The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) has launched a guide to specifying acoustic seals on door assemblies and doorsets.
The demands of the various Approved Documents of the Building Regulations in England are placing an increasing burden on the specification of doors, says the trade body. Regulations now stipulate that they need to be acoustically rated besides being fire- and smoke-rated.
The GAI Guide to Acoustic Seals details how acoustic seals will be affected by Approved Documents E and M of the Building Regulations for England which focus on resistance to the passage of sound, and access to and use of buildings, respectively. The document simplifies the main elements that specifiers should consider, to meet requirements. It covers how related test reports should be interpreted, the required standard for test procedures on door acoustics and what makes a good acoustic door.
The guide also gives information on how to achieve the highest acoustic rating possible on a standard door, fitting a glazing panel into a door which must provide acoustic performance and putting letter plates into fire rated doors.
Douglas Masterson, GAI technical manager and author of the guide, said: “It is the responsibility of the specifier to look for existing proven solutions to meet, and exceed, requirements of the Building Regulations. With this in mind, the GAI has put this guide together to help our members navigate their way through the demands of the legislation and standards which govern our industry.”
The guide, sponsored by Lorient, is available for member companies to download from the members’ area of the GAI website http://www.gai.org.uk/.
