Loud noises coming from outside your door can be very disruptive because your home is supposed to be a place where you can relax.Take the time to soundproof your doors to cut down on distraction.A basic solution is placing a rug before the door.Replacing all of the weatherstripping is a great option if you are concerned about an exterior door.Try out different solutions until you find one that works for you.
Step 1: Put acoustic drapes over the door.
You can put a curtain rod over the door.The drape should be hung from the rod.You can purchase drapes that are made from sound absorbent fabric.Simply slide the drape into place when you are inside the room.This is a good option for people who can't alter the surface of the door.After installing the drapes, open and close the door multiple times to see if they affect it.If there was an emergency and you needed to leave, try opening the door quickly to see how the drapes affect it.
Step 2: It should be coated with sound-Absorbing paint.
Ask your local hardware store about the sound absorbing interior paint options.Pick a door that matches the color of your doors.To apply it, follow the directions on the container.It will be very similar to a standard paint, but may be a bit thicker.A coating of sound-absorbing paint can reduce noise.The noise coming from inside the room will be kept from travelling outside as well.Remove the door from its hinges and paint it.
Step 3: Installation of foam tiles.
Purchase tiles at a hardware store.Attaching the tiles to your door can be done using screws, glue, or staplers.If they fall off with the movement of the door, make sure they are secured.If you want the most sound protection, choose the highest one of the acoustic tiles.Attach rubber flooring tiles to the back of your door is another option.They won't offer effective noise reduction.If you live in a rental property, you can put the pads on the back of the foam tiles.
Step 4: There is a mass loaded vinyl barrier.
Music or acoustics shops sell this thick roll of vinyl.Measure your door and then use a utility knife to cut the vinyl.You can purchase a construction glue at your local hardware store to attach the vinyl to the door.Wait until the door is soundproofed and the glue is dry.MLV comes at a price, but it is excellent at sound reduction.You will spend $2 per square foot on low-quality MLV.thicker barriers cost more.MLV can be purchased in a variety of thicknesses.The thicker rolls cost more to hang on doors.The best protection is provided by them.
Step 5: You can check for gaps with a flashlight.
All of the lights in the two rooms surrounding the door should be turned off.As you close the door, ask a friend to stand on the other side.They should illuminate the door with a flashlight.The sound can travel if you notice lots of light coming through.You won't be able to fill every gap on the door or block out all of the light.If you want to see how that improves the sound, target a few spots.
Step 6: Any gaps should be caulked up.
Put a fresh tube of wood caulk into the caulking gun.There are small cracks or holes in the door frame.If you see one, place the caulk tube against it and squeeze out a bead.Remove any excess with a knife.The caulk will help absorb sound and keep it out of the door.Any glass on your door can be covered with clear silicone.It will help reduce noise and prevent cold air from entering.
Step 7: A door sweep is necessary.
If the sweep between the door and the floor is strong, it will cover the entire space.A sweep that isn't cracked is what you want.As the door opens and closes, it's a good idea to lightly brush the floor.The old one should be removed to make way for a new one.Simply put a new rubber one in the bottom of the door frame.Automatic door bottom is an option.As the door closes and the device opens, it drops down.Many people hire a professional to install it.
Step 8: There is a rug in the entryway.
If the door opens on a tile or wood floor, the sound will travel into the room.Put a rug over the entryway area to limit this.The sound coming from under the door will be mitigated by the fabric.
Step 9: Glass should be replaced with triple-panes.
Glass can be used to transmit noises from one space to another.If your door has large glass inserts, they aren't likely to be rated for sound protection.If you want to reduce the noise, contact a glass professional and have them replace them with thick, triple-pane glass.The same level of visibility may not be provided by triple-pane glass.Before you agree to anything, ask how the glass will look in your door.
Step 10: Only solid-core doors are allowed to be hung.
Light woods or particleboard are used in most interior doors.They are usually hollow inside.They are very easy to transmit sound to.It is worth it to invest in solid-core or solid wood doors if you are interested in soundproofing.The easiest way to soundproof a space is by adding mass.Concrete is far more soundproof than a thin layer of plywood.
Step 11: Don't remove old stripping.
Most exterior doors have weatherstripping on them.The frame may be just a part of the weatherstripping.Use a knife to peel up old weather stripping.You need to remove the pieces from the door before pulling them away.If you have a plan to replace it, you should not get rid of it.Loud noises and debris can enter your home if you don't have weatherstripping on the door.
Step 12: Choose between metal or vinyl stripping.
Metal stripping can last 30 years on your door, but it is more expensive.It requires more effort to install.The difference is that vinyl stripping is cheaper and often comes with a strip on the back for easy installation.You can match it to the door frame with a variety of colors.If you want to soundproof your door, you can use compression stripping.
Step 13: The new stripping needs to be installed.
Carefully read the instructions for the weatherstripping.Take a look at the doorframe before you do.Cut the weatherstripping into pieces.Attach the new stripping to the wood using either the back or small screws or nails.It's important to keep the stripping against the wood as you install it.You can use a utility knife to cut vinyl stripping.Tin snips are needed to sever metal stripping.Pre-cut holes will show you where to screw it into the wood frame of the door.
Step 14: The stripping should be tested for fit.
If you feel resistance, close the door completely.The door should close completely.If there are any problems, open the door.The stripping should be inspected to see if it is smudged or scratched.Make sure that the damaged areas are against the frame by taking a closer look at them.