Are Solid Core doors the best option for a quieter space?
Doors, the decorators, are the silent performers of interior design. They are, in fact, pathways for positive energy into your space. While the right attention helps doors lend a character to your room, neglecting them can impact the space’s functional and architectural ambiance. Accentuate the well-designed interiors with a balance of design and usability.
When looking at doors, there are several options one can explore.
Solid core doors
We will focus on the most popular choice, Solid Core Doors, for this illustration. These doors- durable, solid and affordable, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Interesting technology is employed to engineer its core. The door’s core is usually constructed of wood particles mixed with glue and pressed into a panel. After that, a wood-look finish is applied to the board, giving it the desired aesthetic appeal. An alternative method employed is by using two veneer sheets to sandwich the woodblock core, cementing it together with adhesives.
Because of their distinctive and substantial core, these doors perform
exceptionally well in terms of soundproofing, delivering upto STC (Sound Transmission Class) of 35db, effective insulation to block out the low frequency noise but not the high frequency noise.
A great option to consider is Solid core doors made of high-quality wood veneers bonded over a solid core of engineered or composite wood (MDF). These doors encompass the best of both solid core and hollow core doors. Because of the high density of engineered wood, these doors are heavier and more robust than most solid wood doors.
These doors are fire resistant and do not structurally deform like solid wood doors do because of humidity. They are reasonably priced yet solid and durable.
The drawback still
While these are great options to choose from, they all use formaldehyde as one of the main adhesives. Formaldehyde is known to emit high levels of VOC (volatile organic compounds), which are harmful emissions that are known to be carcinogenic. These emissions, unfortunately, continue through the lifecycle of the product.
So, now you have affordable doors that adapt to your décor, are good on functionality in durability offer acoustic insulation of 30- 35 dB but significantly impact your wellness quotient. So, what do you do?
The answer
Luckily, we live in a world where change is the only constant. Recent awareness around climate change and sustainability has brought to market many sustainable solutions that offer a way out of this dilemma.
Agribiopanels™, made of Straw Husk and Bagasse fibers, is one such option. Agri residue is compressed and processed together with organic binders to make door panels. They allow you to choose a finish you desire- Veneer, laminate, paint, multi-layered 3-D print. They are durable and long-lasting, do not warp, have a 2hr+ fire rating, and are termite & moisture-proof, making them fit for indoor and outdoor use. The real win for these doors is that they are E1 certified, effectively minimizing off-gassing. Another unique benefit is that doors made of Agribiopanels sequester carbon dioxide, leaving the room with fresher, cleaner air. All this massively improves the wellness quotient of your space.
Using Suitable Hardware
Solid core doors allow electrified mortise locks, electrified panic hardware (with surface-mounted vertical rods), and magnetic locks to be installed. An electrified hinge with wires going through it from the frame to the door can be used to connect the lock power to a mortise lock from the hinge. The mortise lock may then be wired invisibly. A flexible or coiled cable can be used to provide power to electrified panic gear. An electrified hinge sleeve isn’t appropriate for these doors.
How to ensure effective sound insulation in your space?
While doors help keep the noise out, solid core doors do it effectively 30-35dB for traditional material and 40dB if you choose AgriBiopanel doors. For effective soundproofing, door fitting is critical.
The door needs to be flushed in with the frame to ensure no leakage from the gaps. For a snug fitting against the jamb use of weather stripping around the edges is recommended. Rubber or vinyl bulb door weather-stripping for the sides and a door-bottom weather-stripping sweep perform an excellent job of soundproofing the perimeter of a door. Often a dragging floor sweep is found annoying, the automated door sweep that only closes the bottom of the door when it’s closed provides for a good alternative.
Choose hinged doors instead of sliding, bi-fold, or pocket doors, which produce noise and don’t seal as effectively as swinging doors. To keep a hinged door from squeaking, spray the hinges with WD-40 or penetrating oil periodically.
Make the most of these “Silent Decorators”. The right choice of Doors gives your space the required distinction that makes it unique yet extremely functional. Make the door the gateway into your abode that enriches your living space.
