Temporary fencing is commonly used in construction and outdoor events to create a secure perimeter, manage crowd control, and protect against unauthorised access. Recently, however, temporary fencing has also been used in noise barrier projects, often as a framework to support noise-dampening sheets or panels. While this practice may seem cost-effective and convenient, there’s debate about whether temporary fencing is a suitable and sustainable solution for noise reduction.
The Appeal of Using Temporary Fencing in Noise Barrier Projects
Temporary fencing is favoured by contractors for several practical reasons. It’s readily available, affordable, and easy to set up and move, making it a flexible solution for construction sites that need quick noise control. Here’s why it’s often chosen in noise barrier projects:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Traditional noise barriers, such as permanent walls or heavy-duty structures, can be costly to install and remove. In contrast, temporary fencing is an inexpensive option that doesn’t require significant investment, making it appealing for short-term projects with limited budgets.
- Flexibility and Mobility: Temporary fencing can be quickly assembled, dismantled, and repositioned, allowing construction teams to adjust the noise barriers as the project progresses or as needs change. This adaptability is particularly useful for projects that involve moving equipment and constantly shifting work zones.
- Ease of Installation: Temporary fencing is designed to be simple to set up without specialised equipment. Construction sites often have tight deadlines, so the quick installation and removal make it a time-efficient solution.
- Compatibility with Noise-Dampening Materials: Noise-reducing sheets, made of materials like PVC or acoustic foam, can be easily attached to temporary fencing. The fencing acts as a stable support structure, helping to hold up the noise barrier sheets around the site perimeter.
While these benefits make temporary fencing an attractive option, questions arise regarding whether it provides an effective, durable, and sustainable noise reduction solution.
The Limitations and Drawbacks of Using Temporary Fencing as Noise Barriers
While temporary fencing is widely used in noise barrier projects, it has several limitations. Its use may sometimes be more of a short-term “fix” than a robust solution, especially in high-noise environments or prolonged construction projects.
- Limited Noise Reduction Capacity: Temporary fencing alone doesn’t provide any noise reduction properties. Without additional materials, it has minimal impact on noise levels. Even when noise-dampening sheets are added, the fencing’s lightweight structure may not provide sufficient mass to block or absorb sound effectively, especially for lower-frequency noises.
- Structural Instability: Temporary fencing is designed for quick assembly and short-term use, so it may not withstand prolonged exposure to harsh weather, strong winds, or heavy vibrations. Over time, noise barriers attached to temporary fencing may sag, tear, or collapse, reducing the effectiveness of the barrier. Additionally, this can pose safety risks, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
- Durability Concerns: In many cases, temporary fencing isn’t designed to support heavy acoustic materials. When high-density noise-dampening sheets are attached, the fencing may struggle to bear the weight, which can affect both the structural integrity and the noise reduction quality.
- Environmental and Sustainability Issues: Temporary fencing and the accompanying noise barriers are often made from materials that are difficult to recycle, like PVC. After project completion, these materials may be discarded, contributing to waste. Furthermore, the need for frequent replacements due to wear and tear can increase the environmental footprint of these materials.
- Unreliable Noise Control: Noise control effectiveness varies based on the design, placement, and quality of materials. If temporary fencing isn’t properly secured or installed in an optimal location, the noise barrier sheets may not perform as intended, allowing noise to “leak” through gaps or move over the barrier. For effective noise control, precise placement and stable support are essential—something that may be challenging with temporary fencing.
When Temporary Fencing Can Be Used Effectively
Despite its limitations, temporary fencing has a role to play in noise reduction—if used thoughtfully and supplemented with additional measures. In the right context, temporary fencing can be a useful and effective tool, such as:
- Short-Term or Small-Scale Projects: For smaller projects or construction activities that last only a few weeks, temporary fencing with noise barriers can be an economical choice. If the noise impact is moderate, these barriers can provide reasonable noise control without the need for long-term investment.
- Supplementary Barrier to Existing Structures: When used as a supplementary barrier—placed alongside buildings, walls, or other existing structures—temporary fencing with noise barriers can help further reduce noise spread. In this context, the fencing doesn’t bear the full responsibility for noise control, which can mitigate its limitations.
- Adding Height to Existing Barriers: In some cases, temporary fencing can be used to increase the height of an existing noise barrier, such as a wall, allowing it to reduce sound more effectively. By attaching noise-dampening sheets above an existing structure, contractors can boost the barrier’s overall effectiveness without relying solely on temporary fencing for structural support.
Alternatives to Temporary Fencing for Sustainable Noise Barriers
For projects with longer timelines or more significant noise concerns, there are sustainable alternatives that may be more effective and durable. Here are some options to consider:
- Modular Acoustic Panels: Modular acoustic panels are specifically designed for noise reduction and can be easily installed and relocated. These panels are often made from recycled or sustainable materials, providing a more eco-friendly option compared to single-use noise sheets on temporary fencing.
- Reinforced, Reusable Barriers: High-quality noise barriers made from reinforced materials are designed for long-term use and can be reused across multiple projects. These barriers are more durable and often feature modular construction, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
- Living Walls and Natural Barriers: For projects with a green focus, natural barriers, such as hedges or “living walls” made from plants, provide a visually appealing and eco-friendly alternative. Though they don’t offer as much noise reduction as engineered barriers, they contribute to environmental sustainability and can be particularly effective in lowering noise levels.
- Sound-Dampening Blankets and Panels: Purpose-built sound-dampening blankets or panels are more effective for noise control than standard temporary fencing. These solutions often incorporate dense, eco-friendly materials and provide better noise absorption, especially when combined with durable support structures.
Final Thoughts: Weighing Cost, Convenience, and Effectiveness
Temporary fencing can be a helpful addition to noise barrier projects when used in the right context. However, when applied as the primary solution for large-scale or long-term noise reduction, it may be a less effective, less sustainable choice. Ultimately, the decision to use temporary fencing for noise barriers should consider the project’s duration, noise intensity, and the environmental impact of the materials involved.
In conclusion, while temporary fencing offers a quick, cost-effective solution, it’s best viewed as a supplementary tool for specific situations. For projects with strict noise control requirements or sustainability goals, exploring more robust noise mitigation solutions is worthwhile.
Hebei Jinbiao is a leading company in Noise Barrier products and Fencing products in Singapore. We guarantee to provide you with the most high-quality Sound Barrier and Fencing products along with our dedicated assistance. Do not hesitate to contact us. We are looking forward to helping you solve your noise issues, safety issues and protecting you from noise pollution as well as ensuring your safety.