hibernation into the summer sun, noise always becomes an issue. This is especially true when it comes to backyard noise in residential neighborhoods. To solve this problem, you can reduce outdoor noise with a sound blocking fence.

The source of the noise can be cookouts, pool pumps, air conditioning units, young children, or number of other things.

Regardless of whether you’re the one making the noise or the one trying to enjoy some quiet time one yard over, we recommend a sound blocking fence. Also referred to as a soundproof fence, these sound barriers absorb noise and can also block it from transferring between properties.

Specifically, our most commonly used acoustical solution, and the most affordable product for residential sound blocking fences is our PrivacyShield® ABBC-13EXT Exterior Barrier Backed Soundproofing Blanket. Sold by the individual blanket or roll in standard sizes, these products make retrofits to existing structures easy and cost-effective.

Please be sure to verify your structure will comply with local building codes, ordinances, or homeowners’ association.

Case Studies

Reduce Outdoor Noise with a Sound Blocking Fence

Reduce Outdoor Noise with a Sound Blocking Fence

This particular person lived near Philadelphia and installed central air conditioning. Their neighbors complained to the city about the noise levels (notice how close the houses are). She was told she couldn’t use her AC until she got the noise levels below the city ordinance. After discussions she decided to install a stockade fence and line it with AQFA-10 EXT sound absorbing blankets. She expedited the order since it was the week before Memorial Day. After installation of the AQFA-10 EXT material, the AC noise was well under the city ordinance noise limits. She stayed cool and comfortable all summer long!

The next story involves a bank next to a church. The bank installed a new AC system and it was too loud for the church. They weren’t required by law to do anything about the noise, but the business wanted to be a good neighbor. They installed PrivacyShield® Outdoor Absorptive Soundproofing Blankets in the 2″ thick version (this model comes in 1″ or 2″ thicknesses, with an option for 2# psf instead of 1# for the 2″) on the side of the bank building and reduced the noise level to an acceptable level for the church. Even though these panels aren’t supported by a fence, the acoustical treatment is just as effective. During the summer the church was able to open the windows without hearing a constant hum from the bank’s AC unit.

Both of these stories happen to be specifically about outdoor HVAC noise blocking, but this solution would work to reduce outdoor noise of any kind. If the barrier will block the line of sight between you and noise source, it will block the sound as well.

AlphaSorb® AQFA-10EXT Exterior Soundproofing Blanket

Reduce Outdoor Noise with a Sound Blocking Fence

Reduce Outdoor Noise with a Sound Blocking Fence

The AlphaSorb® AQFA-10EXT Exterior Soundproofing Blanket is purely sound absorbing and consists of an exterior grade vinyl coated polyester on both sides of 2″ quilted fiberglass. These sound blankets are constructed with all edges bound and grommets across the top for easy hanging.

Features

  • STC: 19 Rating, NRC: 0.85
  • Standard Width 48″
  • Roll Length 25’

PrivacyShield® ABBC-13EXT Exterior Barrier Backed Soundproofing Blanket

Reduce Outdoor Noise with a Sound Blocking Fence

Reduce Outdoor Noise with a Sound Blocking Fence

The PrivacyShield® ABBC-13EXT Exterior Barrier Backed Soundproofing Blanket is both sound absorbing and blocking, which makes it something we call a “combination blanket”. It consists of a vinyl-coated-polyester-cloth facing encapsulating a 1″ quilted fiberglass that is bonded to a reinforced 1-lb per square foot mass loaded vinyl barrier. These sound attenuation blankets are constructed with environmentally sustainable fiberglass filling with grommets across the top and Velcro® along the vertical edges of the blankets.

Features

  • STC: 30-38 Rating, NRC: .65 – .75
  • Standard Width 54″
  • Roll Length 25′
  • Available Facing Colors: Grey, Black, Tan, Off-White
AlphaSorb AQFA-10EXT Exterior Soundproofing Blanket

AlphaSorb® AQFA-10EXT Exterior Soundproofing Blanket

PrivacyShield ABBC-13EXT Exterior Barrier Backed Soundproofing Blanket

PrivacyShield® ABBC-13EXT Exterior Barrier Backed Soundproofing Blanket


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.