World Fence News

26 • JUNE 2017 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Acoustiblok Corporation spent years developing a unique outdoor fence solution to combat noise such as dog barking. The 1/8" thick Acous- tifence ® (pat. pend.), an advanced out- door sound barrier, is designed for res- idential yards, kennels, pet daycare, or anywhere outside dog barking is an issue. Acoustifence reduces the level of barking transmission and the amount of noise from traveling outside the fenced area. "Dog barking is one of the top reasons homeowners contact us and we can provide an easy fix in most instances," said Lahnie Johnson, pres- ident and founder of Acoustiblok Inc. "In the last few years we have also seen an upsurge in calls for a solution to backyard chicken noise. More and more people are apparently raising chickens in their backyards – even in Beverly Hills California! "We also get lots of calls from contractors and fence companies for both residential and commercial jobs on these types of outdoor noise issues. "We are happy to provide an easy and reasonably priced solution to the problem," said Johnson. "Because it's easy to install and doesn't require special tools or train- ing, it's an easy way for fencing pro- fessionals to fix a problem, gain a satisfied customer and make some ad- ditional income." Dog barking can be more than an annoyance, Johnson said. Noise levels can vary from one breed to another and also from one animal to another. A single dog barking can reach 80-90 decibels (there are dogs that can reach over 100 dB). When you have a group of dogs such as those in kennel or daycare centers, the typical range (in close proximity) is from 95 to 115 deci- bels. At this dB level a person cannot stay in the area more than 15 minutes without hearing protection. To put it in perspective, normal human speech is around 60dB; an automobile 80dB and a jackhammer 90dB. Louder than 85dB, damage to the hearing starts to occur. In addition to hearing damage, high noise lev- els have been linked to lowered pro- ductivity, decreased communication skills, insomnia and other sleep dis- orders, anxiety, heart arrhythmia and more, Johnson noted. And then there's the high frequen- cy component; dog barking can range from 1,000 to 2,000 HZ. This makes the perceived noise more irritating than another source, such as an auto- mobile. Dog barking also generates a strong conditioned physiological re- sponse (flight or fight response) that goes back thousands of years that warned humans of dangerous animals and allowed us to survive in the wild, Johnson stated. Complaints from neighboring res- idents or nearby businesses can make for bad public relations, bad press and personal conflicts. Noise ordinances are another issue; they are increasing- ly more common these days and are often being strictly enforced. Viola- tions can lead to formal complaints, Acoustiblok solves dog barking complaints in residential neighborhoods continued on page 66 Complaints from neighboring resi- dents or nearby businesses can make for bad public relations, bad press and personal conflicts. Noise ordinances are another issue; they are increas- ingly more common these days and are often being strictly enforced. Vio- lations can lead to formal complaints, fines and legal action, according to Lahnie Johnson, president and found- er of Acoustiblok Inc. (Acoustiblok photos) Ascent K1 Ascent T1 Ascent X1 Your First Source for Quality AMERICAN-MADE FENCE PRODUCTS! Providing Quality Gate Rollers and Hardware to the Industry for 50 Years HDG and Powder Coated Fittings Call for a free catalog 800.891.2235 • 413.786.4390 • Fax 413.789.3664 info@hampdenfence.com • www.hampdenfence.com Our web site can be viewed from your mobile device! Headquartered in Agawam, Massachusetts Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel UNIVERSAL & INDUSTRIAL DRIVE ANCHOR SHOES AND BLADES • Welded Wire Hardware • Square Bands • Ties • Drive Anchor Units • Tension & Brace Bands • Line Rail & End Rail Clamps • Cantilever Rollers (with warranty) • Aluminum Line • Post Caps • Rail Ends • Custom Items Available

• Cover