Simple Ways to Soundproof Interior Doors
Exterior and interior doors are different in a way, and it is crucial to understand their differences to soundproof your home. Interior doors are unlike exterior doors, which are known for their rigidity. Interior doors, in most cases, come with a hollow core.
With that, we can conclude that exterior doors are massive and quite heavier than interior doors. That means interior doors are not as good as exterior doors as far as soundproofing power is concerned. Interior doors are a lot easier for vibration and noise to penetrate, which means they require more soundproofing than exterior doors.
An apartment with interior doors all over can be highly noisy. Noise and vibration are a lot easier to pass through as if there are no doors at all. Replacing doors can be a little costly, but soundproofing basics discussed in this article are effective alternatives for keeping a home noise-free.
Here is a list of materials needed for soundproofing interior doors:
Use Acoustic Panels
Fiberglass acoustic panels can also improve the curb appeal of a room. They are also available in different colors and designs to fit any house. Fiberglass panels are also good thermal insulators, moistureproof, and shockproof, meaning that homeowners can benefit from the reduction of noise and other things as well.
Fiberglass acoustic panels are, however, a bit tricky to install, especially if they are not self-adhesive. You can utilize command strips or use green glue to attach them to the door properly. Attaching one or two strips on the back of an interior door can reduce the echo and the noise significantly.
Whether you use green glue or command strips, the panels will get attached to the doors. However, the difference will show up later when detaching the panels. It will be easier to detach panels that were attached using strips than those attached with green glue.
Both fiberglass and foam panels are somewhat cheap, but be sure to measure your door before placing an order. You better buy a large panel and cut it later than a small one that won’t fit your door.
Covering the Gaps and Sealing Holes and Cracks
Some soundproofing methods can’t be applied to interior doors that need to slide. However, you can use an adjustable door sweep when there is a big gap between the door and the floor. I have never liked door sweeps when it comes to soundproofing interior doors, but aim for the versatile door sweep if you decide to go this route.
Self-adhesive door sweeps are easier to install by yourself. Here are a few pros of having an interior door soundproofed with a door sweep.
- Noise reduction
- Preventing insects and bugs from infesting your room
- Reduced thermal leak
The only con of soundproofing an interior door with a door sweep is that it might make it difficult for a door to slide.
Invest in Solid Sliding Doors
Hang Soundproofing Curtains
Your curtains should cover an interior door entirely for them to reduce the noise and the echo. Soundproofing curtains are a useful alternative for reducing airborne noise, but their effectiveness depends on the level of noise.
Soundproofing curtains can only help reduce medium-to-high sound frequencies. You can’t rely on them for low sound frequencies.
Soundproofing Blankets
Have you ever imagined hanging a blanket on your interior doors? Yes, that can be applied as a soundproofing method. I was at first sarcastic about soundproofing blankets, but I later realized that they are an effective way to reduce the echo and block noise.
Acoustic blankets, also known as moving blankets, are well-known for their ability to absorb sound. These are thick blankets that are designed for absorbing any sound on its way to an office or living room. Having a soundproofing blanket on your interior doors can at least cut the noise or solve your echo and noise problems completely.
Soundproof blankets are quite natural and logical. The more layers you have on your sliding doors, the more effective your door is in blocking noise. Adding an extra layer of soundproofing door on a sliding door can make it a lot hard for noise to pass through. One layer of a soundproofing blanket is usually enough, but you are free to add an extra layer if you can still hear noise from the outside.
Acoustic blankets or moving blankets are quite bigger than soundproofing curtains, but they are not as expensive as curtains. Amazon offers different types of moving blankets ranging from as low as $30-$40. Soundproofing blankets are an inexpensive solution to excessive echo and noise in a room. However, their effectiveness depends on the level of noise.
I frankly don’t like them, but there are some beautiful designs out there, so make a point of checking them out at Amazon. These blankets not only make a room more soundproof but also add to its overall appearance. You can as well use them as a solution to issues such as thermal leaks.
Place a Rug
Door sweep and weatherstripping could be working magic for you, but placing a couple of fluffy rugs on either side of a sliding door can further reduce the noise from outside. The difference may be quite minimal, but it is noticeable.
I suggest you check out at Amazon if you are interested in a rug for dampening sound. There are extra thick rugs that are made with durable and robust polypropylene fibers. At Amazon, you get to choose from a variety of designs and colors that fit your needs.
The advantage of using rugs as sound dampeners is that they require no installation process. You order a rug at Amazon and place it wherever you want. Using mats as the only soundproofing option may not be effective as far as cost and sound dampening is concerned. However, we can use it as reinforcement for other methods of soundproofing an interior door.
Mass Loaded Vinyl
- Premium Quality Material [PVC based not EVA]: These vinyl sheets are made in the US with superior quality, highly durable extruded virgin material, weighing 1 pound per square foot, with 1/8” thickness and STC rating of 27. A heavy-duty, long lasting texture guaranteed to withstand the test of time without easily tearing! Best Seller, Over 2 Million square feed sold!
- The Perfect Solution: Whether for walls ceilings, ducts or pipes, studio projects, movie theaters or residential applications, the TMS sound proof padding is a smart, affordable solution which creates a highly effective noise barrier without implying major costs, expensive handymen or your precious time.
Install Door Gaskets on Your Interior Doors
- Includes (2) Door Seals (3/16" x 1/2" x 50') and (1) Door Sweep (1/2" x 1.5" x 25').
- Designed to treat up to 4 standard size doors.