Door Seals & Door Sweeps

Yes, door sweeps block noise. Just like any liquid or gas, sound will find any opening to move to an empty space. Doors leave openings at the bottom where sound can escape to the room on the other side. Solutions like door sweeps block noise by physically filling the gap beneath the door.

Sound is capable of moving through any medium — even a solid one. However, increasing that material’s density makes it more difficult for the sound wave to move through it. Door sweeps are made of dense rubber, so installing an under-the-door noise stopper will make a noticeable difference in sound transmission.

Homeowners can try various solutions to prevent noise from escaping under their doors. Rolling up a towel and jamming it into the crack beneath the door is a common DIY method. While this under-door noise blocker may have some effect, it’s far from ideal. A rolled-up towel is better at absorbing sound than blocking it, so noise will still escape. Plus, you’ll need to move and replace the towel each time you open the door.

Instead of DIY methods, use a dependable product like a rubber soundproofing door sweep. Door sweeps attach to the inside of the door, closing the gap between the door and the floor. As a dense but flexible material, the door sweep will stop sound transfer but move with the door as it opens and closes. A door sweep is the most convenient and effective thing to put under your door for noise reduction.

The door sweep goes on the inside of an in-swinging door and the outside of an out-swinging door. The door sweep should not cross the threshold when opening or closing the door.

To make interior doors quieter, start by identifying where sound enters. Use perimeter seals to fill gaps around the door. Add weatherstripping for additional insulation, install a door sweep at the base or use acoustic panels to absorb sound and effectively enhance your door’s soundproofing.

To soundproof a door from outside noise, check for cracks along the sides and bottom. Use weatherstripping to block most air and sound. For additional noise reduction, install door seals or sweeps to fill any gaps, especially where light is visible, which will further improve your door’s soundproofing effectiveness.

To soundproof a front door, consider replacing it with a solid-core door for optimal noise reduction. For budget-friendly solutions, use weatherstripping to seal edges, install a door gasket around the frame, add a door sweep to close floor gaps and hang soundproof curtains for temporary insulation.