Acoustic Enclosures Could End Your Noise Headaches

Acoustic Enclosures and Barriers for External Noise

External noise can make homes, workplaces and outdoor spaces less comfortable. Busy roads, railway lines, plant equipment, machinery, construction activity and nearby commercial sites can all create unwanted sound that travels across boundaries and into buildings.

Acoustic enclosures and barriers can help reduce outdoor noise when they are specified and installed correctly. The right solution will depend on the noise source, site layout, distance from the affected area and whether sound is also entering through the building itself.

What Are Acoustic Enclosures?

Acoustic enclosures are designed to contain noise close to the source. They are often used around machinery, plant equipment, generators, pumps, compressors, extraction systems and other equipment that produces regular or high levels of sound.

By enclosing or partially enclosing the noise source, acoustic enclosures can help reduce the amount of sound spreading to nearby rooms, properties or external areas.

What Are Acoustic Barriers?

Acoustic barriers are designed to interrupt the path of sound between the noise source and the area being protected. They can be used around gardens, boundaries, commercial yards, plant areas, roads, railways and industrial sites.

Acoustic fencing and barriers can help reduce direct sound travel where there is a suitable location for the barrier and the site layout allows it to work effectively.

Road Traffic Noise

Homes and businesses close to busy roads can be affected by cars, lorries, buses and motorbikes throughout the day and night. Where there is space between the road and the property, an acoustic barrier may help reduce some of the direct traffic noise reaching the building or garden.

The performance of a road noise barrier will depend on its height, mass, continuity, position and how well it blocks the line of sight between the noise source and the receiver.

Railway Noise

Railway noise can include passing trains, braking, announcements, vibration and station activity. Acoustic barriers may be suitable in some locations where a property or site is affected by rail noise.

As with road traffic, the barrier needs to be designed to interrupt the sound path. Gaps, low sections and poor positioning can reduce performance.

Machinery and Plant Noise

Machinery and plant equipment can create noise that affects staff, neighbours, nearby residents and adjoining businesses. This is common around commercial sites, factories, workshops, warehouses, plant rooms and external service areas.

Depending on the source, suitable solutions may include acoustic enclosures, barriers, acoustic doors, wall soundproofing, vibration control or treatment around service routes.

Acoustic Barriers for Homes and Gardens

Outdoor noise can affect gardens, patios, driveways and the rooms closest to the noise source. Acoustic fencing or boundary barriers may be suitable where the aim is to reduce sound from roads, railways, neighbouring businesses or nearby activity.

For best results, the barrier should be continuous, appropriately positioned and designed to suit the noise source. Lightweight garden fencing or barriers with gaps will usually provide limited acoustic benefit.

Acoustic Gates and Boundary Openings

Openings in a barrier can reduce its overall performance. If a boundary includes a gate or access point, this should be considered as part of the acoustic design.

Where suitable, acoustic gates or carefully detailed barrier openings may help maintain better noise reduction while still allowing access.

When Internal Soundproofing May Also Be Needed

External acoustic barriers can help reduce some outdoor noise, but they may not solve every problem. Sound can still enter a building through windows, doors, external walls, roof spaces, vents and small gaps around the property.

If noise is mainly affecting indoor rooms, internal soundproofing may also need to be considered alongside external barriers.

Wall Soundproofing for External Noise

If outdoor noise is entering through external walls, wall soundproofing may help improve the acoustic performance of the affected room.

Wall soundproofing products can help reduce airborne noise transfer through suitable wall constructions in homes, offices and commercial buildings.

Soundproof Doors and Weak Points

Doors can allow external noise to enter a property, especially where they are lightweight, poorly sealed or exposed to a noisy area. Gaps around frames, thresholds and door edges can all reduce acoustic performance.

Soundproof doors, acoustic seals and suitable threshold details can help reduce sound leakage through doorways and support a wider noise reduction plan.

Windows, Vents and Other Openings

Windows and ventilation routes are often weak points for external noise. Older glazing, poorly sealed frames, air bricks, trickle vents and service penetrations can all allow sound to enter, even where external barriers are used.

These areas should be assessed before deciding whether an external barrier, internal soundproofing or a combination of both is most suitable.

Soundproofing vs Sound Absorption

Soundproofing and sound absorption are different acoustic solutions. Soundproofing helps reduce sound passing from one area to another. Sound absorption helps control reflections, echo and reverberation within a space.

For road, rail or machinery noise, the priority is usually soundproofing or barrier-based noise control. Sound absorption may also be useful where internal reverberation needs to be controlled.

Choosing the Right Acoustic Enclosure or Barrier

The best solution will depend on the source of the noise, the level of reduction needed, the position of nearby properties and the physical layout of the site.

Important factors include barrier height, density, position, gaps, access requirements, weather exposure, maintenance and whether sound can travel around or over the treatment.

Soundproofing Products for Wider Noise Control

Outdoor noise control may need to be combined with other soundproofing measures. Acoustic Supplies offers a wide range of soundproofing products for barriers, walls, floors, ceilings, doors and acoustic treatment in domestic, commercial and industrial environments.

Get Help with Acoustic Enclosures and Barriers

If road, rail, machinery or outdoor noise is affecting your home, workplace or commercial site, Acoustic Supplies can help you explore suitable acoustic enclosure, barrier and soundproofing options.

Call Acoustic Supplies on 01204 548400 or contact the team online to discuss your noise control project.