No one wants to be labelled a noisy neighbour, and nothing dampens a festive mood more than a noise complaint! Beyond entertaining noise, sometimes kids playing in the pool or backyard can create commotion. Rest easy knowing that you’re not disturbing (or being disturbed by!) your neighbours! Alternatively, you might be dealing with noisy neighbours: keep reading for our top tips to minimise excess noise and create a peaceful outdoor sanctuary.
1. Consider backyard layout
Understanding noise source and type is crucial when designing the layout of your backyard or outdoor space. Entertaining noise will typically include a combination of vocal noise and music.
A wall or fence is arguably the fastest solution to reduce sound transfer between properties by providing a physical barrier.
However, it’s vital to consider the placement of the barrier in relation to the noise source. If the wall or fence blocks the line of sight from the noise source, it should provide considerable noise attenuation. Typically, the higher the wall or fence, the more acoustic privacy it will provide*.
Remember that noise can bounce off hard surfaces (like pergolas and balconies).
Find out more here.
2. Choose the right noise barrier
As Shaynna Blaze says, “Great fences make great neighbours,” and with ModularWalls’ range of walls and fences with proven acoustic attenuation, it’s now easier than ever to achieve instant acoustic privacy.
Did you know that noise moves in straight lines for the first 10 metres and then shifts to vertical waves?
In an outdoor setting, creating a soundproofed area is impossible. However, it is possible to reduce the chance of sound from entering (or escaping) your outdoor space by choosing a sound-reducing fence or wall – and that’s where ModularWalls can help.
Tested by the National Acoustic Laboratory of Australia, ModularWalls’ range of products offer a 20-25+dB noise reduction on average – while also providing a sleek, contemporary finish. Our proprietary AcoustiMax® technology is available across all residential wall styles, designed and engineered to create more acoustic privacy than standard fence solutions. In fact, brands like McDonald’s, KFC, and Woolworths trust our walls so much that they use them extensively to reduce noise for nearby residents.
SlimWall® is a premium fencing solution that combines quality and value and is the most slimline ModularWalls fence available. TrendWall® is a high-performer, and features corrosive-resistant aluminium posts (perfectly suited to coastal and poolside applications). VogueWall® is our masonry-alternative and closely mirrors the dimensions of a rendered masonry wall but with unmatched design versatility, while EstateWall® is our most robust masonry-alternative for those who want to make a grand statement.
3. Add greenery
Nature has its own way of reducing noise, and incorporating greenery can perfectly complement your noise-reducing fence or wall.
Hedges, shrubs and trees both absorb and deflect sound waves. Remember to mix your plant types, as different types of leaves reduce different kinds of noise.
Not only will the additional greenery help absorb sound, but it will also enhance the aesthetics and serenity of your outdoor space.
4. Seal gaps and openings
Even the most powerful noise-reducing fence or wall can be compromised if gaps or openings exist. On installation, ensure your fence or wall sits flush with the ground. While slats and other design features look great, remember that this may compromise noise reduction benefits.
Noise can infiltrate any openings, so inspect your wall or fence regularly and seal any gaps with weatherproof materials.
5. Select speakers wisely
Whether you wish to drown out noisy neighbours or ensure you’re not a neighbourly nuisance, selecting the right outdoor speakers for your needs is vital. Choosing speakers with smartphone connectivity or automation makes it possible to control the sound with the touch of a button. Set automatic controls like reducing the volume at a particular time each evening or programming an automatic shut-off time.
Alternatively, if you wish to enhance the sense of tranquility in your outdoor space, use your speakers to add soothing sounds like running water or white noise to distract from noisy neighbours.
6. Add ambient sounds
Finishing touches like firepits and water fountains can create a peaceful ambience. Adding these features help your space feel like an outdoor haven – enjoy your space without worrying about disturbing (or being disturbed by) your neighbours.
Noisy neighbours? No worries
Don’t just take our word for it. Find out why our customers love ModularWalls for their sound-reducing properties.
Gab chose TrendWall® for her pool and boundary fence, and couldn’t be happier with her choice, sharing:
“What I love about ModularWalls first has to be the noise attenuation. The kids can be carrying on in the pool, squealing and laughing and having fun, and we don’t have to worry about constantly shushing them to be considerate of the neighbours. The neighbours have told us that they have no trouble with the noise and that it’s blocking most of the sound, so that’s really fantastic.”
Similarly, Kate Sparks embarked on a backyard renovation project, brought on by her worry that she, in fact, was the noisy neighbour!
“One of the biggest design factors for me was having something that would block my children’s noise – I have the loudest kids! With the acoustic barrier of the ModularWalls, it was the perfect opportunity to use it as an external boundary wall.”
Darren Palmer reveals the crucial role ModularWalls played in creating his outdoor sanctuary:
“The ModularWalls system creates acoustic and visual privacy and it just gives me this sense of being in my own private little bubble away from the world. The hustle and bustle Bondi is right there, and I feel like I’m in my own private oasis.”
Developers and builders also love ModularWalls for their sound-reducing properties. As lot sizes shrink, the need to maintain acoustic privacy for homeowners becomes increasingly important. Neil Hipwell, Director of Futureflip, shares:
“ModularWalls is awesome, because we can get it up nice and high, get great privacy, and it’s way better sound-proofing than a standard Colorbond fence would offer.”
Don’t be the noisy neighbour.
No one wants to be known as the ‘noisy neighbour’. Ensure the ongoing enjoyment of your outdoor space – and a cordial relationship with your neighbours – by carefully considering your backyard layout, choosing the right fencing solutions and investing in greenery for natural sound absorption.
*The maximum height attainable for the different wall types will be influenced by various factors, including wind regions, soil conditions, topography and shielding.
*Site and noise source specific
