What is an Acoustic Door?

An Acoustic Door is a heavy-duty barrier designed to block noise from entering or leaving a space by absorbing sound waves and reducing sound transmission.

Primarily used for soundproofing, acoustic doors can also incorporate features such as Fire Safety and Security Solutions for added functionality.  

Johnson Controls provides a range of door types that are suitable for every industry. Explore our guide find the right solution for your commercial property.
 

How does an Acoustic Door work?

An acoustic door works by creating a physical barrier that significantly reduces the transmission of sound between spaces. The design combines several key elements to ensure optimal noise reduction:

• Insulation: High-density materials are used inside the door to absorb sound energy, preventing it from passing through. These materials are carefully engineered to target a wide range of frequencies, reducing both high-pitched noises (like alarms or phone rings) and lower-frequency sounds (such as the rumble of heavy machinery).
   
• Seals: Acoustic doors are equipped with robust seals around the edges, which block sound from leaking through any gaps around the door. This is critical because even a small gap can greatly reduce the door's effectiveness in soundproofing.
   
• Heavy duty frames: The frames are designed to be sturdy, preventing the vibration of the door itself from transmitting sound. They are often reinforced with materials that further dampen sound vibrations.

Typically, acoustic doors are rated based on their ability to reduce sound, with values ranging from 20dB to 60dB. Every 10dB increase represents a 50% reduction in the perceived volume of sound. For example, a 60dB-rated door would make a loud conversation almost completely inaudible, creating a much quieter environment.

To put this into perspective:

• 0dB is considered total silence.
• A typical conversation is around 60dB.
• A vacuum cleaner can produce noise levels between 70–80dB.
• City traffic, especially in busy areas, can reach noise levels of 85dB or higher, which is above the threshold where long-term exposure can cause hearing damage.
   

What are the benefits?

Johnson Controls high-performance acoustic doors are designed to provide a noise reduction of up to 60dB, which is suitable for a variety of settings beyond just recording studios or music rooms. In fact, many businesses and residential properties across the UK can benefit from these doors for different reasons:

• Improved privacy: Acoustic doors help to keep conversations and meetings confidential. In offices or meeting rooms, this is especially valuable for industries that deal with sensitive information, such as legal, financial, or medical sectors. By reducing sound leakage, these doors ensure that private discussions are kept private.
   
• Enhanced comfort: Noise from busy workspaces, traffic, or other communal areas can be disruptive. Installing in a home or workplace can create a quieter, more focused environment, allowing employees or residents to work and relax with fewer interruptions.
   
• Versatility: Acoustic doors can be customised to fit a variety of settings. Whether you need them for an industrial environment, a commercial office, or a residential building, they can be manufactured with different materials and soundproofing ratings to suit specific needs. For example, a lower dB rating might be suitable for a home office, while higher ratings may be needed for factories or urban businesses located near busy streets.
   
• Added security and functionality: Modern doors can also be equipped with additional features, such as fire suppression, environmental controls (like temperature or humidity regulation), and enhanced security measures. This makes them a multipurpose solution for high-demand environments such as hospitals, schools, or government buildings.
   
• Noise control in residential areas: They are increasingly being installed in homes across the UK, particularly in urban areas where noise pollution is a growing concern. With loud music, television, and the hustle and bustle of city life, acoustic doors can help block unwanted sounds, improving peace and quiet at home.
   
• Compliance with regulations: Noise control regulations and building standards are increasingly strict, especially in industries such as construction and manufacturing, where worker safety is a priority. Acoustic doors can help businesses meet noise reduction targets, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. 
   

Where Can Acoustic Doors Be Installed?

Acoustic doors are highly adaptable and can be installed in various locations, including:

• Recording studios: To ensure sound quality and prevent external noise from interfering with recordings.
• Offices and conference rooms: To keep conversations private and prevent distractions from outside noise.
• Factories and industrial areas: To protect workers from prolonged exposure to loud machinery, helping to prevent hearing damage.
• Residential properties: Especially in densely populated areas or near busy roads, where noise from neighbours or traffic can be a persistent problem.
• Educational institutions: To create quiet classrooms or libraries where concentration is paramount.
   

Door Solutions by Johnson Controls

The wide range of Doors we supply across more than 20 sectors meet specific and varying needs from soundproofing and fire prevention to security and loss prevention.

Johnson Controls provides doors, shutters, and barriers for all needs, and can supply combinations such as Access Control doors with acoustic ratings. 

We also offer several services, to ensure that your solution is built to last and will maintain its high-quality. 

Discover Our Full Door Range Today, or get in touch to discuss your Door Solution requirements using the form on this page.