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 recognised as noise. It is often the mass of omnipresent noises - from the music in the supermarket to the motorway outside the front door - that cause long-term stress and damage. The constant exposure to sound means that there is hardly any time for our hearing to recover. As we hear day and night, it is all the more important to take suitable measures to ensure a minimum level of noise protection. This is the only way we can relax and recharge our batteries for the new day.
In principle, everyone perceives noise differently. Sound waves between 40 and 65 decibels are within the pleasant range. These are, for example, conversations or a television running at room volume.
Noise above 65 dB, on the other hand, causes stress and reduces performance. This includes one of the biggest disruptive factors: road traffic. According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (https://www.bmu.de/), it has been proven that continuous exposure to noise above 65 dB leads to changes in metabolism and hormone balance. Prolonged exposure to noise can even lead to high blood pressure and heart attacks.
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
- Only use tested door elements (observe the manufacturer's test certificate)
- Install and adjust door elements in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications (e.g. full-surface backfilling of the frame, correct adjustment of floor seal and hinges)
- Observe the requirements in the building (wall connections, screed separation, sound insulation of ceilings and floors)
- Pay attention to secondary sound paths (installation boxes, switches, ventilation ducts, etc.)
- A suitable floor rail must be used for carpeted floors.
The specified sound insulation value can only be achieved if all installation and assembly instructions are observed. Small installation errors can have a major impact on sound insulation.
Are you looking for the right soundproof door for your needs? Take a look here our soundproof doors here.
Or take a look at our product overview inspire you.