In a busy healthcare environment that operates 24/7, internal acoustic doors play a vital part in preventing noise passing from one area to another, improving the patient experience and creating an environment that supports a restful recovery. Acoustic-rated doors have been designed to provide a specific level of noise reduction, be that for patient confidentiality outside consulting rooms for example, or to reduce noise from corridors on single bed wards. Sound resistance is achieved through a combination of specifically engineered door cores and sealing arrangements.
Ahmarra’s Q-Mark certified Healthcare Range is available with 32 RwdB or 35 RwdB acoustic-ratings, or as non-acoustic rated. Performances up to 43 RwdB are available for high pressure laminate and veneered doors upon request.
The Department of Health’s ‘Health Technical Memorandum 08-01: Acoustics’ gives comprehensive advice and guidance on the design, installation and operation of specialised building and engineering technology used in the delivery of healthcare. Its guidance on internal sound insulation, with regard to doors, acoustics states that;
2.75 Solid-core door blanks (minimum 21 kg/m2) should be used for access from corridors, and these are capable of achieving an acoustic performance in the range Rw 30–35 dB. If seals can be accommodated, the entire doorset is capable of achieving this level of sound insulation. If seals are not to be provided, the overall performance of the doorset will be in the range Rw 20–25 dB.
