Metal Sound Control Door Assemblies

Use this SimpleSpecs 3-part specification template to specify metal door and framebassemblies with sound control ratings.

These assemblies include doors, frames, sound seals, thresholds, and astragals that are tested and furnished as a complete package.

These door assemblies have the appearance of standard steel doors and frames. They are prepared to accept standard builders hardware and supplied with cam lift hinges when necessary.

Sound control door assemblies can also be fire-rated and can include acoustic-rated glazed panels.

What is it?

The steel door and frame assemblies with sound control ratings are an essential component in environments where sound abatement is critical. These assemblies are used in commercial or industrial settings, such as music studios, theaters, conference rooms, military facilities, and hospitals, to provide a barrier against sound transmission.

Sound Control Ratings

The purpose of an acoustic-resistant door and frame assembly is to limit sound transmission from one side of the assembly to the other. The effectiveness of the acoustic product is tested and rated based on its ability to reduce sound transmission.

The rating is expressed as Sound Transmission Class (STC), a measuring unit that determines how
much sound transmission is blocked when traveling from one side of the assembly to another.

Example: AMBICO STC ratings range from 20 to 59, with higher ratings indicating better sound control. Higher ratings up to STC 64 are available for doors in tandem openings.

How do Sound Control Ratings Work

Sound control doors and window assemblies are tested based on the ASTM E-90 Standard. The ASTM E-90 Standard is a test method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements that credited laboratories use for testing acoustic products.

This references another ASTM standard ASTM E-413 which provides the formula for taking the test results from ASTM E-90 at sixteen different frequencies (1/3 octave bands) and produces a single performance resultas an STC value.

The higher the STC value, the better the noise abatement. The acoustic doors, frames, and windows are tested as complete assemblies. This includes the doors, frames, all perimeter acoustic gasketing, including door bottoms and threshold, and meeting-edge astragals at paired openings. Doors are tested as operable and not as fixed panels.

Benefits of Sound Control Ratings

Noise Reduction

Sound control doors create a barrier against sound transmission, effectively reducing the sound that passes through the door and frame unit. Highly suitable for academic settings, recording studios, movie theaters, and performance halls.

Improved Privacy

Steel door and frame assemblies with sound control ratings can assist in maintaining confidentiality and privacy in settings where it is essential, such as medical facilities, counseling centers, private government offices, military facilities, command centers, or board rooms. The acoustic assemblies are effective at reducing sound transmission and can help ensure the confidentiality of sensitive conversations and
activities.

Compliance

All acoustic-resistant door and frame assemblies are calculated and engineered in compliance with the ASTM E-90 and E-413 standards.

Customization

Customizations are available to meet specified needs, such as fire resistance, combined performance, and aesthetic requirements with side lites and transom frame application.