If sound control is critical in your building, you need to fit acoustic seals for doors. Whether you’re a budding drummer or would like a quieter home or a more productive workplace, acoustic door seals insulate your space, helping to prevent the intrusive transmission of sound through the gaps around your doors. And any gap will let a surprising amount of sound in. Did you know if your door has a gap of just 1%, it will allow 50% of the outside sound through?
In schools, theatres, hospitals, hotels, commercial buildings and residential properties, acoustic seals for doors help improve the comfort of occupants, visitors, and staff. Particularly if you live or work in a noisy area, preventing the passage of sound could be crucial to your emotional well-being, employee morale and business’ productivity. But with several acoustic door seals available, which are right for your building? And what level of noise reduction do you need?
Sound Transmission Class (STC)
A Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating gives a single value to the acoustic performance of a product. And the higher the STC value, the better the product’s noise reduction rating and performance. STC values should be used when considering the sound reduction you need. An STC value of 50-60 is considered excellent, with loud sounds heard faintly or not at all.
Sound Transmission Class (STC) Table
Three Types of Acoustic Seals for Doors
Thresholds: A threshold is a metal plate that covers the threshold of a door. Thresholds provide a clean, even surface and help cover the bottom of the door.
The Zero Rabbeted Thresholds are available in a range of sizes and finishes. The Zero 564A threshold is Doc M compliant, suitable for smoke control doors and has an acoustic rating of 53 (excellent) in acoustic tests.
Drop Seals: Fitted to the bottom of the door, drop seals automatically drop down each time the door is closed. Drop seals are excellent acoustic seals for doors in cinemas, nightclubs, and theatres; they’re also ideal for inclusive entrances where thresholds aren't allowed.
Zero drop seals require no electrical power and work on a hinge side plunger with a flat spring mechanism, dropping the neoprene gasket in a scissor-like motion for a tight seal without any drag. As the neoprene seal compresses, it forms a secure bond against the threshold or floor and retracts automatically when the door is opened.
The reversable, fire-rated 367AA Zero Dropseal is made from anodised aluminum, is very heavy duty and has an acoustic rating of 53 (excellent) in acoustic tests.
Frame Seals: Fitted around the door frame, frame seals stop the passage of sound through the gaps between your door and the frame. Utilising gaskets usually made from silicone, neoprene or polyurethane foam, frame seals can also protect against drafts and smoke.
The Zero fully adjustable frame seals are available in various sizes and finishes. They provide fire, smoke and corrosion protection and have been included in acoustic tests. The adjustable frame seal –770 – has an STC rating of 52 (excellent) in acoustic tests.
Acoustic Seals for Sound Control
Along with offering fire and smoke protection, acoustic seals for doors can dramatically improve your sound control. In residential and commercial buildings such as hospitals, schools, and office buildings, controlling sound transmission can be crucial for comfort and well-being. However, if your door itself isn't an effective sound barrier, acoustic seals won’t solve your noise problem. So make sure your doors and seals have similar STC values.
Draught Prevention
Acoustic seals also help improve the energy efficiency of your building. By creating a tight seal around the edges of your doors, acoustic seals for doors can help stop any draughts or air leaks. Sound seals can also help improve the overall thermal performance of a building, making it more comfortable, cost-effective and energy efficient.
Why Fit Acoustic Seals?
Acoustic seals for doors are an essential component of doors in buildings where sound control is crucial. Acoustic seals can help to reduce the transmission of sound through the gaps around the edges of your doors, drastically reducing outside noise and improving the enjoyment of your work or living space. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or architectural designer, you can create a quieter, more energy-efficient, and draught-free building by choosing the right type of sound seals for your doors. Browse our extensive range of acoustic seals today or call our knowledgeable team today on 01785 282 910.