I live right next to a busy expressway, and the noise drives me nuts at night. My bed is only a few feet from the balcony, so I can hear cars, trucks, and motorcycles even with the sliding glass doors shut. There are nights when I even turn up the TV just to drown it out.
I thought about getting double-glazed doors, but replacing those floor-to-ceiling glass panels would cost thousands. No, thanks. Mine weren’t broken, so I couldn’t justify it.
Then I noticed it was louder around the door edges than through the glass. I figured I’d check the gaps before calling a window company.
The traffic was louder around the gaps
I checked the doors while cars passed outside
My balcony doors have two large glass panels that slide past each other. When they are closed, everything looks sealed, but there’s a narrow gap where the panels meet.
I stood next to the doors while cars passed outside and listened around the frame. The traffic sounded louder near the middle seam. I could hear it around the top and bottom edges, too.
You can check your own doors with a sound meter app. If you have an iPhone, try the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app. Hold your phone the same distance from different spots on the closed door and take several readings while traffic is steady.
Phone apps aren’t perfect sound meters, but they can help you compare spots. Just remember that traffic levels change, so a louder reading doesn’t always mean there’s a leak.
In my case, the gaps were a good place to start.
I bought fuzzy brush weatherstripping for the sliding doors
Getting the right thickness matters
I found a roll of self-adhesive brush weatherstripping made for sliding doors. It has a sticky backing and a row of soft, fuzzy bristles that help seal the space between the panels while still letting them slide.
You can find similar strips on Amazon for around $10 to $15 a roll, depending on the size. Pretty cheap compared to spending thousands on new glass doors.
Before ordering, I measured the spots I wanted to cover, around the middle seam and top of the frame. I also opened and closed the doors to check where the panels rubbed, so I wouldn’t put anything in the way.
Sliding doors aren’t all built the same. Some use rubber seals around the edges, while others have grooves where fuzzy brush strips can fit. My doors have those grooves, so I went with the brush type because it seemed like the best fit. Weatherstripping can also help keep drafts out, which is another nice benefit.
Don’t just buy the thickest brush strip available. If the bristles are too long, they can make the door harder to slide. If they’re too short, they won’t reach the other surface. Check the measurements and look for a seal made for your door type.
I put the strips on a few inches at a time
Cleaning the frame helped them stick
My door frame had years of dust and grease on it, and adhesive won’t stick well to a dirty surface. I wiped the area with a cloth and a little rubbing alcohol, then let it dry.
Then I started near the middle seam. I peeled off a few inches of the adhesive liner and pressed the strip onto the frame. I used the edge of the glass to keep it straight, peeling away more backing as I worked down.
Don’t pull the whole liner off at once. The strips can easily stick to the wrong spot, and peeling it off repeatedly can weaken the adhesive.
I made sure the bristles lightly touched the adjoining panel. After installing the first section, I opened and closed the door a few times to make sure it still slid smoothly.
Then I did the other spots that needed it, keeping the drain holes and moving parts clear.
If you rent, check with your landlord first. Some adhesive strips leave marks when you peel them off.
Thicker curtains and a rug cut down the echo
The room feels calmer
My old curtains were thin and didn’t do much, so I replaced them with heavier blackout curtains that reach the floor and cover both sides of the doors.
They helped soften the traffic noise coming through the glass, and I no longer have the morning sun hitting me right in the face when I’m trying to sleep in. That’s a nice bonus.
I also added a thick rug near the balcony. The room didn’t echo as much afterward and was more comfortable to step onto first thing in the morning.
The cheap fixes are enough for now
I’d still consider double-glazed doors if I had the budget
I still hear motorcycles and big trucks, but the noise doesn’t bother me as much as it used to. I’ll probably have to replace the brush strips eventually, especially if the bristles flatten or the adhesive starts peeling. But that’s an easy fix.
Of course, if you’ve got the budget, I’d still go for properly installed double-glazed doors with a good acoustic rating. They’re a better option if you want to block out more traffic noise.
For now, though, I’m happy with what I’ve done. I spent a few dollars, and my bedroom is a lot more comfortable at night.