What actually is sound?
More privacy, more music, more work performance: the advantages of sound-insulating functional doors from PRÜM are manifold. Whether at home or at work, these doors stand for a reduction in noise and disturbing background noises. In this way, they increase the quality of life and quality of stay.
In physical terms, sound is a wave travelling through a medium. For us, this medium is usually air, but sound can also propagate under water and through objects. Every type of sound is generated by a vibrating body.
A guitar, for example, vibrates when the string is struck. This in turn causes the air to vibrate, creating a wave that reaches our ears. This wave hits our eardrum and is converted into a signal that is transmitted to our brain - we hear something! The volume of these sound waves is measured in decibels (dB).
When does sound become noise?
Not every sound is perceived as noise. Often, it is the cumulative effect of all-pervasive sounds – from background music in the supermarket to the motorway outside the street door – that, over time, becomes a load and causes harm. Due to this constant exposure to sound, there is hardly any time for our ears to recover. As we hear sounds day and night, it is all the more important to ensure a minimum level of noise protection through appropriate measures. Only in this way can we find rest and recharge our power for the new day.
In principle, everyone perceives noise differently. Sound waves between 40 and 65 decibels fall within the pleasant range. Examples include, for example, conversations or a television playing at a moderate volume.
Noises of 65 dB or above, on the other hand, create stress and reduce capacity. This includes one of the biggest sources of disturbance: road traffic. According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (Federal Environment Ministry), it has been proven that prolonged exposure to noise levels of 65 dB or above leads to changes in metabolism and hormone balance. Prolonged noise exposure can even result in high blood pressure and a heart attack.
Tested to DIN 4109: How PRÜM soundproof doors work
All sounds above 85 dB permanently damage human hearing and cause the human organism downright pain. This can be a lawnmower, a visit to the disco or a rock concert. However, it doesn't necessarily have to be loud for us to feel disturbed. While we are sleeping or concentrating, even noises below 25 dB can lead to sleepless nights or poor performance.
DIN 4109 "Sound insulation in buildings" has been introduced in all federal states and regulates the requirements for sound insulation. The aim is to protect everyone from further damage and unreasonable noise pollution. DIN 4109 specifies the sound insulation values that must be complied with for a ready-to-use door element (door leaf and door frame), even if they are not specifically mentioned. This results in a total of four sound insulation classes for PRÜM:
Uncompromising in function and design
Explanations of the sound insulation values can be found here.
Each protection class fulfils a specific purpose in accordance with DIN 4109. What exactly does that mean? For example, doors with PRÜM-SK1 are sufficient if normal office activities are carried out or if an entrance door only leads into the hallway of your own four walls. However, if the entrance door is directly adjacent to a living area, a door with PRÜM-SK3 is required. SK3 is also recommended for rooms in which concentrated mental activity is carried out or confidential matters are discussed. For greater comfort, we recommend PRÜM-SK4 class elements.
Anyone who thinks that soundproof doors are not modern and well designed is mistaken. Even light cut-outs can be easily integrated into the desired door without compromising the sound-insulating function. This is because almost every door programme is available with sound insulation.
Quick tips: Requirements for good sound insulation
- Use only certified door-sets (refer to the producer’s certificate of conformity)
- Install and adjust door-sets in accordance with the producer’s specifications (e.g. full-surface back fill around the casing, correct adjustment of floor sealing and hinges)
- Observe building requirements (wall connections, screed separation, sound insulation of ceilings and floors)
- Take account of secondary sound paths (installation boxes, switches, ventilation ducts, etc.)
- For carpeted floors, a suitable floor rail must be used.
The specified sound damping value can only be achieved if all assembly and fitting instructions are followed. Minor assembly errors can have a significant impact on sound insulation.
Are you searching for the right soundproof door that fits your needs? Take a look at our soundproof doors here.
Or be inspired by our product overview.