If you’re somebody who likes to make noise, listen to loud music, or just value confidentiality, then you’re probably concerned about how soundproof your folding doors are. After all, how soundproof can a giant folding glass door system be?

As it turns out, folding doors can be a very decent option for isolating noise. That is if you customize them the right way.

In today’s post, we’re going to discuss whether or not folding doors are a good choice for noise isolation, show you how to customize soundproof folding doors, and explain who might benefit the most from soundproof folding doors. It’s time to turn down the noise!

Are Folding Doors Good For Noise Isolation?

If your main goal in purchasing a door is sound cancellation, then folding doors probably aren’t the best choice. For example, if you’re trying to make a music studio or set up a podcasting room, where sound isolation is key, then the giant panes of glass aren’t going to help much.

You’d be better off with a traditional wooden door that would absorb more of the sound rather than causing it to reverberate throughout the room.

Outside of these extreme situations, though, folding doors can be decent at noise isolation if you customize them with the right features. To do this, you’ll absolutely need to order your doors from a company that offers custom folding doors. There aren’t any pre-fabricated folding door systems that come factory soundproofed (at least, to our knowledge).

How To Customize Soundproof Bi-Fold Doors

So, if you’re committed to purchasing soundproof bi-fold doors, know that it’s possible. It’s just a bit difficult. Not all manufacturers provide options to customize your doors in this manner. So, your first challenge will be shopping around to find a manufacturer who’s willing to customize soundproof folding doors for you.

Your best bet may be to shop with a company that specializes in commercial folding doors, as many commercial or office folding doors are required to have some degree of sound dampening. Many of these same companies also manufacture residential folding doors and can use the same sound dampening materials for your in-home folding doors.

That being said, here’s what you need to know so that you can create your custom soundproof folding doors.

1) Select Dual Or Triple-Glazed Glass

One of the first rules of soundproofing is that you’ll need to create more layers for the sound to pass through. This means that you’ll need dual or triple-glazed glass.

If you’re unfamiliar with glazing, it’s the process of aligning multiple panes of glass in parallel with each other. For example, a dual-glazed folding door panel would have two panes of glass; one facing the exterior and another facing the interior. The space between the panes of glass might be injected with transparent gas that resists soundwaves or energy transfer. Different companies offer different solutions, so you’ll need to speak with your sales representative about this.

2) Apply Sound Dampening Film

Your second option is going to be applying a sound dampening film. These films can either be applied at the factory or can be applied after installation by a third-party soundproofing company. If you have a bit of talent with a heat gun and a squeegee, you may even be able to apply the film yourself.

Essentially, it’s a thin layer of polymer that has a soft surface that absorbs sounds. The film should be transparent and is applied to the glass the same way that you would apply a window tint.

By itself, the sound damping film won’t create a fully soundproof folding door. When it’s combined with dual or triple-glazed glass, however, you’ll have reliable soundproofing.

3) Optional: Create Additional Soundproofing In The Space

Any good sound engineer or soundproofing company will tell you that it’s not enough to just soundproof the doors. If you want a 100% soundproof system, you’ll also want to soundproof the room itself to prevent noise reverberation.
This can be accomplished by adding sound-absorbing panels to the walls, adding a thick carpet to the floor, and utilizing soft leather or fabric furniture instead of hardwood furniture.

Can You Fully Soundproof Folding Doors?

If you follow all three steps listed above, then you can customize your folding doors to be almost 100% soundproof. It might not be as quiet as one of those CIA interview rooms, but it’ll be pretty close.

What Applications Are Soundproof Folding Doors Good For?

So, now that you know a little bit more about how soundproof bi-fold doors are manufactured, let’s take a few minutes to discuss some applications where you might want to install soundproof folding doors, in the first place.

Office Folding Doors

Soundproof door systems are very common for office folding door installations. The folding doors found in offices are typically used to create custom meeting rooms, conference rooms, or are used as a doorway to an executive office.
In all of these rooms, there’s the potential for a private conversation with clients that you may not want the rest of the employees in the office hearing. So, soundproofing office folding doors is a matter of client confidentiality.

Condominium Folding Doors

If you’re installing some folding doors on the balcony of your condominium, then you’re likely surrounded by neighboring units above, below, and to the sides of your porch. All it takes is for you to blare the music a little bit too loud for the condo manager to leave you a “friendly” notice on your front door. This drama could be entirely prevented with a bit of sound dampening film on your condominium folding doors.

Bedroom Folding Doors

Maybe you don’t want the entire neighborhood hearing what goes on in your bedroom. We think that’s enough said.

Commercial Folding Doors

Commercial folding doors almost always need some type of sound dampening material applied to comply with city noise ordinances. This is especially true in the case of nightclubs and busy restaurants that may have loud music or large crowds behind the doors.

Conclusion

Although folding doors aren’t the best choice for noise isolation, there are a number of tactics that you can use to customize your folding doors and make them almost soundproof. You just need to find a company that offers soundproof folding doors and speak to your sales representative about the best solution for your particular situation.