pools pumps and heater

[bworkie]

My neighbor just installed two air conditioning units, a pool heater, and two pumps on a cement slab four feet from a six foot fence than runs along our property line. The noise is loud enough to be troublesome and I doubt that our neighbors will cooperate so I think the fence is my only solution. It is a solid fence but has vertical one by sixes with 1/4 inch gaps. The good side is to the neighbor so I can side my side. If I use tongue in groove PT I could  make my side solid.  Any other suggestions? There would be a couple inches of free space between the sides.  What could I fill it with? Also How far would I have to go with it.  The equipment is about 8 feet long and the fence goes 60 feet. Would plants help and if so what kind? I really don't have to kill the sound, just knock it back some. So any percentage estimates for noise reduction would be useful.

[joel]

hi bworkie,



Any noise barrier fence you do would need to be at least 8' high.   Do your local codes allow that? Here is a link to "noise barrier guidelines" article that will help answer most of your questions: http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/CUTS/noise/noiseb.htm  And here is some general info on air conditioner (see outside units info) that may be usefull for your neighbor http://www.soundproofing.org/air_conditioner_soundproofing.htm



We have had customers who incorporated MLV into their fence designs with good results.



Joel

[mvoelker]

Don't assume you can't work with your neighbor. Last year I asked to pay for a bark control collar for my neighbor's dog - acutally, I sent her a check. She tore it up and bought one herself.
In this case you may be able to offer to pay half the cost, as it will benefit your neighbor as well.
Then again, some neighbors are beyond reason.

[joel]

Use MLV as a barrier.  If you want to both absorb and block sound then use the closed cell vinyl nitrile foam - it is available up to 2" thick which would fit nicely into existing space on your side.  For info on pricing see http://www.soundproofing.org/sales/prices.html