Most people accept that noise is a part of everyday life. However, there’s only so much of it one can be expected to endure. An occasional loud vehicle passing by during the weekend is a nuisance. Where constant noise which keeps one awake at night dramatically reduces people’s overall quality of life. Noise barriers are a great way of ensuring that sound is kept below a point which would become uncomfortable. However, there’s five main reasons why noise barriers are so important.
1. It’s the most convenient option
One can dampen noise in one of two ways. A sound wall or sound barrier is one option. However, some people start out by using earplugs. This can work as a temporary solution. However, it’s not really viable long term.
The biggest issue is that earplugs shield one from sound, not just noise. People have a sense of hearing for good reason. When someone dampens all sound it means being unaware of everything in the environment. This does include annoying noises. However, one is also oblivious to things like smoke alarms, crying babies or other matters which do require urgent attention. A sound wall or barrier only shields one from sound past a certain point. He or she can still remain aware of sound within the interior of that area.
2. Eliminating sound rather than reflecting it
Some forms of sound reduction work by essentially reflecting or rechanneling sound. This can work in some situations. However, one of the strengths of a true noise barrier is that it can work by absorbing sound waves. This means that the noise is being dealt with rather than simply redirected. This can also serve to eliminate sound before it needs to be dealt with on an individual level. For example, highway noise barriers can block the sound of traffic. This is in comparison to every house near the highway needing to do so.
3. Sound barrier panels can provide further benefits
Another benefit of noise barriers is that one can keep modifying them to fit any given need. For example, one might have a situation where the noise level in an area has increased. Additional sound barrier panels can be placed to further block sound waves which have made it to the back of the barrier. This is in contrast to something like a brick or concrete sound wall. In those instances the level of protection is fairly static.
4. Fighting weather conditions as well as noise
Most noise barrier walls are also highly resistant to weather conditions. The barriers are usually resistant to rust, weather and most environmental issues which would damage traditional concrete barriers.
The barriers also help reduce noise associated with weather conditions. For example, anyone who’s experienced a hail storm can attest to the amount of noise which can come with it. Some types of barriers would actually increase overall noise levels as a result. However, this is the exact opposite case with noise barriers. The barriers are strengthened against damage from environmental conditions. And at the same time they can be counted on to act against noise from weather conditions as well.
5. Easy to move into different locations
One can imagine the difficulties involved in moving a large concrete wall. However, this is quite different to what one finds with noise barriers. Despite the fact that noise barriers protect against sound they’re usually quite lightweight. In fact, they can often be deconstructed and quickly moved to new locations. This is further aided by the fact that the barriers detract animal habitation. As such there’s much less need to consider the impact on local wildlife when modifying a barrier.
