If you live in a cold climate, garage doors are almost always going to make some sort of noise when they open and close. This can be a major annoyance if you have an attached garage or live near your garage with windows that overlook the door. In order to silence your garage door for good, there are several things that you can do. The first thing is to keep it closed whenever possible!
The two types of noise that you will need to consider when starting soundproofing are airborne and hard surfaces. Airborne noises come from common sources such as talking, televisions/radios; your home’s performance in this category is determined by Sound Transmission Class (STC), higher numbers reduce the volume more so than lower ones do because it bounces off surfaces like floors or metal before reaching our ears instead.
Hard-surface sounds occur indoors – they can range widely but most often deal with walls displaying high STC rating due to their lack of carpet padding which amplifies any outside ambient sounds coming through them when people talk louder inside rooms without windows facing outdoors where neighbors’ conversations can be overheard.
Impact noises
Impact noises are often the most difficult sounds to eliminate because they can be heard all across a room. Impact noise makers include heavy footsteps, doors closing and scraping furniture or power tools in use nearby
34 dB between 20-24Hz (this tone is also known as bass) – this type of sound travels farther than other low pitched frequencies like drums which tend not too travel very far at all
44 dB between 100-102Hz – a common sound that is often best eliminated by using thicker carpets and other soft materials
45 dB between 125-128Hz – a lower frequency that can be heard quite easily because it resonates so well from hallways, open spaces and large rooms. Using multiple layers of insulation at this level should do the trick
50-55 dB between 500-1000Hz – another common noise which comes from people talking as well as appliances such as refrigerators or fans running. This type of low pitched tone must also come from high frequencies found within higher STC rated walls
60 dB between 2000-3000Hz – the most common way to hinder sound propagation for this category of noise makers is to use rigid paneling or hardwood floors that have been layered with insulation in between them. The best method is to use a double row of plywood with the sound-deadening material inside
65 dB between 4000-5000Hz – this type of noise is also common and can come from all sorts of sources, everything from lawn mowers to running air conditioners. It’s best to focus on using heavy frequencies at a medium level when you want to minimize it
70 dB between 10,000-12,000Hz – high frequency noises often come from crickets chirping or other outdoor wildlife. To avoid having unwanted neighbors hear your midnight adventures, layering bare sheets over the home exterior will reduce the volume while making it more aesthetically pleasing.
Step-by-step: how to soundproof garage door
1. Keep your garage door closed
Closing the garage door may seem like a good way to silence it, but if there is any wind or other weather conditions that affect the garage door’s movement then it might not be closed all of the ways. This can cause extra noise when you go to enter your garage. If possible, try placing some foam around the edges where the garage meets with outside space.
2. If you have an older garage door opener model, replace it with a newer one
If you have an older garage door opener model, replacing it with a newer one will save energy and make the garage quieter during use. You can check this review to find the quietest garage door opener on the market.
3. Use a silicone sealant to fill in any gaps where the door meets the floor or walls
The garage door should be kept closed to prevent any excess noise. If it is not possible to keep the garage door completely shut, then filling in gaps with silicone sealant may help reduce some of the sounds made by the garage.
4. Add insulation around the edges of the door and frame
If there are any air leaks around your garage’s opening, you can also try adding insulation around the edges of the door and frame to prevent cold drafts during wintertime.
5. Replace old weather stripping with new, more durable options
You could replace old weather stripping with new, more durable options however this will depend on how much noise you are currently experiencing when using your garage. It might be wise to consult a professional before making these changes yourself.
6. Seal up any holes on top of the doorway that let cold air into your garage during the winter months
Sealing up holes on top of the doorway that let cold air into your garage during winter months may make an improvement to garage silence.
