Installing high-quality fencing around your property can offer many benefits. Fencing provides properties with security, privacy, and shelter. An additional benefit of high-quality composite fencing is its noise-blocking qualities.
This guide will explore the soundproofing benefits of composite fencing and what can be done to improve it.
What is Acoustic Fencing?
Acoustic fencing helps to block external noise from entering gardens by creating an acoustic barrier, making them a more enjoyable place to spend time.
Fences can stop noise by reflecting or absorbing it and will typically have a greater mass than traditional fencing.
Acoustic fencing systems will typically have an interlocking installation system to minimise gaps that sound can travel through.
Composite fence boards are made from reclaimed wood fibres and recycled plastic. They are joined together and moulded with a bonding agent to create the boards.
The plastic that coats the wood fibres creates a weatherproof, waterproof, and noise-reducing barrier.
Acoustic Testing
Ecoscape composite fencing undergoes ISO: 10140-2-2010 testing to determine its acoustic performance.
The sound reduction rate is shown to produce results that reduce sound by as much as 28db.
This is a significant reduction that can make a big difference to the noise levels in a garden.
Why Do People Soundproof their Gardens?
Many people might not understand how necessary soundproofing a garden is. Noise pollution won’t affect all homes, but those that do suffer from it can benefit from high-quality fencing.
Here are some of the main causes of noise pollution that Ecoscape composite fencing can help with;
Roads
Living near motorways or minor roads can be loud at times. Finding a way to block the sound of traffic will allow you to relax in your garden without traffic noise.
Railways
Homes near railways typically get used to the sound of trains passing but doing what you can to minimise this sound can be a big help.
Many rail lines that pass residential areas will have some kind of protection from noise, such as embankments, trees, or other noise-cancelling solutions.
Installing acoustic fencing can work with these other features to greatly reduce the sound of trains passing.
Pets
A high-quality fence will help to minimise the sound of neighbouring dogs. If you live near an area that is popular with dog walkers, a good fence can also limit the noise that enters your garden.
Schools
Schools can be loud at certain times of the day. With hundreds of kids and parents dropping them off in the morning, during break times, and at the end of the day, the large concentration of people can cause considerable noise pollution.
Major Venues
Living near major venues such as concert halls or sports stadiums can be extremely noisy on occasion.
As well as the noise created at the event being held, you will also notice the noise of people walking to and from the venue, as well as increased traffic levels.
Fencing can make a significant difference to the noise that is heard in gardens and homes and can minimise sound transmission from speakers as well as crowd noise.
Other Things to Consider When you Install a Soundproof Fence
The success of using an acoustic fence will rely on more than just the materials and installation. There are other important factors that must be considered, including;
Distance Between the Property and Fence
The distance between the fencing and your home will make a big difference to the noise that can reach the property.
While acoustic fencing might not completely stop the noise, it should help to reduce it significantly. If there is a good distance of around 20 m between the fence and the property, the noise should fade even more by the time it reaches it.
This won’t be possible for all properties, and your garden size will have a big bearing on its success.
The Surrounding Topography
The way sound travels, and the surrounding topography of the area you live will also have a bearing on the success and size of fencing needed to reduce nearby sounds.
Properties located in valleys or dips in the land will see greater success, with sound being blocked more effectively. Smaller fences can still be successful with sound travelling over the property.
In contrast, properties located on a hill may require higher fences to block the sounds that can come from all directions.
Consistent Wind Currents
Wind currents can help sound waves travel. More often than not, the wind is unpredictable, and it is down to pure luck or chance whether your garden avoids this or not.
In some cases, however, there are consistent wind currents that will allow you to plan your fencing.
As well as reducing the sound that enters your property, planning your fencing based on typical wind currents will also help to provide shelter for your home.
Discover More About Ecoscape Composite Fencing
Investing in high-quality fencing will provide significant benefits for your property and garden.
Ecoscape composite fencing is available in a range of colours, including walnut, charcoal, graphite, silver birch, and spiced oak.
The wood plastic composite is made up of 45% recycled plastics, and 55% reclaimed wood fibres.
The wood fibres are saved from landfill, ethically and sustainably sourced, and FSC certified.
The recycled plastic used minimises the production of new plastics and offers an eco-friendly fencing option for conscientious consumers.
Ecoscape Clarity fence boards weigh 5.81 kg and measure 1830 mm x 45 mm x 150 mm.
As well as a range of colours, the dual finish provides a great choice in how you can install the fence. One side of the board has 2 x 63 mm battens, and the reverse has 3 x 38 mm.
The durable, scratch-resistant composite fence boards offer an excellent alternative to a wooden noise barrier fence and won’t rot or splinter.
The boards come with a 20-year warranty and cost £15.31 each. To find out more about the product specifications or to buy Ecoscape Clarity composite fence boards, visit the dedicated composite fencing page.
FAQs
Will an acoustic fence completely soundproof my garden?
No, acoustic fencing will not completely soundproof a garden, but it will significantly reduce external noise.
Correct installation is essential to the performance of high-quality acoustic fencing. The positioning of your fence will also play a part.
Ecoscape composite fencing can minimise external sounds so you can enjoy your outside space by creating a noise barrier around the property.
Noise barriers are also effective in minimising external sounds entering the home by creating an acoustic wall that minimises sound waves. Sound absorption or reflection by acoustic fences will reduce loud sounds that will also fade as they get closer to the property.
Will trees reduce sound?
Yes, trees, hedges, and other plant life can provide an effective sound barrier and reduce sound. The noise reduction obtainable from acoustic fencing can be improved with trees and other foliage, which will increase sound absorption and reduce noise pollution.
Are composite fences better than wooden fences?
If you have an existing wooden fence, it might help to reduce environmental noise, but it will require regular maintenance.
Replacing an existing fence with composite acoustic fence boards should help with reducing noise pollution. Composite fencing will also require significantly less maintenance and last much longer, making it a popular choice in the UK.
Composite fencing is less susceptible to inclement weather conditions that are common in the UK. Extreme weather, such as torrential rain and high winds, does not impact composite as severely as wood fencing.
Is composite fencing effective in noise reduction?
Yes, high-quality composite fencing like Ecoscape’s Clarity fencing range can produce a noise reduction of almost 30db.
Creating an acoustic barrier with composite fencing will significantly reduce external sounds like traffic noise.
While it will not completely cut it out, the correct positioning and installation and planting of trees and other sound-absorbing plant life will reduce soundwaves that will fade even more by the time they reach your property.
Final Thoughts
This article has shown that the proper installation of high-quality composite fencing around a property brings with it significant benefits.
Security, shelter, excellent appearance, and noise reduction are all benefits that make composite fencing a sound investment.
The long-lasting, durable material requires minimal maintenance and is available in a range of colours to match existing composite decking.
The rigorous tests that Ecoscape Clarity composite fencing undergoes ensure high-performance levels in acoustic performance, wind resistance, weathering, and more.
The sound barrier provided by Ecoscape composite fencing reduces backyard noise to guarantee a more tranquil outside area.
Environmental sounds like road noise can be frustrating. Taking the time to explore fencing options to minimise less desirable noises can be a great investment that the whole family benefits from.
