Building a soundproof or noise control fence is relatively easy. Soundproofing a redwood or cedar fence is always the best and those are the type of fences we will be talking about in this article.
If you are constructing a new fence, the first order of business would be to set the posts in concrete footers. Once the 4" X 4" posts are set in concrete then you would nail in the 2" X 4" cross members. Now you have a complete fence structure and you are ready to install the Mass loaded vinyl. Mass loaded vinyl is a high-grade vinyl that is impregnated with barium salts and silica to give it mass. The MLV comes in rolls and is generally 4' or 4 ½' wide on the roll. The weight of the MLV is either 1 Lb per sq ft or 2Lbs per sq ft.
MEMBRANE
The vinyl would be stapled or nailed to the fence structure. It is best to use a plastic cap stapler for this application, but an in industrial stapler or nail gun would work. I recommend that that you install the MLV horizontally like a membrane across the fence structure. I always recommend over lapping the MLV wherever possible. The next step is very important, you will want to caulk all seams and all over lapped areas as well as caulking around the perimeter of the MLV membrane with acoustical caulking. This helps to seal all seams and maintains the STC value of the MLV at the seams and over lapped areas.
Once the MLV is attached and sealed, it is recommended that the fence slats be nailed up directly over top of the MLV membrane. This will help to protect the vinyl from the elements. For the aesthetic look many people will apply slats to both sides of the fence. This helps to protect the MLV for the weather and also gives the fence a refined look on both sides.
If you already have a sturdy redwood or cedar fence constructed, then it is just a matter of stapling up the MLV membrane to the existing fence and caulking all of the seams as well as the perimeter with the acoustical caulk. Once the MLV membrane is sealed, it is recommended that you once again slat over top of the MLV to protect it from the elements. The MLV is a weatherproof material, but anything over time and exposure will degrade, by adding slats to cover the MLV you protect it from the weather and it will last for many years to come.
Finally, some of my clients have used a combination of the MLV and a product called America mat closed cell foam on the inside of their noise control fences. The America mat adds sound absorption as well as sound blocking to the fence. The America mat will add to the cost of your fence but it will also help with the soundproofing.
For more information on a soundproof or noise control fence, call the experts at Soundproofing America Inc. Thanks for reading and learning about noise control fencing.
Soundproof Bob.
1 comments:
Screw the new slat into the brackets of the top and bottom rail using screws and your screwdriver. Apply adhesive to the slat and the brackets and clamp the slat onto the top and bottom rails for at least an hour. fence construction
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