The door as a soundproofing element should not be underestimated

Whereas requirements regarding the soundproofing of doors are included in the building code for residential construction, the healthcare sector, businesses and offices have to do without. "The role of the door with regard to soundproofing is underestimated," is the opinion of Henk Breel, director of the GND Garantiedeuren foundation. Research shows that more than 20% of the Dutch experience long-term noise pollution. GND, in cooperation with agency Peutz, has prepared a noise recommendation table for door sets. "Using a door set with the right soundproofing performance can greatly reduce nuisance," says Breel. "Noise nuisance can cause serious health problems. At the very least, productivity decreases when people are disturbed by noise."

The app allows you to easily check origin and performance in terms of sound, fire, smoke and burglar resistance of the door and frame.

Physical and social noise pollution

"For residential construction there are requirements, but outside residential construction there are not. Initiatives to prevent noise pollution must therefore come from the client, who is often not well informed or simply does not think about it at all," Breel outlines. In addition to physical noise pollution, there is also social noise pollution. So what should we think about? Breel replies, "When noise protection at work is not thought of, you can end up in awkward situations. Think of an HR meeting behind closed doors, where not only are the conversation partners continually disturbed by noise from outside the office, but where the confidential conversation is also audible to others. The same goes for meeting rooms at doctors' offices. Or what about hotel rooms, where privacy is not guaranteed due to the lack of soundproofing."

Creating awareness

With the sound advice table, GND wants to inform and help people make the right choice in door-frame combination. "We want to create awareness and ensure that the necessary information is clear and accessible. That's what we as GND stand for. Sound is a complex matter, where confusion often wants to arise about the terms used, sound values and the required sound insulation. Because if you only look at the sound insulation of the door leaf, that is not enough. What matters is the right combination of door and frame. Our recommendation table clearly shows what these sets (door with frame) provide in terms of sound insulation."

Manufacturers of soundproof doors affiliated with GND can be identified by the warranty and security label in the hang side of the door.

Recognizability through warranty and assurance label

Manufacturers of soundproof doors affiliated with GND can be identified by the warranty and security label in the hang side of the door.  Breel explains: "This makes it easy to check origin and performance in terms of sound, fire, smoke and burglar resistance of the door and frame." Good sound insulation of both living and working spaces is thus of great importance. "As an umbrella organization of leading Dutch door manufacturers, we are happy to reach out to everyone. In turn, our members make the case for the optimum quality and performance of interior and exterior doors, including when it comes to sound insulation," Breel said. "Anyone who would like more information can visit our website for that, www.gnd.nl."