Everyone wants to enjoy their backyard without noisy neighbors or loud traffic, but sometimes that is easier said than done. Luckily, we at Quality Cedar Products have the perfect solution. We produce high-quality sound barrier fencing that allows our customers to enjoy quiet.
There is no better feeling than having a great-looking fence, but one that creates a sound barrier is an added benefit any homeowner would love. Whether you are building your new fence or have hired a contractor, we can walk you through how to make a sound barrier fence.
Quality Cedar Products can meet all your cedar board needs. This blog is informational only and not a replacement for expert advice. Please consult a professional before starting any building project as your needs and specifications may vary and it may not reflect the most current building codes, regulations, or industry standards.
What is Sound Barrier Fencing?
Sound barrier fencing helps eliminate and reduce unwanted sounds around your property. These types of fences are often thick tongue-and-groove boards that, together, produce the sound barrier effect.
These fences are becoming increasingly popular, but how do they work? Sound barrier fences work to cover the line of sight because if you can see what is exerting noise, you will still hear it.
The fence serves as an obstacle, so it stands in the way of the direct path, diffracting it. The soundwave will take a different path because there is something in its way, the fence. A higher fence will create a more significant angle, resulting in a better noise barrier.
Quality Cedar Products has worked hard to make Canada's most effective and affordable sound barrier fencing products. The cedar boards we produce have a carefully-graded tongue and groove and are finished to 2-⅛" thick and 5-½" wide. Our acoustic sound barrier fencing is just what you need to finally enjoy a sense of serenity in your home or office.
Is Sound Barrier Fencing Worth it?
If you constantly hear the dog down the street bark, loud traffic driving by at all hours, or enjoy the peace, sound barrier fencing is worth it. The best thing is that these acoustic sound barrier fences work by reducing unwanted sounds.
Not only does this type of fence reduce the noise level, but it also provides privacy from neighbors allowing you to act freely in the backyard. Another benefit is it will not stick out like a sore thumb; you can pick materials and styles that blend in with your surroundings and look great. A sound barrier fence can genuinely add to the beauty of your home. Next, we'll go over how to build a sound barrier fence in your backyard.
Should You Learn How to Build a Sound Barrier Fence or Leave it to the Experts?
You have decided that a sound barrier fence is the perfect new addition to your home, but there is one problem. You need to figure out where to start when it comes to how to build a sound barrier fence. There are two options: do it yourself or hire a professional.
The DIY approach will require you to learn how to make a sound barrier fence yourself. We've put together a step-by-step guide below in case you choose to go this route.
However, it could be very time-consuming and require a lot of effort to do on your own. If you read through the steps below and find them intimidating, it may make more sense to leave it to the professionals. Let's go through the steps to building a sound barrier fence.
How to Build a Sound Barrier Fence: Step-by-Step Guide
A sound barrier fence could become your new favorite thing about your home if done correctly. Let's review each step of how to make a sound barrier fence.
Get Your Materials
Using suitable materials will increase the longevity of your fence. Material options include wood, chain link, brick, and metal. We at Quality Cedar Products suggest our specifically designed cedar sound barrier fencing. We are trusted and affordable and guarantee the highest quality. Once you have decided on the best material, you will need to gather all of your tools.
You will need the following:
Fence panels
Fence posts
4x4's
Exterior screws
Shovel
Level
Eye and ear protection
Gloves
Twine and stakes
Hammer
Saw
Drill and bits
Tape measure
Post hole digger
Gravel
Cement
Planning Your New Fence
You will need to map your plan when deciding how you will build your sound barrier fence. It is essential to research and determine the appropriate height of the fence, to maximize its sound barrier effects. You will also need to make sure it is tall enough to block the source of the noise. Note that the closer the fence is to the noise source, the better the barrier is. Also consider your neighbors, if you have any, by confirming where your property line ends. This will ensure that you are not crossing into theirs.
Construction of Your Fence
Once you have secured your materials and determined the most effective placement of your sound barrier fence, it is time to build. When constructing your fence, there must be very few gaps, which will help prevent sound from seeping through.
Make sure the cedar boards are placed tightly together for the best results. As mentioned, you want to ensure your fence is at the correct height and close to the noise source. This means that while building your new fence, you will want to make sure it is closest to the road, for example, if that is where most of the unwanted noise is coming from.
Before you begin, check with your community to ensure you do not need a permit to create your fence.
Step 1: Mark where you will be putting the fence. Contact your local utility company to ensure you do not hit any utility lines when digging.
Step 2: Stake out your fence location. Using your hammer, you will want to hammer the stakes deep into the ground for stability. You will then use your twine to outline the area of the fence.
Step 3: Start digging your first fence post-hole using your post-hole digger. Your community may have requirements for the depth of your hole. If they do not, it is suggested to dig about half the length of the post and three times as wide.
Step 4: Start digging all of your other post holes. You want each post to be about eight feet away from the other.
Step 5: Add your base fill by pouring in your gravel while the tape measure is extended into the hole. Stop once the gravel hits about 4 inches and repeat around all fence posts.
Step 6: Set your fence posts in concrete by filling each hole with dry quick-set concrete about 3-4 inches, and once all holes are filled, you will add fresh water on top of the concrete.
Step 7: You will need assistance with this step. Place fence panels between two posts, and ensure they are touching both posts but not causing them to spread. Use a blocking below the panel to raise it to the correct height.
Step 8: Attach the fence panels to the post using screws. You will want to drive the screws through the panel and into the fence posts. Continue doing this for the remaining posts and panels until your fence is complete.
Tips for Maintaining Your New Fence Over Time
Once you have learned how to build a sound barrier fence and properly install it, it is time to enjoy it. After all that hard work, you will want to maintain it properly. Let's go over a few tips to help keep your fence looking its best over time.
Starting with Installation
The best way to start maintaining your new fence is to make sure it is correctly installed at the beginning. Whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, you will want to set the support poles and boards correctly. It is also suggested to avoid placing the poles in concrete to prevent water drainage around them.
Sealing Your Cedar Fence
Every three to five years, you will want to apply a waterproof sealing to your fence. Like a stain, it will prevent water damage and warping and protect the wood from splintering. This can be applied using a paintbrush, and two thin coats usually do the trick.
Wash Your Fence
Keeping your fence looking brand new is by keeping it clean. This is not something that needs to be done daily, but between seasons is a great time to do so. A power washer is a very effective way to remove any dirt buildup.
Do this on a sunny day and early in the morning, as you will want to ensure enough time for the fence to dry to prevent mold growth. If the fence does not dry out, the moisture gets trapped in the wood, which leads to early deterioration.
Make Repairs When Needed
Inspect your fence every once in a while to determine if any damage has happened. During your inspection, you may also find that screws are missing or loose, causing boards to become unsafe or even causing them to break.
Once discovered, you should fix this right away. If your area experiences bad weather, be sure to walk around your fence line as soon as it is safe. Debris could fall onto the fence, and strong winds could cause wobbly boards to shift. Whether an issue has arisen from bad weather or a screw needs replacing, you will want to catch it earlier rather than later.
Staining Your Cedar Fence
After your fence has been installed and sat for several weeks allowing it to dry, consider staining it. Applying a stain will help protect the cedar material from damaging UV rays and water damage, which will prevent your fence from deteriorating quickly. There are many staining options, including transparent choices, that allow you to keep the natural color of the cedar if desired.
Final Thoughts on How to Make a Sound Barrier Fence
Learning how to make a sound barrier fence may be the final puzzle for making your house feel like a home. It provides more privacy and tranquil living while looking great. In addition to understanding how to build a sound barrier fence, you must choose the most suitable material. This can be daunting for a homeowner, but that is where we come in.
Located in Ontario, Canada, we have become the #1 choice regarding quality cedar products. Our customers know they can come to us with their lumber needs. The cedar boards used for making a sound barrier fence have been crafted meticulously to meet government specifications to help create peace of mind during installation.
We offer a wholesale lumber program that allows you to order large quantities of lumber and saves you money. We are confident that our trusted and affordable products will meet your expectations. So confident we promise 100% satisfaction guaranteed, or we will take the product back.
Quality, for many people, is the most crucial factor when choosing your material for any building project. Quality is in our name for a reason, and we guarantee you will have the best lumber every time. We make sure this happens by personally sorting & grading all of our cedar products to ensure the highest level of quality control is maintained. If you aren't satisfied when we deliver or run into a problem during a project, we will make things right.
Quality Cedar Products would be happy to assist you in finding the perfect lumber products for your next project. Visit our website to order your lumber and view the other products we have to offer. We have the best products for any job, including sauna cedar materials, cedar dimensional lumber, and red cedar decking.
Quality Cedar Products does not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information provided in this blog post. The reader is solely responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented. Any reliance on the information is at the reader's own risk. Quality Cedar Products is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage that may occur as a result of following the suggestions, tips, or recommendations provided in this blog post. Building projects involve inherent risks, and it is essential to exercise caution, obtain proper permits, and engage qualified professionals to ensure safety and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The inclusion of external links, references, or recommendations in this blog post does not constitute endorsement or guarantee the quality, reliability, or suitability of the linked sources. The reader should independently verify the information and assess its relevance to their specific circumstances. The author reserves the right to modify, update, or remove the content of this blog post at any time without prior notice. It is recommended to check for the most recent updates or consult with professionals to ensure the information is current and applicable. By reading this blog post, the reader acknowledges and accepts the above disclaimer and agrees to use the information provided responsibly and at their own discretion.