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.

How long have you been making noise barriers?

The Danish company Pilebyg has 25 years of experience in designing and manufacturing noise barriers in Scandinavia using willow as a material. Since May 2010, Ramo offers a range of noise barrier products manufactured in Quebec. It’s more than 10 km of sound barrier designed, manufactured and installed in the province for 10 years. With our partner, we remain at the cutting edge in the development of new products and we make sure to offer durable products in compliance with current standards.

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