Requirements for door structures are increasing along with consumer requests for the convenience and comfort of living space. This mainly relates to performance. For example, providing linens with an insulating and waterproof function has long been a prerequisite for production. The level of acoustic comfort of entrance doors is also growing, as evidenced by the introduction of new noise-canceling insulation materials in the design.
Soundproofing factors
Technologies for supplying structures with insulating qualities often intersect. Thus, the parameters of the thermal and waterproofing device that the metal entrance doors have are combined. Soundproofing qualities can also be achieved in combination with other functions thanks to a single material. The main auxiliary factor in improving the insulation efficiency of structures is their tightness. Accordingly, the masters note the following structural aspects that affect sound insulation:
- type of material used in creating the door leaf;
- filler characteristics;
- density and accuracy of fit;
- overall quality of installation;
- seal dimensions;
- inclusion of a threshold into the system and its properties.
Each parameter affects the overall insulation function of the door system. Nevertheless, the main contribution is made by the technologists who initially developed the entrance doors to the apartment, the noise insulation characteristics of which comply with the standards.
How is sound insulation achieved?
The list of key tasks for developers of such structures includes the creation of a door “pie”, which will act as a reliable barrier to noise on the stairwell and street. For this, the canvases are endowed with different functional elements.
One of the main conditions in achieving the tightness of doors is the overlap of all structural gaps. The ideal arrangement of all elements of the canvas provides the foundation for sound insulation. Empty niches are filled with damping materials, and platbands are made from MDF. The role of the internal insulator is difficult to overestimate - its varieties will still be considered. By the way, noise-insulating metal doors from the outside are often finished with the same MDF or other wood-shaving product.
This set of measures is mandatory, but the means and techniques for providing sound cancellation may vary. Now consider the features of sound insulation of wooden and metal door leafs.
Wooden soundproof doors
Although the entrance doors are usually associated with metal sheets in the construction, modern technologies also allow wood to provide an adequate level of reliability for use as the main barrier to the house. And from the point of view of acoustic properties, some breeds of natural material are initially superior to steel analogues.
In particular, soundproof doors made of wood are capable of providing sound insulation up to 32 dB, while maintaining a high degree of security. The frames of the canvases of such models are produced from glued plywood, and coniferous varieties are mainly used. Also, designs are complemented by internal harnesses. Aluminum plates and chipboard act as filling. Exterior decorative finish can be represented by natural veneer or artificial coatings.
Soundproof Metal Doors
The fundamental difference in the manufacture of steel noise-canceling models is the orientation toward filling the internal space. This is the same filler that acts as the main barrier to external sounds.
As a rule, a sound-absorbing base is formed by mineral wool or foam. Both options are almost equivalent in cost, however, from the point of view of noise protection, the first type of filler is more profitable. In addition to the main insulation package, related materials should also be taken into account, which also complement the entrance doors to the apartment.
Noise-insulating properties, in particular, are determined by decorative materials, for example, vinyl artificial leather panels and MDF - the most effective means of decoration in terms of sound reduction.
Increased noise reduction
There is no clear division into models with ordinary and increased soundproofness, however, if you are guided by the principle of “product to product of discord”, then some differences can be revealed.
At the same time, the obvious difference is expressed in numbers - the most effective acoustic protection will protect against noise at 40 dB. This is achieved by the inclusion in the design of one of the following types of fillers:
- mineral wool;
- polystyrene or polystyrene;
- composite insulators;
- soundproof panels with foil base.
There are models with other materials in the cavity, but this set is most relevant at the moment. It is worth noting that the list of advantages that doors with increased sound insulation have, also includes effective insulation.
Safety and soundproofing
It may sound implausible, however, insulation often becomes a technological tool that lowers the protective functions of entrance doors. This is a delicate moment, for ordinary users it can be difficult to trace the relationship. One way or another, manufacturers are forced to maneuver between the two properties, covering all available means of increasing insulation.
Insulators occupy a considerable part of the space in the sheet, which does not allow the use of additional means of mechanical protection, including increasing the thickness of metal sheets. Nevertheless, manufacturers strive to combine two qualities, providing the optimal product for long-term and comfortable operation.
Extra noise protection
In achieving the optimum parameters of sound insulation of doors , not only the characteristics of the canvas play a role, but also the quality of installation with the accompanying design tools. If the installation rules are not followed, the noise-insulating door to the apartment may not at all show its technical advantages (by the way, 35% of the noise reduction efficiency depends on the installation).
To begin with, the gap between the frame and the opening should be sealed as much as possible. This is done with construction foam or silicone. The door frame is subjected to special insulation, and a porous material, for example, thermofol, should be laid between the external finish and the steel plate. Installers are also advised to carefully check the platbands for the tightness of the mount, and the thresholds for the quality of the installation. Each of these zones can affect the noise effect both for the better and for the worse.
How to choose high-quality soundproofed doors?
The selection process is quite simple, and even without special preparation and laboratory tests, you can find the entrance doors that are optimal for the characteristics of the apartment, the noise insulation properties of which correspond to specific requests.
Begin the review with the seal. In a quality construction, this element has a solid shape and fits snugly against a steel sheet. Next, you need to evaluate how accurately the blinds on the openings are closed and whether the eyelet is securely integrated. All fittings that are built in before installing the box must be carefully checked.
Perhaps the most responsible choice concerns the filler. Since it also performs the tasks of thermal insulation, the best solution should be determined on the basis of a comprehensive set of operational requirements. For example, polyurethane will be required in one apartment, and the entrance doors to the apartment, the noise insulation properties of which are determined by the mineral component, will be the best choice in another.
The presence of stiffeners is also important. Besides the fact that they increase technical safety, a decrease in sound vibrations is noted, which no finishing material can cope with.
Price issue
Unfortunately, the cost of high-quality entrance doors, regardless of their functionality, is quite high, which limits many consumers. Nevertheless, the competitive struggle cools the entrepreneurial spirit, allowing you to purchase soundproof doors from the manufacturer at affordable prices.
So, prices are determined mainly by two factors: the main material (metal or wood) and the level of sound insulation - an average of 32 to 42 dB. Reliable wood models with the highest level of acoustic protection can be purchased for 40-50 thousand rubles. Their metal counterparts are several thousand more expensive. The budget segment at prices is formed in the corridor from 25 to 35 thousand - these are options that can provide an average noise protection of 32-36 dB.