The effects of highway noise on businesses can be harmful. Highway noise affects business operations in many ways. For example, businesses located near highways may find it challenging to attract customers and staff because of traffic noise and other factors.
Instead of relocating your business because you cannot stand the noise from heavy traffic on nearby highways, you should invest in sound walls highway noise barriers.
Here we will discuss sources of highway noises and the benefits of blocking the noise.
Types of Highway Noises
Traffic noise: Traffic noise is the most common type of highway noise. It is caused by road traffic flow and can be measured in decibels (dB). The higher the decibel level, the louder the noise becomes.
Traffic noise is measured at a point in space, meaning that it tends to reflect off objects around it and therefore sounds louder than it would if measured at a point directly under a sound source. As such, traffic noise may seem louder than nearby road surfaces or other environmental noises, depending on where it is measured.
Construction noise: Construction noise occurs when an activity that requires road resurfacing, widening, or repair is underway. Construction noise may be audible to nearby residents and businesses and hence can have a negative impact on businesses.
Highway noise: Highway noise is the noise that comes from the roadway. It can be caused by vehicles, trucks and other objects on the road. Highway noise can be loud and distract business operations.
Reasons for Blocking Highway Noises to Businesses
Improve concentration
Blocking highway noises can help improve your concentration because they are less distracting than other sounds, like the hum of air conditioning units or traffic noise from highways. If you need to concentrate on something, this may help make it easier for you to get things done in time.
Increase creativity
The ability to focus is essential when it comes down to being creative. Being able to block out other noises around you can help you think clearly and make new connections between ideas that might not have occurred otherwise without these sounds interfering with your thinking process.
Reduce operational costs
A study by the Texas Transportation Institute found that highway noise has an impact on business productivity and insurance premiums. The study found that highway noise increases property damage claims by 18 percent and personal injury claims by 14 percent. It also increased administrative costs by 8 percent and repair costs by 15 percent.
Improve employee morale
If a business is located near a busy highway, the sound of car horns and sirens can be annoying for employees. The constant noise can also make it difficult for employees to concentrate when working on their computers or phones. Blocking road noises with a complete sound barrier will help to improve employee morale at the office. The lack of noise from cars and trucks will also allow employees to concentrate better during meetings or other events in the office.
Finally, blocking highway noises to businesses can be an excellent thing to do. Not only does it help improve the quality of life for residents, but it also helps business owners be more productive.