Acoustic Curtains – what are they and why do you need them?

The last 10 years has seen a dramatic rise in the number of construction projects as the government pushes to build new and upgrade old road and rail infrastructure – often straight through many of our local suburbs. This not only causes traffic delays but for those who live or work in close proximity to these projects they are often subjected to irritating and some cases sleep depriving noise.

With increasing pressure from impacted residents and workers, councils are beginning to crack down on construction noise and these high impact projects now require the builder to provide a Noise and Vibration Management Plan (NVMP).  Acoustic Curtains or as they are otherwise known, Noise Reduction Barriers have become an essential element on construction projects and building sites to mitigate the noise pollution emanating from their site while ensuring they remain compliant and allow for their noisy works to continue – even after hours.

Even smaller residential or domestic projects are seeing the value in helping to keep the noise down on their sites and ultimately keep their neighbours happy.

How do they work?

Site HQ’s Acoustic Curtains are constructed from a thick, durable vinyl. Constructed using both sound reflecting and absorbing vinyl matting, with added acoustic felt, which reduces sound reverberation. This combination of material creates an effective, lightweight yet flexible barrier that can be attached to temporary fencing, permanent fence or scaffolding products using heavy duty cable ties. On the vertical edges of the barriers there is overlapping velcro which ensures that they seal tightly together and prevent noise passing through. Depending on the frequency of the noise, these barriers can reduce up to 38dBA of airborne construction or machinery noise escaping the site. One thing to note, is that once installed these acoustic curtains create a solid surface with zero permeability, so to ensure your fence doesn’t topple over in the wind and remains compliant with AS 4687, a significant amount of support bracing and counterweights will be required. If you are at all unsure about what counterweight bracing you may require, our team at Site HQ would be happy to help you.

So, if you are looking to reduce the noise on your site and ensure you adhere to council regulations, while also keeping your neighbours happy.  Talk to Site HQ, we would be happy to assist you and let’s help protect people from the harmful effects of prolonged construction and machinery noise. Give us a call on 1300 748 347 today.