A noisy environment can be stressful and accompanied by health problems like anxiety, insomnia, and even hearing loss. Why would we want this for ourselves? Some people have beautiful backyards and look forward to the moments when they can relax and unwind.
Morning coffee by the pool or reading a great book while lying in a hammock sounds like heaven. However, the sound of traffic can quickly disrupt your peace if you live in a busy area. What if the sound of traffic continuously travels to your yard, and your sound barriers aren’t helpful?
You might feel like your tranquil environment was instantly taken from you. Habitual noises are common in the suburbs of a big city. But there is no need to stay in the house. You can find a solution and have your yard back in no time.
Most solutions to this problem require the use of the appropriate fence. If the right wall is chosen, it should have an immediate impact on the noise reduction in your backyard. I’ll also be giving suggestions on how to shield traffic in other ways by using products like these:
So, if you’re interested in ways to block traffic sounds, here are my recommendations to give your peace and serenity back to you.
How to Reduce Traffic Sounds in My Backyard?
We all love a beautiful cozy backyard. But it’s disruptive when the unpleasant sounds from the street interrupt your tranquility. Of course, it’s completely impossible to eliminate all noises because you’re outside.
However, there are ways to seclude yourself from the noise. This way, you can enjoy the solitude of your backyard. Isolation will allow you to create a quiet space using water and vegetation as a shield. Read on if you’re interested in how to eliminate the sound of traffic from your yard.
Pick Your Soundproofing Defense
Soundproofing is all about using the right products and materials. Here are two techniques to combat your backyard traffic noise:
- Sound Deflection
Deflection is the most practical way to ”terminate” the backyard sounds.
The deflection concept allows the sound waves to travel away from your backyard and back to its source. I know this may sound cool and convenient, but all the noise will not bounce back to the car that created it.
The amount of sound that is sent back will be determined by your choice of blockades and its density. For example, soundwaves that hit brick walls do not travel, but the sound is sent back to its source instead.
However, sounds could go over a fence if the source of the noise is more elevated. Fortunately, there are many DIY noise-canceling alternatives to help you soundproof your backyard. But first I’ll teach you the basics so you can choose the right product.
- Sound Attenuation
Sound attenuation is a standard and more simplistic way of creating a serene yard. Attenuation blockades will absorb the sound instead of deflecting it. It helps to decrease the energy of sound production.
Attenuation and deflection are both needed because they both interact with sound differently. Choose according to your preference in material and price range.
The Advantages of a Barrier
Now that you’ve been informed on the importance of barriers lets look at some advantages that will help you combat the noises more effectively.
Height– The fence of your yard should be over 2 meters high to prevent noise from crossing over. If the barrier is taller, the source of the sound will be shielded more effectively.
Dense Fence– A fence’s density is very crucial because too much flexibility contributes to vibrations. Of course, if you live in an environment where the noise is tolerable, a large stone wall would be unnecessary. However, the closer you are to a larger fence, the better.
Coverage– After you’ve considered a high fence make sure that coverage is next on the list. An adequately covered barrier starting from the bottom, without cracks and gaps will prevent sound from leaking underneath.
Sound Proximity– Place the barrier or blockade in as proximity to the noise as you can.
Fences
A fence is probably the first thing that most people would think of to use as a barrier. When choosing a wall, consider its qualities like material, height, and coverage. A wooden fence would be useful if the traffic sounds aren’t that disruptive.
However, walls like stone and brick are perfectly suitable for shielding your yard from louder noises. Another crucial point is to remember to cover all gaps to prevent outside sounds from leaking in. Some people believe that if you can see the source of the sound, then you will most certainly hear it as well.
In other words, you should treat your fence like a street barrier that is being used to cancel unpleasant sounds away from your yard.
Also, before you start building, remember to check your local regulations for your fence’s height. Since there are a variety of barriers, I’d like to give you information on both their advantages and disadvantages:
1.Brick Walls
- It creates a noise reduction by up to 50%.
- It’s sturdy and durable, so the mass of the wall will help soundwaves from traveling across.
- Brick walls are expensive to make.
- Installation is a long process.
- Aesthetics
2.Acoustic Fences
- It decreases noise reduction by up to 50%.
- Less expensive than a brick wall.
- Simple and convenient installation.
- Aesthetically pleasing.
- Metal and timber fences are the least costly.
3.Shrubbery Fences
- It is long-lasting when given proper care.
- Thicker fences block noises better.
- Inexpensive
- Can be hazardous in fire-zones or fire-prone environments
- Aesthetics could conflict with modern home designs
4.Hedge Fences
- Beautiful
- Plants are an optimal solution to health, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Requires proper treatment and care.
- Creates noise reduction by up to 25%.
- sound is only lessened when the plants are mature.
5.Metal Fences
- Fast installation
- Reasonable prices
- Metal fences are more robust than wooden ones.
- Not favorable among strong winds.
- Can get ruined easily.
- Not practical
- Aesthetics
6.Wooden Fences
- Fast installation
- Reasonable prices
- Metal fences are more robust than wooden ones.
- Not favorable among strong winds.
- Can get ruined easily.
- Not practical
- Aesthetics
Utilize Water
- 34 1/2" high x 15" wide x 17" deep. Holds approximately 1.5 gallons of water. Weighs 32 lbs.
- Built-in LED lights in two lower water basins for night illumination. Lights are on all the time when pump is on.
- WATERFALL FOUNTAIN: Tabletop water fountain is the perfect addition to your décor. Interior pump keeps the water flowing — just plug it in!
- RELAXING WATER FLOW: Water cascades down to mimic the sounds of a real waterfall, adding peaceful ambiance to your home or yard
Use Plants as a Barrier
Final Thoughts About Soundproofing Your Backyard
By installing a new fence and planting vegetation, you can treat it like a home project. You might even enjoy it. Gardening could be a hidden talent, who knows! Fortunately, there are many tips above that you can use to get started on ridding those annoying traffic sounds for good!
Hopefully, using these tips will bring you the tranquility that you desire in your backyard. These techniques will not only help you shield your yard from traffic sounds but create a peaceful and harmonious vibe as well.