Business Solutions to Noise Pollution

Noise pollution can be a major problem for businesses. Can you imagine how difficult it would be to talk to a customer about their financial goals if trains kept rumbling by in the background? Or how hard it would be for you to make a sale if the customer could barely hear you over the sound of the construction outside? Not only will it be hard for you to conduct business with too much noise around, but it will also deter customers from your business, and it will have a negative impact on employee morale.

You don’t have to just close down shop or move to a new location. There are many other solutions to deal with the noise pollution. Here are a few ideas:

Erect a Fence

Fences do more than create a privacy line around your property or keep out pests and thieves. The right kind of fences can even block the noise around your property. Some fences can simply minimize the noise, and other fences can eliminate it. The results depend on the type of fence you erect.

A simple, wooden fence isn’t going to do much for noise reduction. You need a fence that’s more like a stone wall. You can use concrete, cinder blocks, bricks, or actual stones. Depending on how large your property is, this can become quite an expensive project. Not only does the fence need to go around your building, but it also has to be high enough to block the noise.

You can save some money with panels that create the same effect as concrete stone wall fences. You’ll save money, get the same noise reduction benefits, and create a sophisticated look for your business that will impress your customers.

Install New Insulation

The insulation in your building does more than just make your property more energy-efficient. It also blocks noise. When people talk about a house having “thin walls” because you can hear voices in the next room, the insulation is usually to blame.

Talk to a contractor about what kind of insulation you would need to block the particular types of noises you are dealing with. Obviously, the closer you are to a highway or a ballpark, for example, the higher the noise levels you would have and the more insulation you would need. Different types of insulation and different thicknesses will be able to control more or less noise.

Know that your expenses will involve not only putting in the insulation but also tearing out and replacing significant sections of your walls. Weigh the cost against the long-term cost benefits of increased employee productivity and sales.

Campaign for Local Changes

You might have a noise pollution problem because you have a rowdy neighbor who isn’t really suitable for the community. You might be able to get some noise relief by campaigning local officials to make changes. For example, you might be able to get zoning changes that restrict certain types of businesses from the area, or you might be able to get ordinances put in place that control how much noise is allowed.

You aren’t likely to be able to do much about an existing train track or roadway, but you may be able to campaign to prevent a new road or other project from being built next to your business. You should stay aware of local news and talk regularly with local officials to understand the local laws and to know about new projects being planned.

Conclusion

Noise can be much more than just a nuisance. It can make it harder for your employees to stay focused and do their jobs, and it can make it hard to talk and connect with customers. No one likes a noisy environment, and many prospective customers will just avoid your business if they know it to be a noisy place.

You can protect your business and your bottom line by implementing solutions to reduce that noise pollution, whether it be a temporary or a permanent problem. Build a solid fence, increase your insulation, or take steps to change local laws and protect yourself.