More recently, there were no available alternatives to cast-iron bathtubs. In almost all bathrooms, this standard white equipment was found - the difference between different bathtubs was only in size. Such plumbing was considered not only affordable, but also economical. From the same considerations, many today are acquiring steel models. They have a lot of advantages. The main disadvantage is the noise and the rapid loss of temperature. This minus is easy to fix. How? Sound insulation of a steel bath will help to solve the problem.
The advantages of a steel bath over other types
Many believe that, despite the development of modern technology, they could not think of anything better than cast iron bathtubs. Shop assistants only recommend cast iron. But the fact is that bathtubs made of other materials (including steel) are in no way inferior to cast iron, but in some places even surpass it. Naturally, we are talking about thick-walled models, where the thickness of the steel is 4 millimeters or more.
The main advantages of a steel bath include high resistance to deformation. There is also no static induction. The steel product is strong and very durable. A special component, which is part of the alloy for the manufacture of bathtubs, further improves the properties and characteristics. Such a bath will be resistant to all kinds of exposure to aggressive environments and mechanical damage (for example, various scratches, chips, cracks). The design of the bowl can be completely diverse. The product itself has a significantly lower weight compared to cast iron counterparts.
This greatly simplifies installation and transportation. Color fastness is also on top. In addition, the bath has a self-cleaning effect. Choosing a steel model, you can get a quality product that is in no way inferior to the cast iron counterpart. Steel products also differ in different designs (assortment, like in acrylic bathtubs). At the same time, steel has no drawbacks characteristic of acrylic models.
Soundproofing methods for bathtubs
To use the plumbing equipment was comfortable, without soundproofing a steel bath can not do. There are several methods available for this procedure. The operation can be done with your own hands.
We use foamed polyethylene
It is an excellent material for hydro, heat and sound insulation. This material is a multitude of air-filled closed polyethylene cells. This structure gives the material all its unique insulating properties. Improved coatings are also produced with a layer of foil. But ordinary materials are also suitable for noise insulation work.
The easiest way to use self-adhesive mats. If these are difficult to find, then you will have to purchase special glue. The process of noise insulation of a steel bath is as follows. The coating is applied to the back of the product with the adhesive side inward. It remains only to press the plastic mats tightly. So cover the entire surface of the product.
Technical traffic jam
This method is more time consuming. But for most people, not only the result is important, but also environmental friendliness. In the case of traffic jams, you don’t have to worry about environmental friendliness. The material does not emit any harmful substances even when heated. In addition, this material is highly resistant to moisture, which is important for rooms such as a bathroom. Cork is glued to the back of the bowl. In this case, you must work strictly following the instructions that come with the soundproofing material. It is imperative to withstand the time until the glue completely dries.
We work with polyurethane foam
It is possible to perform sound insulation of a steel bath with foam. This is the easiest and most affordable way. For work, you will need, in fact, the most common mounting foam. Summer foam is best suited for this operation.
She has higher resistance to high temperatures. In addition, summer foam swells much better. This allows for a wider insulating layer.
Work stages
Competent soundproofing of a steel bath with your own hands takes place in several stages. The first stage includes preparation. The bath turns upside down. Then, with masking tape, protect the places where the drain pipes are located and the legs are screwed.
Then, in the second stage, the surface is treated with a thin layer of sealant. This is necessary so that the mounting foam is fixed to the surface more reliably. Then the mounting foam is applied. This operation must be carried out with extreme accuracy and very slowly. The foam jet must be adjusted so that the layer is as uniform as possible. The material should be applied in a circular motion from the edge of the bowl up. You need to take breaks so that the foam can dry.
When it is completely dry, the sound insulation of the steel bath can be considered completely finished. After that, it will be serviceable. It must be remembered that if moisture gets on the surface of the foam, fungus and mold may develop. This will destroy the protective coating. There will also be an unpleasant odor. This must be taken into account.
Materials for cars
You can use a soundproofing kit for a car on a steel bath.
This operation should only be carried out strictly according to the instructions that the manufacturer applies to the coating. It is recommended to use vibroizol. It is an automotive material based on bitumen and rubber. Vibroisol is made in the form of self-adhesive sheets.
Vibroplast
It is a good vibration absorbing material. It is a layer of aluminum foil, a sticky polymer layer that is coated with special release paper. This material sticks well even on uneven surfaces. These sheets do not absorb moisture and also have sealant properties. The temperature regime is from -45 to +100 degrees. The material is known as an excellent noise and heat insulator. For a steel bath 170x70 cm, not so much vibroplast is required - up to ten sheets. A piece of the required size is cut out of the sheet, then the protective paper is removed. Then, with an adhesive layer, the material is applied to the surface and leveled. It is better to roll the layer with a roller. Among the advantages of this material can be identified the absence of toxicity, low cost, wide temperature range, resistance to moisture.
Acrylic
Effectively apply the material on the inner surface of the sanitary ware. It can be acrylic in liquid form or acrylic liners. As a result, the bathtub will not only stop loudly sounding, but will also become not so slippery. Such heat and sound insulation of a steel bath will significantly reduce noise. And the plumbing itself will cool longer.
How to use liquid acrylic for sound insulation?
The composition is applied to the inner surface of the bowl. The material is excellent, but there is a drawback - it has a pungent odor and a long time required for complete drying. For sound insulation work, a composition consisting of two components is needed. This is a semi-finished acrylic enamel, as well as hardener No. 144. In addition to soundproofing properties, acrylic will give the product a more aesthetic look.
How to make soundproofing a steel bath with acrylic on your own? First, the surface is treated with an emery cloth and an abrasive cleaner. Then you need to wash off all the dirt from the surface. Then the bath is thoroughly dried from the inside. The siphon is removed, and the taps are wrapped with foil. Acrylic should be applied in bulk to the entire surface inside the bowl. Processing is carried out in a circle continuously. The mixture will drain and leave a thin layer. The material is very resistant to mechanical wear. Do-it-yourself finishing of a typical steel bath 170x70 cm will take about two hours. On sale you can find various colors of a two-component composition.
Among the advantages of this treatment, the absence of sagging, spots during operation, impact strength, high service life, and the absence of air bubbles during application can be highlighted.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of ways to soundproof the bath. The process is simple, and even an inexperienced home master can handle it. It is only necessary to have a certain accuracy. Also, the main thing is to follow the instructions for the noise isolation kit. There may be difficulties when working with acrylic, but if you have some experience, then everything will turn out perfectly. At the end of the work, no matter what technology the sound insulation is made in, it will be possible to enjoy comfort and silence.