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Step 1
Know that weight matters. Noise engineers say the best weapon against sound is mass, so when you buy a noise barrier look for something heavy. Fences that serve as a sound barrier frequently have thick tongue-and-groove boards, nailed to heavy rails, held up by heavy posts.
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Step 2
Study acoustics. The design of a noise barrier you buy can determine what happens to the sound waves. A simple wall may block the noise, but a different design might reflect much of the sound back to the source. Height is important too, since your barrier will do little good if too many of the sound waves are passing over the top.
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Step 3
Watch out for gaps that will let noise through your barrier. Holes, slits and cracks can undermine its effectiveness. Pay special attention to how each panel of the wall fits together to make sure the joints are snug, as well as to the bottom of the noise barrier you buy.
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Step 4
Consider aesthetics. Decide whether you want the barrier to fit in with the surroundings. Most barriers can be hidden by vines or other vegetation.
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Step 5
Look at natural noise barriers. Perhaps a dune-like hill between you and the source of the noise would work. A row of dense trees, like pines, can often provide a noise buffer as well as an environmentally friendly solution. You’ll have to wait until they grow to an appropriate height to be effective, but the eventual result could be more pleasing than a manmade noise barrier you might buy.
