How to choose a good entrance door with sound insulation: classes, indicators

To understand which soundproofed entrance door is better for an apartment, you need to pay attention to its composition and dimensions. The main attention is paid to the filler, the thickness of which should be at least 80 mm. Other criteria are also of some importance - all of them are discussed in detail in the presented material.

Sound insulation classes

On the one hand, you can understand the technical intricacies and consider each criterion separately. But on the other hand, it is useful to know that the sound insulation of the front door is characterized by belonging to 1 of 3 classes described in GOST 31773-2003. According to this regulatory document, there are the following classes:

1. The first is with the least pronounced properties. Absorbs only sounds within 25 dB.
2. The second is noise absorption within 31 dB.
3. The third is sound absorption with a strength of 32 dB.

To understand how to choose a soundproofed entrance door, you need to figure out how to assess the strength of sound. So, 45 dB corresponds to a normal quiet conversation if the interlocutors are 1-1.5 m apart from each other.

It is clear that the strength of sounds in the entrance may vary. But as a rule, these are distant voices. Therefore, entrance doors with good insulation are a design that belongs to the third class.

On the other hand, models are often marked in a different way.Soundproofing of a metal entrance door can also be indicated by an English letter:

1. A+1 is the best option, which corresponds to class 3. Even loud sounds are suppressed to the maximum. Suitable for city apartments.
2. B - approximately corresponds to class 2, well suited for private houses, but no longer recommended for apartments.
3. C - dampens somewhat worse than B, although such entrance doors to an apartment with sound insulation are also good. They roughly correspond to class 2 and are mainly used in offices.
4. D – doors do not dampen sounds well, corresponds to class 1.
5. E – design without filler to absorb sounds. Here are some soundproofed entrance doors to an apartment that are definitely not worth installing. They will not provide any protection.

Soundproof door design

In shape and purpose, such a door does not differ from a regular one, however, it has a significantly greater thickness (at least 80 mm, often from 100 mm), which absorbs sound waves. The entrance door with good sound insulation consists of 2 parts:

1. The box is the stationary part. It is installed in the opening, and then the door itself is hung on the jambs.
2. The door leaf is the moving part that is opened and closed. This is what is called a door in everyday life.

The canvas with noise-absorbing properties has a special structure:

1. Metal coating 1.5-2 mm thick.
2. Vertical stiffening ribs - 2 “sleepers”, run longitudinally at a certain distance, ensuring the integrity of the entire structure.
3. Soundproofing metal entrance doors must have a filler with a thickness of 80 mm or more. This could be, for example, mineral wool, polyurethane or other materials. They provide sound absorption and prevent cold from entering.The sound insulation class of the doors directly depends on the quality and quantity of the filler.
4. Lock, door fittings.
5. The interior panel is decorated, often with a mirror.
6. Anti-lift bolts – metal pins 2 mm thick. Provide protection in case of mechanical break-in.

What does sound absorption depend on?

When choosing a particular model, you need to understand different criteria. One of the most important is which front door filler is best for sound insulation. This is indeed significant, but not the only indicator. It is recommended to pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Layer thickness is at least 80 mm; it is better to consider models with 100 mm or more.
2. There should be several layers - 4-5. If layers of different porosity and density alternate, this is the best option.
3. Door material - good sound insulation of a metal door is provided by dense wood, for example, oak, alder or walnut.
4. It is better to build the box into the wall. Although you can put sealant in the gaps to ensure a tight seal.

As already mentioned, the sound insulation classes of entrance doors largely depend on the filler. The highest quality are:

1. Foamed polyurethane is a durable material with a porous structure. If laid in several layers, the sound insulation of the front door is maximum. The advantage of polyurethane is its light weight and good sound absorption. In addition, the composition is resistant to temperature fluctuations and humidity levels. Does not rot or decompose due to mold and bacteria.
2. Mineral wool is a natural material based on molten silicates. It has a fibrous structure, due to which the sound insulation of doors is one of the best.
3. Foam concrete is a durable filler with numerous pores.It dampens sound waves well and also protects against cold. An incomparable plus is light weight.
4. Sound insulation of a metal door in an apartment is also ensured by isolon. This is foamed polyethylene, which is often foiled, that is, covered on both sides with layers of aluminum foil. The materials not only dampen sounds, but are also resistant to moisture.
5. Corrugated cardboard also protects against noise, but it is not the best filler. It is inexpensive and light in weight. Shows good efficiency only with a sufficient number of layers - at least 3.
6. When considering how to choose a door with good sound insulation, you can take a closer look at the fillers that are used in cars. This is, for example, a special felt that dampens strong sounds. There is also STP GB filler. It consists of mastic with a foil coating.

Thus, when choosing a suitable model, you should look at the noise insulation classes, layer thickness and design features. No less important are general indicators – the quality of door hardware, completeness, and manufacturer’s brand. It is also worth taking care of proper installation, since even a small inaccuracy can lead to partial leakage of the seal.