Sound Barrier Screen Wall Solutions​

Screen walls play an important role in land development and zoning requirements across the nation. Most municipalities will require screen walls between residential and commercial properties, around parking districts, industrial sites, business parks, and strip malls. The primary function of a screen wall is to provide privacy, however, they can also serve communities in a greater capacity by mitigating sound transference. 

Most city ordinances will allow the use of brick, CMU block, or concrete in screening applications. Occasionally they will also allow dense shrubbery, wood privacy fencing, or PVC fencing to be used. In the context of sound barriers, concrete and brick will provide the greatest support.

BRICK – CLASSIC LOOK, PROVEN DURABILITY, FOR THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD IT

Brick has long been used in exterior wall applications, revered for its durability and classic colonial look. A typical 4 inch brick wall carries a Sound Transmission Class (STC) of 45, indicating that it is capable of blocking up to 45 decibels of sound. While brick is an excellent material for screen wall applications, the cost to construct can present a problem for property owners who are operating on more modest budgets. Brick screen walls require skilled trades, moderate excavation, and ample time to construct all which contribute to its elevated price tag.

POURED-IN-PLACE CONCRETE – SIMPLE STYLE, WEATHER DEPENDENT WITH EXTENDED INSTALLATION TIMES

Poured-in-place concrete screen walls provide a simple aesthetic that can be adapted to varying grade changes through its custom built form. In general, a 4 inch thick concrete wall will have an average STC of 44-47. Poured-in-place concrete will cost less than brick, however, the time and space it requires to install is significant and highly weather dependent. 

Cast-in-place concrete walls require a spread footing which takes more excavation that can negatively impact surrounding trees and shrubbery as well as limit the usable space of your property by having to keep the entire structure within your property line. The custom built structure used to form the wall will stay in place until the wall is poured and set, which takes time and will be impacted if unsuitable weather conditions prevent contractors from pouring concrete or compromise its ability to cure. Additionally wet-cast concrete is prone to air entrainment making it susceptible to cracking in regions with significant temperature fluctuations or freeze/thaw cycles. These common complications are why precast concrete has usurped much of the market for sound barrier screen walls.

Precast Concrete Wall, Screen Wall, Sound Barrier, Privacy Fence, by Dura-Crete Walls
PRECAST CONCRETE – MODERN LOOK, HIGHLY DURABLE, EFFEICIENT & COST EFFECTIVE TO BUILD

Precast concrete walls are the most efficient sound barrier to install making it the most affordable screen wall solution for sound mitigating applications. A standard precast concrete screen wall, like those manufactured by US producer and industry leader Dura-Crete Walls, carries an STC of 41. Dura-Crete Walls’ unique slat wall design makes shipping and installation convenient and cost effective, and mitigates loss due to on-site construction breakage. This allows property owners and municipalities to mitigate noise pollution and create more peaceful environments without requiring a massive budget or excessive time to do so. 

The Dura-Crete Walls system utilizes dry cast concrete in its forming which has demonstrated absolute resilience to freeze/thaw cycles. It’s also adaptable to any layout, offers various customizations, and has serviced screen wall needs up to 32 feet tall to date. 

 

Overall, it’s helpful that municipal codes allow various solutions for screen wall applications – it’s only to the benefit of property owners. When additional ordinances or priorities are moving you the in the direction of a sound mitigating screen wall, consider the precast concrete wall to be the best balance of durability and affordability providing a simple, modern appearance.