In most cases, you will be attracted by the contemporary design of bifold doorways, forgetting to check their soundproofing qualities. Unfortunately, not unless you are in search of studio or office doors, soundproofing will likely be out of scope when installing bi-fold doors. This notwithstanding, too much noise is inconducive for any living space. So, if you have such doors on your premise, there are certain methods you can use to soundproof bifold doors.
As such, we've prepared a detailed guide on soundproofing bifold doors. It might be a bit trickier to make already installed bi-fold doors soundproof, but it's not impossible. Ideally, we will cover the use of additional insulation, which will, of course, come at an extra cost. That aside, let's first understand why bifold doors leak noise and justify the need to insulate them against noise pollution.
What are Bifold Doors?
Also known as folding doors are made to slide open as the panels fold to clear a doorway. Such doors are used as accordion doors to divide rooms like you would have accordion doors between your living area and the kitchen. Subsequently, these sliding doors are appealing for most living spaces, thus their preference in contemporary constructions. Notably, their bi-folding nature (in or out) also allows for adequate air circulation into a living space.
Despite their attractive and space-saving design, bifold doors are made hollow on the inside to make them lightweight. As a result, they easily allow sound and other noises through them, thus not allowing you to have peace of mind whenever there is noise around you. Additionally, these doors often have more gaps due to their multiple double-sided panels. Subsequently, these gaps leak sound through them.
Not to worry, you don't have to go through the expensive process of replacing your bifold doors. Accordingly, you need to ensure that all air gaps on your door and door frame are sealed as part of noise insulation. Then, use soundproofing materials, which we will later cover in this article, to block the noise passing through your hollow doors.
Benefits of Soundproof Bi-Fold Doors
Primarily, soundproof doors, including the bifold type, help keep out excessive noise from outside. In particular, such technology effectively reduces noise but might not keep out all the noise. In the same spirit of noise insulation, a soundproof door helps protect your secret conversations and privacy.
Therefore, soundproof bifold doors are a good selling point for home seekers seeking serenity. Additionally, soundproofing of doors and windows serves as a security measure for 'Top Secrets'. Also, in the case of offices, soundproofing creates a space of confidentiality with the least noise distractions. In light of these benefits, here are ways of soundproofing your bifold doorways.
1. Use Soundproofing Curtains
An effective way of insulating bi-folding doorways against sound is installing soundproof curtains. Soundproofing curtains are made with heavy materials that tend to block any air spaces around your door and door frame. Subsequently, these curtains dampen noise and sound. So, what does this mean to any room dweller?
First, noise coming from your surroundings will be dampened or reduced, creating serenity on the inside. Additionally, soundproofing curtains protect your private conversations by absorbing any leakages instead of letting them through. Even more, the makers of these curtains make them in designs and materials that improve interior aesthetics. Next is our recommendation for soundproof curtains you can use on your bifold door.
1. NICETOWN 3 Noise Reducing Thermal Insulated
- READY MADE: Set includes 2 BLACKOUT PANELS of 42" wide x 84" length with 6 grommets...
- SERVE WELL: Curtains impede 85%-99% light and UV rays(Dark color curtains work well)....
- ENERGY SMART: Triple weave blackout fabric balances room temperature by insulating...
- GOOD TO GO: Thread trimmed and wrinkle-free, ring (1.6-inch inner diameter) fits...
- EASY TO MAINTAIN: NICETOWN blackout curtains are made to last. Machine washable in...
NICETOWN microfiber thermal insulated and noise-reducing curtains are excellent additions you can use to soundproof bifold doors. These soundproof curtains come ready-made with a heavy material that is also soft for interior use. Besides noise reduction, these curtains are made to block UV rays and light, useful especially when watching TV.
Regarding interior suitability, these curtains are made wrinkle-free, thread-trimmed, and with rings for easy fitting in existing curtain rods. Moreover, these additions are energy smart to protect you, your floors and furniture against hot and cold temperatures. Finally, NICETOWN 3 soundproofing curtains are easy to hang and maintain since you can machine wash them with cold water and iron or steam them quickly.
2. Use Soundproofing Blankets
Besides fitting curtains around your door, you can also choose to use soundproofing blankets. Ideally, such blankets work to block any gap around your door that may leak sound. Similar to the highlighted dense curtains, these blankets are also made dense to dampen and absorb sound.
You can use a thick towel on your door to reduce sound disruptions from family members or housemates as a quick solution. In the long term, it would be wise to invest in a soundproofing blanket if your surroundings are often noisy. Nonetheless, the noise reduction of these soundproofing blankets doesn't completely block the noise coming from your surroundings. In addition to this information, here's a recommendation.
Audimute Sound Absorption Sheet - Sound Dampening Blanket
- [Superior Quality - Made in USA] -- Durable and made of our proprietary sound...
- [Proven Effective - Lab Tested] -- Reduces echo and reverberation in a room,...
- [Easy to Install & Remove] -- Portable design with grommets and included hanging...
- [Safe for Your Health] -- Non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, & no fiberglass or inferior...
This sound dampening blanket is made from recycled cellulose fibers and cotton. As such, these materials are densely sewed together to make a soundproofing material. Moreover, this blanket is safe for interior use since it's non-carcinogenic and non-toxic.
Furthermore, this blanket is easy to install with metal grommets for easy hanging. Moreover, you can hang this blanket in almost every room due to its interior aesthetics. After installation, this blanket reduces noises from outside. In addition, this blanket also improves interior sound quality due to reverberation and echo reduction.
3. Apply Soundproofing Paint
Another solution for your sound-leaking bifold doorways is applying soundproofing paint. Despite its soundproofing features, this paint is simply water-based, like regular paint. Even so, latex in this paint adds to its thickness, making it effective in sound absorption. Not to worry, latex is fast-drying and non-toxic.
Specifically, soundproofing paints effectively absorb low and medium noises but cannot be used in blocking sound. Also, polymers in soundproofing paint absorb sound, changing it into heat energy. Ideally, the thicker the coat on your door, the better it will be in soundproofing. As such, we recommend applying at least three layers of soundproofing paint.
Besides applying it on bifold doorways, you can use such paint to soundproof your ceiling, windows, walls. When it comes to buying, such products are often known as acoustic paints. Subsequently, here's our recommendation for more insulation on your bifold doors.
Acousti Coat - Sound Deadening Paint
- Acousti-Coat is a thick, soft coating designed to act as a 'sound sponge'. Deadens...
- Product is designed to reduce echo and uncomfortable high frequency sounds. Ideal for...
- Coverage is 50 square feet per gallon for the minimum two coats required. This means...
- ThermaCels included in this paint! This provides insulation properties as well. Do...
- White Flat Finish. Can be tinted using universal colorants, to light or medium...
Characteristic of its sound dampening qualities, Acousti Coat is dense with latex together with ceramic microspheres and fillers. It may sound chemical packed, but it's water-based, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The earlier mentioned contents are responsible for sound absorption and dampening echos. Also, the paint's soft pigment prevents sound from bouncing on surfaces.
You can apply this paint on door panels to absorb noise from the outside as it improves sound quality from the inside. In addition to soundproofing, you can fit wall speakers to improve the sound in your office or home. Regarding application, this paint can be applied using a spray gun, brush or roller. Then, whenever you want to clean it from your door, you can simply use soap and water to remove it.
4. Seal the Space Between Bifold Door and Floor
You can also soundproof bifold doors by sealing the gaps or spaces between a door and the floor. In most constructions, spaces are left between doors and the floor to allow airflow. Also, such spaces allow for doors to open and close effortlessly. Nonetheless, this space can be inconvenient since it can let noise into and leak sound from a room.
Fortunately, you can find bifold door sweeps and draft stoppers that you can use at the bottom of a door without friction when opening and closing. Even so, you will reduce the air gap with such additions. On the one hand, a door sweep comes as a strong, flexible rubber that blocks the gap beneath the door. On the other hand, a draft or door stopper is a less invasive method of creating an airtight doorway.
Moreover, a door sweep is more invasive than a door draft stopper since you must screw it in place. Even so, a door sweep is more objective to soundproofing than a door draft stopper. Regardless of these differences, both effectively seal the gap between your door and the floor. Accordingly, we have taken the liberty to suggest an effective way of making your door more soundproof.
Image Credit: amazingworld.network
Suptikes Door Draft Stopper Under Door Seal
- 【NO MORE GAPS】 - 2" Width x 39" Length, Fits Gaps up to 1 Inch. Self-adhesive...
- 【SAVE MONEY and ENERGY】- In winter and summer, draft stopper prevent the leakage...
- 【MULTIPLE PROTECTION】 - Guard against drafts, odors and noise; block out...
- 【FITS FOR MOST DOOR TYEPS】 - 2" W x 39" L door seal for interior and exterior...
- 【EASY TO INSTALL】1)Measure the bottom of the door and cut the excess seal;...
This under-door seal is no mere draft stopper. Ideally, the Suptikes door draft stopper offers diverse protection against draft, noise and odors. As part of blocking drafts, this stopper also prevents air leaks that might contribute to sound leakage. Therefore, as it makes a room warm and comfortable, it also seals all noise gaps.
What's more? You don't have to break the bank to own this door draft blocker. Also, it's less invasive with an easy to install self-adhesive. Moreover, this stopper effectively seals extra-large gaps under most door types, including wooden, metal and glass. Eventually, this stopper is energy-saving during cold or hot seasons since it seals the hot and cold air gaps found beneath doors.
5. Seal the Bifold Door and Frame Cracks
Intentional gaps beneath doors may not solely cause air leaks around your door. At times sound leakage may be aggravated by cracks on your door or the door frame. As such, we recommend frequent inspection of your bifold door to ensure there are no cracks or unwanted spaces. Additionally, you can check around panel junctions to ensure no spaces when the door is closed.
Once you have identified any cracks, measure their size to determine the material for sealing. Subsequently, there are different materials you can use to seal cracks on doors and door frames like insulating foam, weatherstripping tape and acoustic sealant. Remember, cracks aren't intended air conditioning channels; thus, sealing them shouldn't affect the working mechanism of a bifold door.
An easy way of sealing bifold door gaps is using weatherstripping tape. Primarily, you can use this tape on doors and windows to block air gaps during extreme weather. Nonetheless, it can be used to seal cracks on a wall, door or window as a way of dampening sound. Luckily, this tape is flexible for use between folding panels or when the door meets the frame without interfering with the folding.
Alternatively, you can use insulating foam to seal door cracks. Just like acoustic sealants, the insulating foam matches paint texture and color to avoid looking like patches. Also, instead of expensive replacements with acoustic foam panels, insulation foam or sealant patches unwanted spaces to provide soundproofing. In light of multi-protection, here's our recommendation.
Duck Brand Self Adhesive Foam Weatherstrip Seal
- Self-adhesive foam weatherstrip is ideal for windows and doors
- Seals out drafts and humidity
- Adhesive foam weatherstrip also keeps out dust, insects and pollen
- Pack contains 2 seals/rolls made for small gaps. Each seal is 3/8-inch wide by...
- Easy to install by peeling of liner and firmly pressing. Intended for use on exterior...
Insulate your bifold door from leaking sound waves using the Duck Foam Weatherstrip Seal. This self-adhesive seal is extremely easy to install on any door or window. Accordingly, this foam weatherstripping tape will protect any room against extreme temperatures and drafts while providing soundproofing. It also keeps dust and insects out, making your living space clean and safe.
Furthermore, this seal is made from durable rubber for further noise and temperature insulation. As such, this seal remains highly flexible, even a door with heavy traffic. Therefore, this will be the perfect soundproof seal for your bifold door.
6. Replace the Glass
Lastly, if your bifold door is made of glass and doesn't have a hollow inside, you can choose to replace the glass on the door. Ideally, the idea would be to have glass or a material on your bifold door with a more solid core for effective soundproofing. This solution comes last on our list since it's the most expensive and will require the services of experts.
In the end, your glass bifold doors will be soundproof but again, at a hefty price. Remember, not all doors would allow for such customizations, thus making this method selectively helpful. Finally, if the above-discussed soundproofing methods don't work, you can resort to fitting your doorways with acoustic-treated doors.
Frequently Asked Questions on Soundproof Bifold Doors
1. Does cork wallpaper absorb noise?
Using a cork wallpaper on a door can also help absorb noise, thus reducing acoustic sound waves. Subsequently, this helps create a soundproof environment with improved sound quality and reduced noise. As such, this wallpaper is used in music recording rooms due to its excellent sound absorption.
2. Is foam or cork better for soundproofing?
When it comes to soundproofing, cork is superior to foam. Besides absorbing sound, cork goes further to deaden the waves. As a result, cork reduces vibrations, thus insulating against sound. Nonetheless, foam is ideal for echo absorption in improving sound quality.
Image Credit: climadoor.co.uk
