Demolition and dismantling work is among the loudest phases of any construction project: hydraulic breakers, demolition shears, excavators and crushing plants generate levels of 100 to 120 dB(A) directly at the source. In residential areas, near schools or next to offices, this quickly leads to complaints and official restrictions. With noise barrier mats on the construction site fence and mobile noise barriers, you noticeably reduce the noise exposure for local residents – while also keeping dust and prying eyes out.
Which limit values apply to demolition work?
The following refers to regulations in Germany; other countries apply their own limit values. The decisive regulation is the AVV Baulärm (the German administrative regulation on construction noise). It sets immission guide values that range, depending on the type of area, from 45 dB(A) during the day (spa areas, hospitals) to 70 dB(A) (industrial areas); in general residential areas, 55 dB(A) applies during the day and 40 dB(A) at night. If these values are exceeded by more than 5 dB(A), the authority can order measures – up to and including restricted working hours. Background information is provided by the German Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) on construction noise.
Recommended solution for demolition sites
- Premium noise barrier mats (23 dB sound reduction index) on the site fence: highest insulation performance, weatherproof, can be fitted by one person using cable ties.
- Mobile steel noise barrier for sections with crushers or breaker work directly at the property boundary.
- Inflatable noise barrier up to 7 m high when tall buildings are being demolished and the noise source is above fence height.
- A double layer of mats based on the mass-spring-mass principle on particularly critical sides (e.g. facing a nursery or hospital).
How to plan the screening
The closer the barrier is to the noise source and the higher it breaks the line of sight to the receiving point, the greater the level reduction. Use our noise barrier calculator to determine the theoretical screening effect and the quantity calculator to work out how many mats you need for your site fence. Don’t forget dust control: the closed mat surface keeps a large proportion of demolition dust on the site.
Frequently asked questions about noise control for demolition work
How much noise reduction is realistic during demolition?
Premium noise barrier mats fitted to the site fence achieve a laboratory sound reduction index of 23 dB. On site, the effect depends on height, distance and screening angle; a level reduction of 10 to 15 dB(A) at the property boundary is typical – which corresponds to halving or quartering the perceived loudness.
Is a site fence with mats enough, or do you need a noise barrier wall?
For ground works and machinery at ground level, a 2 m high site fence with mats is usually sufficient. If the noise source is higher (demolition of multi-storey buildings, long-front excavators), we recommend a mobile steel wall or an inflatable noise barrier up to 7 m high.
How high should the noise barrier be?
As a rule of thumb, the barrier should break the direct line of sight between the noise source and residents’ windows. Every additional metre of height above the line of sight adds several dB of extra screening.
Do the mats also protect against dust?
Yes. The closed, weatherproof surface holds back dust and splashes and also blocks the view of the construction site.
Rent or buy for a project lasting 8 weeks?
For projects of around 8 to 12 weeks or more and for recurring demolition work, buying is usually the more economical option. For short deployments, we are happy to arrange rental mats from our rental pool.