We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that dates on the Forum are not currently showing correctly. Please bear with us while we get this fixed, and see Site feedback for updates.

Fire doors for blocking sound?

I'm aware how expensive and disruptive noise reduction work can be, and how much it depends on sound frequency.

I think I have a fairly constrained problem: my walls and floors (concrete) appear fairly effective at blocking sound transmission, but the (internal) doors much less so: they are extremely lightweight and have almost an inch gap at the top and bottom. I hope to achieve enough blocking it so we don't hear each others' conversations through the doors when they're closed when it's quiet on the other side of the door. I think this is means about 30 to 35 db in the 300-3000 Hz range, which seems to be a building regs requirement for things like school doors.

However, almost all "acoustic doors" seem targeted at businesses and very expensive: most websites don't list prices, and the only one I found that didn't listed around 1000 pounds per door. Also, usually the designs are more appropriate for something like a school, music room, conference room etc: many have windows in them, some are even metal, they are probably particularly noisy to open and close etc. Some hotel room doors are maybe a bit more suitable, but probably still very expensive (though I'd love to hear about ones that are not!).

So I wonder if a fire door might do a reasonable job? Of course fire doors, though they likely block sound better than regular internal doors, aren't really designed for that, so they will likely not be as good and will vary a lot between manufacturers etc. What are people's experiences with noise blocking with fire doors? I'd especially love to hear about experiences with particular brands / models, particulars about design and installation, etc.

Thanks!

Comments

  • Fire doors are very good at blocking sound if you also opt for one with a smoke seal on them.
  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 17,361 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I recently installed a steel security door - Not particularly heavy nor ugly to look at. It certainly blocks out quite a bit of noise (most likely the foam filled core) and shuts with a satisfying and dull thud. Probably way over the top for what you need/want...

    Depending on your budget, have a look at the offerings from the likes of Wicks or B&Q - The thicker the door, the more likely it is to block sound.
    Her courage will change the world.

    Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.
  • Ralph-y
    Ralph-y Posts: 4,580 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    IMHO fire doors per say do not block sound ....

    its the fact that they must be well sealed ...... if no smoke is to get through then now air gets through .. therefore no sound carried on the air

    this is not meant to be scientific ..... and excludes fire door's with intumisent (?) strips

    so try a well fitting door this seals ....

    Good luck

    Ralph:cool:
  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 35,104 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I used to work in a residential home where all the bedrooms had fire doors with the smoke sealing strips. In my experience they made little difference - we could still hear people's TVs and conversations from the other side. Might be a bit better than ordinary doors, but if someone's a bit loud they're not going to block that much out.
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
  • FreeBear wrote: »
    Depending on your budget, have a look at the offerings from the likes of Wicks or B&Q - The thicker the door, the more likely it is to block sound.

    It also depends a lot on the density of the material. Unfortunately Wickes don't say what the core of their pine doors are made of: not sure if it is solid pine or some fire-retardant material, which would be lower density and therefore probably less good at blocking sound:

    http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Durham-Internal-Fire-Door-Clear-Pine-6-Panel-1981x761mm/p/180113

    I'll see if I can find out...
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 348.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 241K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 617.3K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.7K Life & Family
  • 254.2K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.