Acoustic Barriers to Environmental Noise

Acoustic Security Barriers

Our timber acoustic barriers can reduce noise levels by as much as 32 decibels in laboratory conditions. They have been successfully installed for a wide range of applications, from highways and trunk roads to railways, housing and schools.

An Introduction to Acoustic Barriers

Our original acoustic barrier, Jakoustic® was first introduced in 2004, featuring our unique ‘tuning fork’ posts, attractive timber construction, and trademark 25 year guarantee. Acoustic barriers are now commonplace in most sectors, and as such, our range includes reflective and absorptive barriers, a lightweight barrier, heavy duty systems which are UKCA marked for road noise reduction, and a range of high security acoustic barriers for data centres, airports, and similar applications. Our range of timber acoustic barriers helps to provide a solution for every noise related problem.

With heights of up to 12m and a noise reduction performance of up to 32dB, our acoustic barriers offer vast potential to reduce the detrimental effects of noise. Our Jakoustic® acoustic barriers and acoustic gates were specifically designed to deliver good noise reduction performance, sustainability and security, and importantly, to blend in with the surrounding environment.

Evidence from studies increasingly suggests that noise pollution can have a detrimental impact on modern living, from house prices, to physical health and well being. The impact of noise is often felt most in busy urban areas or near industrial sites, however, there’s a solution to limiting noise and the damage it can cause to physical and mental wellbeing. Browse our range of acoustic barriers or contact us below for a quote.

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We are the first UK manufacturer of timber acoustic barriers which can UKCA mark both its Jakoustic® Commercial & Highways Reflective system and Jakoustic® Plus Commercial & Highways Absorptive system as compliant with the requirements of EN 14388:2005 relating to Road traffic noise reducing devices. This follows the successful type testing and validation of both systems, including posts, reflective and absorptive surfaces, fixings and installation method carried out by BSI and detailed in its report number 8765852 dated 8th March 2019. 

This landmark achievement allows us to make an appropriate Declaration of Performance in relation to a number of characteristics defined in the ZA annex of EN 14388:2005, in support of the UKCA marking of its Jakoustic® Commercial & Highways barriers as road noise reducing products. 

To request a copy of the Declaration of Performance, please contact our sales team.

Types of acoustic barriers, benefits and principles

Watch our 3D video walkthrough to find out more about the different types of acoustic barriers we manufacture, and how they can be used in and around schools, residential properties, commercial sites and transport hubs.

Acoustic barriers with a 25 year guarantee

All our acoustic barriers are manufactured from premium pressure treated timber and guaranteed for 25 years against all forms of wet and dry rot and insect attack. Browse our range of acoustic fencing and gates below.

Noise mitigation is usually a complex problem, so to ensure that you arrive at the best solution for your specific situation, we always recommend consulting a qualified sound engineer before you make your purchase.

Acoustic barriers features & benefits

High privacy
Security
Low visual impact
Sustainable
Fast installation
Low lifetime cost
Can be stepped or raked to maintain height over most ground conditions
25 year guarantee

Specifying acoustic barriers

When considering acoustic fencing you should take in account:

The location of noise source

The intensity and frequency of the source

The distance from the source to the acoustic barrier

The location of the position or areas to be screened

The density, height and degree of reflection/absorption required the barrier

In addition, our in-house design team will prepare detailed specification drawings and wind loading calculations when required.

Good against noise and good for the environment

Jacksons has achieved certification under the environmental chain-of-custody schemes of both the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) and the PEFCTM (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification TM).

Flexible solutions

Whether you require supply of Jakoustic materials or a full design, manufacture and installation service, our team of experts can offer flexible solutions tailored to meet your needs.

* Jakoustic® laboratory sound reduction of up to 28 dB* Superficial Mass 28kg/m2 ** Jakoustic® Absorptive laboratory sound reduction of up to 32 dB* Superficial Mass 28kg/m2

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Download a digital acoustic barriers brochure

Our digital acoustic barriers brochure contains all the details and specifications for our full range of acoustic barriers. Download your copy here.

Want to learn more about acoustic barriers?

Download our free expert articles

How do acoustic barriers work?

Acoustic barriers work by disrupting the path of sound waves travelling from a noise source. This is done either by sound being reflected off the surface of the acoustic barrier, or being absorbed by the acoustic barrier. The height and location of the acoustic barrier will make a difference to the level of noise reduction and should be decided by a qualified sound engineer or acoustic consultant. Read more about this here.

How much does acoustic fencing reduce noise?

Different types of acoustic fencing vary but timber acoustic fencing can reduce noise by up to 28dB for reflective variants and 32dB for absorptive variants. One of our customers reported a 15-20dB reduction in road noise using a reflective acoustic fence. An acoustic specialist should always be consulted before the specification stage to find the best solution for your site to maximise noise reduction potential.

What are acoustic barriers?

Acoustic barriers are structures that are installed to reduce noise. They are used internally and externally. Jacksons Fencing manufactures a range of external timber acoustic barriers which reduce noise either through reflection or absorption.

What are the types of noise barrier?

There are many types of noise barrier including timber, concrete, metal, brick, acrylic/Perspex, gabion walls, and earth bunds. When choosing a type of noise barrier you should consider the aesthetics, footprint, sustainability, and quality of the barrier in relation to cost.

Does acoustic fencing really work?

Yes, acoustic fencing is designed and constructed in a specific way to reduce noise by blocking sound waves either by reflecting them back or absorbing them. Acoustic fencing is entirely different to normal timber fencing as it must have a surface mass density of at least 10kg/m2, be imperforate, and generally be a taller height than garden fencing. A typical timber fence has a mass of around 4kg/m2 and does not provide an effective barrier to reduce environmental noise.

How thick should an acoustic fence be?

An acoustic fence should be at least 20mm, ideally 25mm thick in all areas to ensure it provides effective noise reduction.

Can acoustic barriers help with light pollution?

Light pollution can be classified into four categories. One category, light trespass, is excessive, artificial light that is allowed into areas not intended to be lit. Acoustic barriers can help with light trespass. Acoustic barriers are usually very tall and by nature they are solid and opaque, so they can physically block or redirect light from sources such as streetlights, headlights, or industrial lighting. This can reduce the spread of unwanted light into residential areas or natural environments.

Certain materials used in acoustic barriers can also absorb some amount of light, particularly if the barriers are designed with surfaces that minimise reflection. This can help reduce the overall light levels in the immediate vicinity of the barrier.

So, while acoustic barriers aren't specifically designed for light pollution, they can indeed contribute to its reduction when strategically placed to control both noise and light.

Discover more about acoustic barriers

We have an extensive library of content covering the top queries about acoustic fencing, including an in depth explanation about the different types of acoustic fencing, and what the difference is between an acoustic fence and a normal fence. If you would like to find out more about our domestic acoustic fencing offering, read our blog post.

How do acoustic barriers work?

Find out what makes sound barriers different from normal fencing and how they reduce noise.

What's the difference?

Absorptive and Reflective Acoustic barriers

There are two main types of acoustic fencing, absorptive and reflective, find out what the difference between them is.

acoustic barriers

The most common questions

How does acoustic fencing work? And what kind of sound reduction can you expect? We find out here.

Timber Acoustic Fencing

View our Latest Acoustic Case Studies

Click here to view some noise reduction projects our acoustic fencing has been involved in from high security to education facilities.

Acoustic Fencing Options
  • 12k Envirofence®: 12k Envirofence is ideal for projects where the need is for a barrier that meets with minimum superficial mass requirements. While it has not been subject to laboratory testing, 12k Envirofence offers a cost-effective solution for situations where lower level of noise reduction is acceptable in applications subject to low to moderate wind loads. Its timber construction provides an attractive natural appearance that is appropriate for housing developments, schools, parks, and light commercial properties.
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  • Jakoustic® Reflective Acoustic Barrier: The original Jakoustic barrier. Our Jakoustic Reflective barrier is particularly effective in reflecting noise away from its face by employing heavy section planed timber boards with deep interlocking ‘v’ tongue and groove joint, coupled to tuning fork posts that clamp the boards together to eliminate gaps that sound can easily travel through.
  • It offers up to 28dB* reduction in noise, it has been designed to for faster installation times on site and can accommodate changes in site levels or profile.

  • Jakoustic® Absorptive Acoustic Barrier: The Jakoustic Absorptive barrier takes the proven Jakoustic Reflective design of heavy section planed timber boards with deep interlocking ‘v’ tongue and groove joint, coupled to tuning fork posts and adds an absorptive layer of a mineral Rockwool fibre and protective membrane to one side of the barrier.
  • It offers up to 32dB* reduction in noise, it has been designed for faster installation times on site and can accommodate changes in site levels or profile.

  • Jakoustic® Commercial and Highway: Jakoustic Commercial & Highway barrier system has been designed for commercial and highway applications, providing the same level of noise protection as the original Jakoustic reflective and absorptive barriers.
  • Interlocking timber ‘V’ boards are affixed to galvanised steel I-beam posts for strength and rigidity, meeting not only stringent Highways Agency standards BS EN1794-1 and 2, but also ideally suited for application in exposed locations subject to high wind loading. The system is available in reflective or absorptive, with matching capping, counter rails, and timber cladding to posts to further enhance its appearance.

  • Trident® Jakoustic® 2: Trident Jakoustic 2 system is of a dual layer construction comprising a single facing of interlocking ‘V’ timber boards, lined with a layer of steel mesh to 1.70m above ground, with 3 rows of barbed wire on top. The interlocking ‘V’ coupled to a tongue and groove eliminates gaps even when boards shrink and expand with changes in the weather. NPSA (CPNI) approved.
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  • Trident® Jakoustic® 3: Trident Jakoustic 3 represents the ultimate in timber security barrier systems. It is of a sandwich construction comprising two facings of interlocking ‘V’ timber boards, lined internally with a layer of high security steel mesh to 2.28m above ground, with concertina barbed wire on top. NPSA (CPNI) approved.
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  • Jakoustic® Class 3: Jakoustic Class 3 is an acoustic fence which has been approved to LPS 1175 C5 (SR3), F1, and G1, products certified to these standard resist experienced and determined attempts at forced entry using a wide range of tools.
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