Does a vinyl fence block noise and sound? This is the most asked question we get from customers. The answer is yes. Vinyl fences can help reduce street noise. Our fences have a proven track record of being the best acoustic fencing in the US. If you reside near a noisy street, the horn-blaring vehicles can be extremely disturbing, especially if you are sensitive to loud noise. Although your house cannot be entirely soundproofed, it is possible to reduce noise transmission by investing in a well-constructed acoustic vinyl fence that covers the property’s perimeter. Out of different sound-barrier fences, our vinyl fence is the chosen best. As per data, a good quality vinyl fence can dampen sound and block the noise up to 75%. A fence can be a well-performing sound barrier when you consider its height, weight, and structure. That’s why Duramax manufacturers use a fencing calculator to build a durable fence that keeps the unwanted noise and ruckus of neighbors and traffic at bay.
Buying a fence is not a spur-of-the-moment decision, and you should know every aspect of the fencing before taking a call. Below is a detailed study to clarify your doubts.
Understanding the benefits of vinyl fencing
Vinyl fences are synthetic building materials made from ethylene and chlorine, commonly known as Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC. The PVC resin and additional special ingredients make our fences extremely durable, strong, and weatherable to extreme weather conditions. Made with 100% virgin vinyl, Duramax Fences are resistant to humidity, moisture, and fire and help to add years to the fence line.
Before you reach out to your family and try convincing them to invest in a vinyl fence, you need to know how beneficial and effective the fence is for reducing noise transmission. Duramax vinyl fence is a plastic-based fence offering many benefits not found in other popular alternatives. Vinyl fences are one of the most notable fence types and are apt for homeowners who have to deal with noise issues.
STC (Sound Transmission Class)
You must know about the Sound Transmission Class (STC) to know how a vinyl fence can block sound. With this measurement, you can assess how efficiently the fence can block the passage of sound waves.
STC ratings range from zero to 100, and the higher the rating it indicates, the greater the sound-blocking capacity. The rating is a scale that helps to measure the ability of the material to obstruct sound waves, and as per data, vinyl fences have STC ratings between 25 to 30 (dB). However, a lot depends on the vinyl fence’s density, height, and thickness, which is why a fencing calculator is necessary. STC rating is not the only factor that can determine the ability of the fence to block noise and sound, so read on to know more!
So, what other factors determine the material’s ability to block noise?
Thick fence walls – Duramax vinyl fences have thicker walls than other alternatives. The thick fence walls can block sound more effectively than thinner materials, as sound waves have difficulty surpassing the thick vinyl fence walls. However, these thick fence walls might be slightly costlier, but if noise control is your goal, then it’s worth investing. Again, the other benefit of having a thicker fence wall is that the fence line won’t warp or sag and will remain sturdy for numerous years without cracking, breaking, or falling over.
Height of the fence – The fence height plays a vital role in its capacity to block sounds and noises. Taller fences work better to soundproof your property than shorter ones. This is because when you install a tall fence, the sound waves diffuse and weaken, traveling far away from their origin. The higher your fence, the more the sound waves get deflected. If reduction of noise pollution is your goal, choose to invest in a tall fence that is minimally 8 feet tall. However, you should consider the fence laws and then make a decision. If you need a fence permit to install a tall fence, get approval from HOA or connect with a professional fence manufacturer like Duramax to customize your fence project.
Type of vinyl fence – The kind of fence you chose can affect the capacity to block sound. A solid fence style is more effective in blocking noise than a hollow vinyl fence. The reason is that the solid fence has less space, and the sound waves cannot surpass easily, which makes this style effective enough to block noise. On the other end, a hollow fence might not be ideal, but you can still enhance its sound-blocking abilities by adding MLV (mass-loaded vinyl) to the hollow space of the fence. The MLV is a material that blocks sound waves and can work well in reducing noise pollution.
Installation quality – How effectively your fence will block the sound is based on the quality of the installation. If you don’t install the fence properly and it has gaps or openings, then sound waves can easily pass through – that’s why installing a privacy fence is ideal. Duramax vinyl fences come in DIY kits, and the installation is like a breeze. By choosing to install a Duramax fence, you save thousands on fencing and labor. Ideally, you can cut back 29% on costs by opting for Duramax vinyl fences.
Type of noise – The quality of noise can also determine the efficiency of the fence. Low-frequency sounds, like those coming from heavy machinery and traffic, are more difficult to block than high-frequency sounds like human speech and music. Combining the fence with additional sound-blocking materials like stone walls and concrete can help if you want to block the low-frequency noises. A thick vinyl fence is enough to block high-frequency noises effectively.
Final Thoughts on fences with soundproofing qualities
Our vinyl fences are great for blocking traffic noise and neighbors’ conversations. However, the ability of the fence to block the sound waves is determined by various factors like height, design, thickness, density, location, and installation.
If you want a fence to block out noises, choose a vinyl fence manufactured by Duramax. Book a free consultation now. Request a quote.
