Can you soundproof glass doors?

06/13/2023

Yes, similar to other sound-resistant products like windows, ceilings, and walls, doors can also be sound-resistant.

Why soundproof doors?

Specifically, doors can keep sound from moving in or out. They are typically the thinnest point in a wall and the weakest link when it comes to blocking sound or reducing noise. For example, a door in an 80-square-foot wall potentially represents close to 20% of the area and the door itself represents the weak point in the wall for sound to penetrate.

However, some doors are much better at blocking sound than others. Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating for doors measures how successful it will be at blocking sound transfer. Selecting a door with an STC rating of 34-36 would block low speech, according to the National Wood Window and Door Association.  However, to block loud speech, a door needs an STC rating of 40-50. For excellent noise blocking, the door needs an STC of 50-60 and gaskets to block noise from traveling through gaps.

How does noise reduction work?

Doors are made of two major components the frame and glass. Both are important. Attenuation performance is a result of the entire product, not just the glass, and all of the following should be considered:

• Mass – Both window frame material and glass create barriers of sufficient mass to reduce noise.
• Frame design – Decoupling frame design, with thermal barriers and other components, reduces the ability of sound waves to travel through the frame.
• Seal – Air infiltration, noise follows air which means the overall product assembly must have minimal air infiltration.
• Airspace – An increase in the airspace between the glass barriers will decrease sound transmission.
• Glass – Laminated glass which contains two panes of glass put together by an interlayer and insulating glass (IG) composed of two or more panes of glass, separated by a spacer, filled with air or noble gases, and hermetically sealed act as an effective and efficient noise-blocking agent.

What are the benefits of sound reduction?

Acoustic designs and acoustic products, including the doors, can improve the quality of life, by reducing the constant bombardment of sounds, whether it is keyboard clicking, calls with clients, or loud outdoor urban noise.

Whether planning a business meeting, event, overnight stay, or daily workload, we are conscious of selecting a location where we can focus and hear one another. Soundproofing and acoustical design once viewed as a luxury are now becoming increasingly important and high on the list of priorities for commercial buildings and workplaces.

 

Acoustic doors reduce the amount of noise that seeps into buildings, office spaces, and rooms. Look for STC and OITC ratings to find the optimal levels of noise mitigation.
Our acoustic window and door experts at St. Cloud Window can help you find the best solution for your needs – request a quote today for more information.