Background

Transmitted noise pollution matters:

Noise transmission causes frustration.

It distracts people, causes stress and has detrimental effects on individual wellbeing.

How does noise travel?

Transmitted noise is usually airborne and will penetrate any gap in the door - no matter how small. When soundproofing a door, it is important to fill the gaps between the door and the frame to prevent noise from travelling. For superior acoustic performance, the sealing arrangement should be continous and used on all four sides of the door (see HUSHseals for more information).

Acoustic performance of a door

In environments with a high footfall of people, or in buildings where privacy and respite is important it is essential that doors are soundproofed.  Using schools as an example, teachers and pupils can become distracted by transmitted noise which can affect concentration in the classroom.

The increased focus on acoustic performance in the built environment has, in the main, been largely driven by regulation.  Since July 2003 the acoustic performance of a door was incorporated into Approved Document E of the Building Regulations ( England & Wales) and Section 5 of the Tehcnical Handbooks (Scotland.)

Regulation in the form of Approved Document E specifies healthy levels of noise.  For example, classrooms should provide soundproofing should noise reach 30dB and 35dB for music rooms. Acoustic performance and noise transmission can not be achieved without effective acoustic sealing of the perimeter and the threshold of the door.

Approved Document E of the Building Regulations is supported by sector specific guidance in Building Bulletin 93 for schools and HTM 08-01 in healthcare facilities.

 

See HUSH fast for an effective solution to acoustic sealing.