The door is one of the most import aspects of soundproofing and should never be ignored.

Soundproofing a door is a very simple task and can be accomplished in a few hours.

Why would you need to soundproof a door?

Do you live with a teenager that loves his heavy metal music at full blast?

Is the little one doing her daily one-hour violin practice, and even though you love her to bits it sounds like someone is strangling the cat?

Do you live with an elderly person who snores so loudly you think someone is bulldozing and mowing your lawn at the same time?

Does the wife complain that your man cave is not sound proofed enough because she can still hear the game and chaos when your mates are over watching the match?

If any of the above is your reason, don’t worry, it can be resolved without costing an arm and a leg. There are a few ways to do this.  You can decide which method is best for you.

• If you are renting a property and are not allowed to make adjustments to the permanent fittings, you can add a heavy set of acoustic drapes above the door. During the day when the door is open you can move them to the side behind the door and when you require soundproofing, simply close the door you can just slide them over to block and absorb the sound waves.
• You can hang a soundproof door mat on the door to minimize the sound, however, this is not a permanent solution
• You can attach a soundproof blanket to the back of the door. To hold the soundproof blanket in place use grommets or Velcro.

Firstly check the door. Is it solid? Most doors within a household have hollow doors. Replacing it with a thick solid door is a simple task and will make a significant difference.

Here are a few door soundproofing tips courtesy of Soundproof Panda:

What will you need?

Option 1

• A thick sheet of sound absorbing foam

Or

• 3/4inch medium density fiberboard
• 4 wood screws
• 4 washer heads
• Screwdriver
• Utility knife

Method

The first thing you would need to do is remove the door. Then remove the door handle.

Place the foam on the door and cut to size. Then slide the washer heads into the wood screws and screw to attach the foam to the door.

The washer heads prevent the screw from being absorbed into the foam completely and keep the screw head on the top.

Fit the door handle back and reattach the door and you are done. There is minimal cleanup.

Some pointers here would be to make sure you balance out the weight of the door if you have a hollow core door.

Please choose a product that will complement the room when the door is closed. You do not want to it to look untidy.

Option 2

Install removable door gaskets to cover any part of the door that sound travels through. This fits onto the perimeter of the door frame.

It helps to block any sound that may enter. The best part is that it can be removed easily when you need to move.

Option 3

The Door seal kit – Warning this one requires effort.

• Measuring tape
• Marker and writing paper.
• Carbide tip saw blade
• Drill
• Screws

This is a great one if you have an office at home and need the silence to write and work without having to tell the kids to stop playing their video games.

Some pointers here is to measure the doorframe accurately before cutting the seals. Measure the hinge side from the bottom to the top of the door. Then measure repeat with the latch side jam. Write them down for quick reference. Then measure out the door seal and cut with a carbide tip saw blade. Do exercise caution when doing this as the small end may fly off.

I am sure when you are doing this you remember your dad’s golden rule. Measure twice cut once. We don’t want to have to run out and buy another door seal. Place the hinge side piece first and fit and drill and seal. Do the side seals first then the upper. Lastly, attach the automatic bottom seal.  Remember to use a spacer between the door and the floor to get the right adjustment.

Congratulations the door is soundproofed.

We have provided you with various options to suit all your needs. There are quick-fix, simple and removable options if you are renting and will have to remove them before you leave as well as more permanent solutions. Remember to touch up.  Landlords will be happy to deduct from your initial deposit, we don’t want to give him any more reasons too.

If you have been soundproofing your home you can invest in something cheap yet permanent. It will look good and increase the value of your home.