Until recently, there were no affordable 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. For the same reasons, many today acquire steel models. They have a lot of advantages. The main disadvantage is noise and rapid temperature loss. This shortcoming is easy to fix. How? Soundproofing a steel bath will help solve the problem.
Dignity of a steel bath over other types
Many believe that, despite the development of modern technology, they could not come up with anything better than cast iron bathtubs. Sellers in stores recommend only cast iron. But the fact is that bathtubs made of other materials (including steel) are in no way inferior to cast iron, and somewhere they completely surpass it. Naturally, we are talking about thick-walledmodels where the steel thickness 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 more resistant to various kinds of aggressive environments and mechanical damage (for example, various scratches, chips, cracks). The design of the bowl can be completely different. The product itself is significantly lighter than cast iron counterparts.
This greatly simplifies installation and transportation. Color fastness is also excellent. 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 a cast-iron counterpart. Steel products also differ in different designs (assortment, like acrylic bathtubs). At the same time, steel does not have the shortcomings characteristic of acrylic models.
Bathtub Soundproofing Methods
In order to feel comfortable using sanitary equipment, you cannot do without soundproofing a steel bath. There are several methods available for this procedure. The operation can be done by hand.
Use polyethylene foam
This is an excellent material for hydro, heat and sound insulation. This material ismany air-filled closed polyethylene cells. This structure gives the material all of its unique insulating properties. Improved coatings with a layer of foil are also produced. But ordinary materials are also suitable for soundproofing work.
The easiest way is to use self-adhesive mats. If these are difficult to find, then you will have to purchase a special glue. The process of soundproofing a steel bath is as follows. The coating is applied on the reverse side of the product with the adhesive side inward. It remains only to firmly press the polyethylene mats. This covers the entire surface of the product.
Tech 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 cork, 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. The cork coating is glued to the back of the bowl. In this case, you need to work strictly following the instructions that come with the soundproofing material. Be sure to wait until the glue is completely dry.
Working with polyurethane foam
You can soundproof a steel bath with mounting 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 for this operation.
She has higher resistance to high temperatures. In addition, summer foam swells much better. This allows for a wider insulating layer.
Steps of work
Competent soundproofing of a steel bath with your own hands takes place in several stages. The first stage includes preparation. The tub is turned upside down. Then, masking tape protects the places where the drain pipes are located and the legs are screwed on.
Further, at 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 securely. Then the mounting foam is applied. This operation must be carried out with great care 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 upwards. You need to take breaks so that the foam can dry.
When it is completely dry, you can consider the soundproofing of the steel bath completely finished. After that, it will be usable. 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 also use a soundproofing kit for a car on a steel bath.
This operation should be performed only strictly according to the instructions thatthe manufacturer applies to the coating. It is recommended to use vibration isolator. This is an automotive material based on bitumen and rubber. Vibroisol is made in the form of self-adhesive sheets.
Vibroplast
This is a good vibration absorbing material. It is a layer of aluminum foil, a sticky polymer layer, which is covered with a special release paper. This material sticks well even on uneven surfaces. These sheets do not absorb moisture and also have sealant properties. Temperature conditions - from -45 to +100 degrees. The material is known as an excellent sound 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 are the lack of toxicity, low cost, wide temperature range, resistance to moisture.
Acrylic
Effectively apply the material to the inner surface of the sanitary ware. It can be acrylic in liquid form or acrylic liners. As a result, the bath will not only stop sounding loud, but will also become less slippery. Such heat and sound insulation of a steel bath will significantly reduce noise. Yes, and the plumbing itself will cool longer.
How to use liquid acrylic for soundproofing?
The composition is applied to the inner surface of the bowl. The material is excellent, but there is a drawback - this ispungent odor and a long time required for complete drying. For soundproofing work, a composition consisting of two components is needed. This is a semi-finished product of acrylic enamel, as well as hardener No. 144. In addition to soundproofing properties, acrylic will also give a more aesthetic appearance to the product.
How to make a soundproofing of a steel bath with acrylics? 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. Next, the bath is thoroughly dried from the inside. The siphon is removed, and the taps are wrapped with a film. Acrylic should be applied in bulk to the entire surface inside the bowl. Processing is carried out in a circle continuously. The mixture will run off 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 the two-component composition.
Among the advantages of this treatment are the absence of streaks, stains during operation, impact resistance, high service life, the absence of air bubbles during application.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many ways to soundproof a bath. The work process is simple, and even an inexperienced home master can handle it. You just need to be a little careful. Also, the main thing is to follow the instructions for the soundproofing kit. Difficulties may arise when working with acrylic, but if you have some experience, then everythingit will turn out perfect. At the end of the work, no matter what technology the sound insulation is made of, you can enjoy comfort and silence.
