How Much Does Acoustifence Cost?

Last Updated on January 20, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Acoustifence is an increasingly popular soundproofing solution used to reduce noise pollution from traffic, construction, and other loud environments. But how much does installing an Acoustifence cost? In this comprehensive article, we’ll provide an in-depth look at Acoustifence pricing and the factors that influence it.

Highlights

• Acoustifence costs $20-240 per square foot installed, benefiting from bulk discounts on larger projects
• The expense is justified for significantly noisy areas, outperforming simple privacy fences
• Key price factors include materials, size, installation labor, and custom upgrades
• With professional installation, expect to invest $2,000-8,000 for most residential Acoustifence projects
• While not cheap, Acoustifence can reduce noise pollution by 50% or more, enhancing the quality of life

How Much Does Acoustifence Cost?

The cost of Acoustifence can range quite a bit, with most residential installations averaging $20-$240 per square foot installed. The total cost depends on the type of material used, the size of the project, additional features, and professional installation expenses.

Basic Acoustifence panels typically run $20-40 per linear foot. This includes standard sound-blocking materials and simple steel or wood posts. For a 6-foot tall fence, figure $120-$240 per linear foot installed.

With high-end materials and involved custom installation, costs can reach $60-100 per linear foot, or $360-$600 for a 6-foot fence. However, most residential projects fall in the $150-$300 per linear foot range.

Always get quotes from multiple fencing contractors, as prices can vary. Provide your desired fence height and length to get accurate per linear foot installation estimates.

While not the cheapest soundproofing option, Acoustifence delivers worthwhile noise reduction that can offset its price premium.

Acoustifence Pricing Vs Other Sound Barriers

Compared to basic wooden privacy fences which cost $15-25 per square foot, acoustifence is 20-50% more expensive on average due to its noise-blocking technology. Acoustifence also costs more than single-layer materials like mass-loaded vinyl or acoustic blankets.

However, it is comparable in price to high-end soundproof windows or multiple layers of drywall, while taking up less space and being easier to install. For significantly noisy environments, Acoustifence can be a cost-effective outdoor sound barrier solution.

What Is Acoustifence?

Acoustifence is a branded noise barrier product made by Acoustiblok, Inc. – a Tampa, Florida-based company that specializes in high-end soundproofing solutions.

Founded in 1998, Acoustiblok offers a wide range of sound insulation materials for commercial and residential use. Their patented Thermablok technology uses layers of specialized proprietary compounds and polymers to block unwanted sound.

Acoustifence represents their customizable outdoor noise barrier product, available as fence panels, wall sections, or stand-alone acoustic barriers. It combines their thermablok sound absorption material with rugged UV and weather-resistant outer facings.

Acoustifence panels feature a proprietary acoustic core material called Acoustiblok, sandwiched between heavy-duty 1/8” aluminum panels on each side. This neutralizes and dissipates noise through the fence construction before it transmits any further.

The multilayer design, density, and isolation of the audio-absorbing inner Acoustiblok layer gives Acoustifence superior noise-blocking capabilities compared to other exterior barriers or standard fences.

Acoustiblok Inc. offers custom Acoustifence installations through their national network of certified dealers and installers. This includes a site analysis, customized barrier design, material procurement, permitting if needed, and professional installation.

Acoustifence utilizes a multi-layered construction featuring sound-absorbing materials like fiberglass and mass-loaded PVC vinyl between durable exterior facings. The decoupled inner layers help block and absorb noise rather than simply reflecting it.

In residential areas, Acoustifence is commonly used as a backyard sound barrier to reduce noise from nearby roads, railways, or commercial sites. For commercial applications, Acoustifence can border outdoor equipment, generators, and other industrial machinery to contain noise pollution.

Factors Influencing Acoustifence Pricing

Several important considerations impact the total expense of an Acoustifence project:

• Material: The standard Acoustifence build with fiberglass and PVC vinyl costs moderately more than economy panel versions using polyester fiberfill or mineral wool. Upgrades like lead sheeting or extra mass-loaded layers also increase cost.
• Size: Longer and taller Acoustifence spans require more materials. Larger projects typically get bulk discounts from manufacturers.
• Installation: Professional installation by landscapers or fencing companies has labor costs of $5-15 per square foot on top of material expenses, a significant price factor.
• Additional features: Options like custom fence designs, posts, gates, and electrification can enhance functionality and aesthetics for an additional 20-50% premium.

Installation and Lifetime Costs

Acoustifence installation costs between $2,000-8,000 for most residential projects, depending on the length and height required. While DIY installation is possible, hiring professionals ensures proper noise-blocking performance.

Ongoing maintenance is low, with occasional pressure washing recommended. Acoustifence lasts 15-25 years with proper installation, making it a cost-effective long-term noise solution.

DIY vs Professional Acoustifence Installation

Installing Acoustifence yourself can save on labor costs, but may compromise noise reduction if not done properly.

DIY fence materials cost $15-30 per linear foot without accounting for posts or renting tools. With proper research, homeowners skilled at construction projects can self-install simplerAcoustifence layouts.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Acoustiblok, Certapro Painters, or MasterShield Gutter Guard.

However, professional installation averages $10-15 per linear foot for labor, paying off through expertise gained from installing many noise barrier projects. Unless you’re very experienced, pay the premium for a professional install on larger or more complex Acoustifence projects.

Acoustifence Cost per Square Foot by Material

Acoustifence is available in a range of materials at different price points. The per-square-foot cost also depends on the thickness of the panels selected. Here are typical costs by material and thickness:

• Basic fiberglass-filled – $20-30 per sq. ft. for 1-2″ panels
• Polyester fiberfill – $15-25 per sq. ft. for 1-2” panels
• Mineral wool – $25-40 per sq. ft. for 2-3″ panels
• Mass loaded vinyl – $30-50 per sq. ft. for 1-2″ panels
• Lead-based – $60-100+ per sq. ft. for 2-4″ panels

As you can see, advanced soundproofing materials like mass loaded vinyl and lead cost considerably more. However, they also block more noise, so the upgrade may be warranted for very loud environments.

Sound Transmission Class (STC) Ratings

The Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating measures the noise reduction performance of materials. The higher the STC, the greater the sound blocking.

Basic Acoustifence achieves STC 32-35. This reduces noise by about 50%, suitable for most residential settings near highways or commercial activity.

Upgraded panels with mass-loaded vinyl, multiple fiberglass layers, and a thicker build can reach STC 38-45. This blocks closer to 60-80% of noise, appropriate for excessive industrial, airport, or racetrack noise.

Acoustic Engineers – When to Hire One?

If your Acoustifence project is large-scale or meant to mitigate extreme noise pollution, consider hiring an acoustic engineer. They can analyze the decibel levels and frequencies to be blocked and design a tailored solution.

While their services cost $1500-5000, a custom Acoustifence system designed by professionals can be far more effective than an off-the-shelf product. They also handle getting council permits for large outdoor barriers.

Use acoustic engineers to erect sound walls along highways, industrial sites, or entertainment venues required to meet strict noise regulations. Over-engineering can be justified on massive public works projects expected to last for decades.

Additional Acoustifence Features and Upgrades

Beyond the core noise barrier panels, additional upgrades can enhance functionality, aesthetics, security, and privacy:

• Decorative facings like wood, brick, stucco, etc. improve appearance while retaining acoustic performance. Expect to pay a 20-50% premium.
• Sound-absorbing landscaping with dense shrubs and trees can further dissipate noise. This complements the Acoustifence panels.
• Access gates, whether single pedestrian or large vehicular, maintain access while blocking noise when closed.
• Green wall integrating with plants enhances aesthetics and can mildly absorb additional noise.
• Custom art or graffiti can embellish large Acoustifence installations and discourage vandalism.
• Security cameras, anti-climb surfaces, and barbed/razor wire deter fence breaches in sensitive areas.

What Users and Experts Are Saying

According to homeowner reviews, investing in Acoustifence can be worthwhile to reduce intolerable freeway or commercial noise. Owners mention noise dropping by up to 50%, allowing them to enjoy their outdoor living spaces again.

Acoustic engineers note that Acoustifence outperforms simpler fence barriers. “Its multi-layered construction really blocks and absorbs noise effectively,” says Mike Jones, an acoustical consultant. He recommends it for residential sites with sustained noise above 65 decibels.