Metal and absorptive sound barriers can both block the direct path of noise, but they handle sound differently. The main difference lies in what happens when sound reaches the wall’s surface.
A solid metal barrier is typically reflective, meaning that much of the sound energy striking the surface is redirected to another area. An absorptive sound barrier is designed to reduce some of the reflected sound energy while still interrupting the direct path between the noise source and nearby receptors.
That distinction matters on highways, industrial sites, schools, commercial properties and other locations where reflected noise can bounce between hard surfaces or travel toward nearby buildings and neighborhoods.
When comparing metal vs. absorptive sound barriers, factors such as reflected noise, durability, site layout, installation requirements and the location of nearby receptors should all be considered before selecting a wall system.
Steel Noise Barrier Solutions Are Often Ineffective
Using metal requires a dense wall that is pliable while still maintaining a seamless design. One benefit of steel is that it can be crimped, bent, cut, and attached in many ways to meet the needs of the job.
The bad part about using steel in this fashion is that it can deteriorate and rust over time. Non-absorptive metal barriers have another flaw beyond lifespan; they can cause the sound to reflect into areas in an unexpected and unpredictable manner.
This can create unhappy neighbors and potential conflicts with any community noise standards, and even more problems than it solves in some cases.
A Sound Absorbing Barriers Eliminates Noise Instead of Reflecting
Sound absorbing panels like the ones created by Sound Fighter® Systems are an excellent option for
- Highways
- Schools
- Industrial Complexes
- Commercial Buildings
And other noise sources that exceed acceptable noise levels.
This kind of sound barriers is created to terminate the noise instead of reflecting it in a different direction.
There are many benefits of using absorptive panels including very good overall noise reduction, ease of installation, and outstanding lifespan; and freestanding portable options are available also.
Absorptive Sound Barriers Offer More Benefits Than Metal Sound Walls
Businesses, school districts, airports, companies with large docking areas, warehouses, manufacturing plants, and places where traffic noise is a problem can significantly benefit from the use of sound absorbing walls like the ones created by Sound Fighter® Systems.
Every panel is 100 percent made in the United States. Another benefit is that the fiberglass wall panels are constructed with a combination of recycled and recyclable materials.
FAQ’s
When is an absorptive sound barrier a better choice than a metal reflective barrier?
An absorptive sound barrier is often worth considering when reflected noise could create problems elsewhere on the site or surrounding property.
A solid metal wall can block the direct path of sound, but a reflective surface may send part of that sound energy back toward equipment, buildings or another barrier. That can become a concern around highways, industrial equipment, commercial HVAC systems and other locations where multiple hard surfaces are present.
Absorptive barriers are designed to reduce the amount of sound that reflects from the wall surface. They can be particularly useful where the goal is to control both the direct noise path and unwanted reverberation.
The right choice still depends on the noise source, barrier height and placement, frequency range, site layout and the receptors that need protection.
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