| Building a soundproof or noise control fence is | | | | directly over top of the MLV membrane. This will |
| relatively easy. Soundproofing a redwood or cedar | | | | help to protect the vinyl from the elements. For |
| fence is always the best and those are the type | | | | the aesthetic look many people will apply slats to |
| of fences we will be talking about in this article. | | | | both sides of the fence. This helps to protect the |
| If you are constructing a new fence, the first | | | | MLV for the weather and also gives the fence a |
| order of business would be to set the posts in | | | | refined look on both sides. |
| concrete footers. Once the 4" X 4" posts are set | | | | If you already have a sturdy redwood or cedar |
| in concrete then you would nail in the 2" X 4" | | | | fence constructed, then it is just a matter of |
| cross members. Now you have a complete fence | | | | stapling up the MLV membrane to the existing |
| structure and you are ready to install the Mass | | | | fence and caulking all of the seams as well as the |
| loaded vinyl. Mass loaded vinyl is a high-grade vinyl | | | | perimeter with the acoustical caulk. Once the MLV |
| that is impregnated with barium salts and silica to | | | | membrane is sealed, it is recommended that you |
| give it mass. The MLV comes in rolls and is | | | | once again slat over top of the MLV to protect it |
| generally 4' or 4 ½' wide on the roll. The | | | | from the elements. The MLV is a weatherproof |
| weight of the MLV is either 1 Lb per sq ft or | | | | material, but anything over time and exposure will |
| 2Lbs per sq ft. | | | | degrade, by adding slats to cover the MLV you |
| The vinyl would be stapled or nailed to the fence | | | | protect it from the weather and it will last for |
| structure. It is best to use a plastic cap stapler | | | | many years to come. |
| for this application, but an in industrial stapler or | | | | Finally, some of my clients have used a |
| nail gun would work. I recommend that that you | | | | combination of the MLV and a product called |
| install the MLV horizontally like a membrane across | | | | America mat closed cell foam on the inside of |
| the fence structure. I always recommend over | | | | their noise control fences. The America mat adds |
| lapping the MLV wherever possible. The next step | | | | sound absorption as well as sound blocking to the |
| is very important, you will want to caulk all seams | | | | fence. The America mat will add to the cost of |
| and all over lapped areas as well as caulking | | | | your fence but it will also help with the |
| around the perimeter of the MLV membrane with | | | | soundproofing. |
| acoustical caulking. This helps to seal all seams and | | | | For more information on a soundproof or noise |
| maintains the STC value of the MLV at the | | | | control fence, call the experts at Soundproofing |
| seams and over lapped areas. | | | | America Inc. Thanks for reading and learning |
| Once the MLV is attached and sealed, it is | | | | about noise control fencing. |
| recommended that the fence slats be nailed up | | | | |