We recently made our French doors soundproof and it really cut down the noise in our home. While learning about soundproofing, we realized others may not know how to do it right. So, we’re creating a guide to help you soundproof your French doors.
In it, we will go over different methods and extra tips to reduce noise. Whether you’re in a loud area or just want peace, this guide will give you all the info to make your French doors soundproof.
understanding sound
We hear sounds when something vibrates and makes air particles move. These vibrations create pressure waves that travel through the air or other stuff. The pitch and loudness of a sound depending on how fast and strong the waves are.
Sound travels in waves that go back and forth in the same direction as they move. How fast sound goes depends on how thick and stiff the thing it travels through is.
Temperature and humidity can change how fast sound travels. Stuff in the way can make sound bounce around, get absorbed, or get weaker.
benefits to soundproof French doors
We found that soundproofing our French doors brought us many benefits. Glass doors don’t block noise well, but with soundproofing, we reduced the noise pollution inside and outside the house. It made our home more peaceful and cozy.
Furthermore, we gained increased privacy from the sound blocking. Living in a busy area or having loud neighbours can be a nuisance, but soundproofing French doors helped us enjoy our privacy.
We also discovered that soundproofing our French doors provided improved security. Filling the openings or gaps in the doors makes it more challenging for burglars to break in. It gave us a sense of safety and security.
How to Soundproof French Doors
Assessing Your French Doors
we must check how much noise is entering through your French doors and find any gaps where sound can escape. This will help us decide the best way to soundproof.
We used a gadget called a sound meter to check how loud it was. The device measured the decibels, which told us the noise level. Most people find a level of 60 or below acceptable, but above that can be disturbing.
If you don’t have a sound meter, listen for conversations or sounds through the doors. When things get loud, we know it’s trouble. If we can hear everything crystal clear, it means the noise level is way too high.
Search for any gaps or cracks around your French doors that allow sound to pass through. You can visually inspect the doors for these or do a sound test by having someone make noise outside while you’re inside with all windows and doors closed. When we hear noise, we know something’s broken and needs fixing.
Once you know the noise level and identified the sound leakages, you can begin soundproofing the French doors. In the next sections, we’ll explain some effective methods for soundproofing.
use Soundproofing Curtains and Drapes
We tried out soundproofing curtains and drapes to quiet our home. These thick, velvety or suede-like fabrics soak up sound waves and stop noise from getting in or out of a room. We hung them over our French doors to muffle sounds that come through the glass.
We found out that these curtains are not the best at blocking sound like some other choices, and they may not suit everyone.
Watch this video for the full tutorial.
use Acoustic Panels and Foam
We found a good way to keep out noise through our French doors: acoustic panels and foam. They soak up sound waves, stopping them from travelling through. Acoustic foam is made of polyurethane and comes in many sizes and densities.
Acoustic panels mix foam and fibreglass and can be shaped and sized in many ways. We can put them on walls, ceilings, and doors, even on our French doors. They work great, but they can cost a lot and might need a pro to install them.
apply Weatherstripping and Door Sweeps
We found a cheap way to quiet our French doors. We used weatherstripping and door sweeps to seal the gaps and stop noise from getting in or out. The weatherstripping was made of foam or rubber and went around the door frame. We put the door sweeps at the bottom of the door to block the space between the door and the floor. It was easy to install and saved us money.
How to Install Weatherstripping on french door
Putting weatherstripping on a French door is an easy way to reduce drafts and save energy. These are the steps we took:
- Scraped off old weather stripping with a putty knife or scraper.
- Wiped down the door frame and door stop with a clean cloth to get rid of dirt or debris.
- Measured the door frame width and door stop length to know how much weatherstripping to use.
- Cut the weatherstripping to size with a utility knife or scissors.
- Pressed the weatherstripping along the door stop from the top of the door frame downwards, ensuring it sticks tight.
- Checked for gaps between the door and frame by closing it, and if any gaps were found, adjusted the weatherstripping to form a secure seal.
- Repeated the above process for the sides and bottom of the door frame.
We had to figure out the right soundproofing for us. We considered what we required and how much we could afford to pay. We looked at the amount of noise pollution and the type of French doors we had. Then we picked the right materials to make our home more peaceful.
Additional Tips to Soundproof French Doors
You did what you could to soundproof those French doors, but still, noise creeps in. But don’t lose hope! We’ll give you more tips to boost your soundproofing and make your home a calm and quiet retreat.
Use Soundproofing Paint
You wanna make your French doors quieter? Try this trick. Get some soundproofing paint. It’s got stuff inside that can soak up sound waves. Just paint a few layers onto your doors, and you’ll see a difference in how much noise sneaks in. This is not the only thing you should do. Use other ways to soundproof along with the paint.
Rearrange Furniture
You’d be surprised, but how you set up your furniture affects the noise in your place. Putting your bookcases or couches near your French doors can absorb sounds and lower the noise level. You could also hang thick curtains or drapes over the French doors to block noise.
Use Rugs or Carpets
try using rugs or carpets to soundproof your French doors. These things soak up sound and make things quieter. Just put a rug or carpet close to the doors, and it’ll keep noise outside. You can also use special padding under the rug or carpet to make it even quieter.
Hang Decorative Tapestry
You hang a fancy cloth over your French doors to quiet things down and fancy up your place. It sucks up noise and brings some style too. Pick a design that matches your digs and vibe to make it all yours.
Conclusion for how to soundproof French doors
As I completed this how to soundproof French doors, I pondered my own journey. When I moved into my flat, racket from the avenue and adjacent units were constant. But by using the steps in this manual, I finally found some stillness.
If you’re reading this, it’s likely you are grappling with clamour in your home. But don’t fret! With mere components and endurance, you too can quiet your French doors and luxuriate in tranquillity.
Thus, give it a shot – your auditory organs (and your mental stability) will express gratitude.
