Frequently asked questions
We have answered most of the questions that may have been asked about our noise barriers.
Why are your noise barriers vegetated? Are the willows alive?
Our mission is to solve environmental problems using vegetal technologies and our products integrate perfectly into an urban or rural landscape. We use dried willow stems that act as stakes for the climbing plants we plant in front of each panel. Over the years, the screens will be covered by the vine, giving it its unique combination of greenery and wood, providing that natural look to our structures.
An ecological noise barrier?
Our products are designed to limit their ecological footprint. The components are strategically selected and assembled to offer life expectancies comparable to the highest standards in the industry. All the materials used in the manufacturing of our walls come mostly from Quebec. The materials used in the composition of our walls are natural, recycled or recyclable.
Was it Ramo who built the green wall that was demolished in Laval on Highway 440?
The solutions deployed by Ramo are adapted from Danish and German concepts. They are made up of steel structures, facades made of dried willows or larch and an acoustic core made of rock wool giving the wall absorbent properties. The wall is covered with a steel coping to increase the lifespan and climbing plants will vegetate the work. This design provides long-lasting acoustic performance, while providing a maintenance-free product that is more compatible with customer needs.
How long have you been making noise barriers?
The Danish company Pilebyg has 25 years of experience in the design and manufacture of noise barriers in Scandinavia with the use of willows as materials. Since May 2010, Ramo has offered a line of noise barrier products made in Quebec. It is more than 10 km of acoustic screen designed, manufactured and installed in the province for 10 years.
In June 2022, Ramo Green Screens becomes the official North American manufacturer of Heinrich Fahlenkamp GmbH & Co’s German HF1 noise barriers. With 40 years of experience in wooden noise barriers, the German company has developed and patented a technology unique. This design makes it possible to offer high acoustic performance and exceptional durability at a competitive price to ensure the tranquility of residential areas near roads, highways, railways, industries and businesses.
Thus, with our Danish and German partners, we remain at the cutting edge in the development of new products and we make sure to offer durable and high-performance products, in compliance with the standards in force.
Are your walls as effective as a concrete wall in reducing noise?
Our structures are as effective as concrete ones in terms of sound mitigation. We work with external firms specialized in acoustics. The consultation of an acoustic study allows us to carry out our design process. In this study, the acoustician recommends the height, length and location of the wall, as well as the type of wall to be installed to meet sound mitigation needs. We respect the recommendations of acousticians and the standards of the Ministère des Transports du Québec.
Can your wall catch fire?
Although wood has flammable properties, the rate of spread is relatively low in our products, given the materials used in the design. Rockwool, steel rods and galvanized posts will act as a retardant. Historically, with the combined 25 years of expertise of the Danish company PileByg and our own 12 years, no project has been exposed to fire.
Why use willow in your walls?
The willow is a plant that grows extremely fast in northern conditions like in Quebec. In less than three years, it can grow up to 5 meters high! Moreover, when cut, it has the property to regenerate. It is our source of raw material that is renewable almost infinitely!
At Ramo, willow is used in the fabrication of noise barriers and fences, in the realization of phytotechnology projects and in the production of mulch.
What maintenance is required for the wall?
No maintenance is required.
Will the wood rot?
Wood has been used in the construction of buildings and road infrastructure for hundreds of years. Bridges, farm buildings, guardrails, telephone poles are all part of our landscape.
Depending on its use, wood can be more or less susceptible to decay. The primary enemy of wood is moisture. By judicious integration of wood components, it is possible to obtain a long life expectancy of the products:
- Vertical arrangement of exposed components to promote water drainage
- Addition of a protective metal cover on top of the screen
- Specialized debarking to obtain a smooth, almost waterproof surface
- Limiting the contact of the wood components with the ground
- Integration of climbing plants to reduce degradation by UV rays and rain
- Use of metal structural components or wood species less susceptible to decay
What are the benefits of promoting a green wall from Ramo?
Aesthetics of the product promoting social acceptability
Tree planting
Natural, recycled or recyclable materials
Greening the landscape
Carbon capture in willow biomass during growth
Measure to fight against heat islands
Great flexibility in our product line
Durable, ecological and efficient
Compliance with standards
Economical product range
Unique circular economy concept
Creation of local jobs in environmental technologies
I would like a natural sound barrier. What should I do?
Contact us for more information! Our team will accompany you and guide you through the process.