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Construction Sound Barriers: Why Every Construction Site Should Have These?

 

Construction is a productive activity for businesses. But there’s no denying that it’s a noisy activity. Noise generated from jackhammers, bulldozers, cement mixers, ventilation systems, and generators can lead to lowered productivity, higher levels of stress, and hearing loss among construction workers. However, surrounding neighborhoods can equally be affected by construction noise – it can disrupt their quality of life.

Besides following construction workplace safety OSHA guidelines, construction firms are responsible for managing noise pollution at construction sites. They are also accountable for safeguarding workers as well as the community from the constant noise that’s disrupting their peace of mind.

Fortunately, there are various ways to control construction noise. One such way is to use construction sound curtains to prevent excessive noise from exiting the premises.

 

Construction Sound Barriers Versus Regular Sound Curtains: What’s the Difference?

Both types of sound curtains help block sound. But they are manufactured for different purposes. Construction sound curtains are specifically designed for locations having harsh environments. They are made from quilted Fiberglass or mass-loaded vinyl to withstand rain, wind, debris, and extreme temperatures at construction sites. Having multiple sound-blocking layers, they possess higher durability and aim to block maximum noise.

Depending on the requirement, some construction sound curtains also use fire-resistant materials to achieve added workplace safety. On the contrary, regular sound curtains emphasize on aesthetics with FR materials with more design forward look for rooms, offices, and studios. They are available in a variety of colors, textures, and fabrics. They are usually and weigh lighter than construction sound curtains.

Construction Sound Curtains: Why They Are Important for Construction Sites

Construction sound curtains are effective noise barriers that not only help people working on construction sites but also those who reside near these sites. Let’s dig deeper into why every construction site should have these innovative sound curtains:

Improved communication among construction workers

Effective communication contributes to better collaboration and teamwork among construction workers. It also ensures that all of them understand instructions attentively. But construction noise can disrupt the way team members communicate about task assignments and project progress. Therefore, noise at a construction site is often considered a communication barrier as it might result in missed instructions or potential misunderstandings.

Sound curtains facilitate communication during construction projects by blocking unwanted noise and enhancing auditory clarity. They help supervisors give directives and feedback to workers efficiently. In an audible workplace, it becomes easier for construction workers to speed up the completion of tasks without any delay.

Protecting construction equipment and machinery

Construction noise causes vibrations that affect the longevity of machinery. Due to such vibrations, screws, bolts, and other parts of the machinery begin to deteriorate – thus, reducing the overall quality and performance of the construction equipment. Constant vibration also leads to mechanical damage to gears, bearings, and other parts. This results in frequent breakdowns that require immediate repairs.

Installing construction sound curtains helps reduce the vibrations caused by continuous noise exposure. This further protects the machinery. It also helps in eliminating the need for equipment repairs That way, construction companies can reduce expenditure on machinery replacements and repairs while saving maintenance costs.

Enhancing workplace safety

51% of construction workers have been exposed to construction noise, according to NIOSH. It indicates that many of them might develop hearing impairment if they continue working in a noisy environment without using the right hearing protection. Besides, noise pollution can be mentally exhausting – leading to reduced productivity and an increased chance of accidents and errors.

Construction companies can achieve workers’ safety by incorporating construction sound curtains at the site. These curtains can be the game-changer for reducing noise-induced workplace accidents at construction sites. The quieter environment can also help workers perform construction activities with a higher focus.

Maintaining positive relations with the community

Schools, offices, hospitals, apartments, condos, or other housing areas are called sound-sensitive community structures. If your construction site is located near these, there’s a high chance that construction noise could enter their premises in the form of constant disturbance. The loud noise can equally be annoying for pedestrians.

Construction sound curtains can help limit the level of noise coming from the site. Low construction noise means fewer complaints from the community. It also means that you can complete a construction project in a specific timeframe as you wouldn’t have to deal with any community member’s complaints. Besides, it can contribute to building a positive relationship with the community.

Enhancing the brand image

Whether you own a construction company or you are a construction contractor, installing construction sound curtains at your construction site can be profitable for your overall business in numerous ways. You can showcase yourself as a construction expert who effectively manages construction noise using sound curtains.

Think of sound curtain installation as a marketing strategy. While using construction sound barriers, let the business world know about it via press releases, marketing collateral, and your website. That way, you can improve the brand image of your company. By promoting your business as socially responsible, you can attract clients who might hire your construction services.

Promoting well-being in the animal world

Construction noise goes beyond affecting humans. It impacts animals as well. Animals take the help of sound waves to communicate with the same species, search for food, and protect themselves and their young ones from predators. If the frequency of construction sound is louder than the animal sounds, it can interfere with their communication. It might further affect their survival.

 

Soundproofing a construction site with sound curtains can block noise that can be hazardous to animal behavior. Besides giving a peaceful environment to animals, construction sound curtains are a go-to noise-absorbing option that promotes a sustainable eco-system.

 

The Takeaway

The versatility of sound curtains makes them an effective noise-blocking option in the construction industry. They are a great solution for reducing loud noise in hammering zones and specific areas where steelwork, concrete work, demolition, and excavation take place. Therefore, every construction site should have construction curtains installed.

When choosing construction sound curtains, it’s wise to choose ones made of robust materials such as fiberglass or vinyl. It’s also important to look for ones that offer fire resistance. Once you have successfully chosen and installed sound curtains at your construction site, you’ll be able to take maximum benefits during a construction project.