Noise-Blocking Curtains To Muffle Sliding Glass Door Sounds

Sliding glass doors are popular for flooding rooms with natural light. But they can also let in unwanted noise from outside. Traffic, construction, noisy neighbors - these sounds easily travel through the thin panes of glass and into your home. If you're looking for peace and quiet, installing noise-blocking curtains over your sliding doors can make a huge difference.

We'll also cover key factors to consider when shopping for noise-reducing window treatments. With the right curtains, you can muffle exterior sounds and create an oasis of silence in any room.

Types of Noise-Blocking Curtains for Sliding Glass Doors

Not all curtains are created equal when it comes to blocking sound. Here are some of the most effective options for reducing noise from sliding glass doors.

Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains are designed to block all incoming light. But they also excel at dampening noise. The thick, opaque fabric layers absorb sound vibrations rather than letting them transmit through. Blackout curtains contain insulating fiberfill or foam backing. When hung over sliding glass doors, the dense material acts as a sound barrier.

The pros of blackout curtains include excellent noise reduction paired with total light blocking. But be aware that the heavy construction also takes away your view. Blackout curtains are ideal if you want to simulate nighttime darkness during the day, such as for sleeping.

To maximize the noise blocking abilities, extend blackout curtain panels past the edges of the door frame. This prevents sound leakage around the sides. You can also add lining or multiple curtain layers for enhanced acoustic performance.

Soundproof Curtains

If you want noise reduction without sacrificing the light, consider specialized soundproof curtains. These are engineered with noise blocking properties. Two key elements make them effective:

First, soundproof curtains feature mass-loaded vinyl barriers. These help to dampen sound vibrations rather than letting them pass through the fabric. Second, soundproof curtains typically have box-pleated construction. This allows them to trap more air pockets, creating insulation against noise.

The best soundproof curtains can reduce outside noise by up to 25 decibels. They even muffle common home noises like conversation, TVs, and music. The tradeoff is cost - expect to invest more for curtains purpose-built for sound insulation.

Mass Loaded Vinyl Curtains

Curtains made entirely of mass loaded vinyl (MLV) provide another option for noise blocking. MLV is a thin, flexible vinyl material laminated with dense minerals. The limpness absorbs acoustic energy while the density blocks sound transmission.

You can find mass loaded vinyl curtains with surface densities between 0.5 lbs/sqft and 1 lbs/sqft. The heavier the MLV, the better the noise reduction. 100% MLV curtains can rival acoustic panels. But the material lacks aesthetics, functioning better as a hidden sound barrier.

Mass loaded vinyl works best in small spaces where sounds reverberate easily, like home theaters or studios. For sliding glass doors, layer MLV curtains behind attractive exterior panels for optimal noise blocking.

Key Factors to Consider for Noise-Blocking Sliding Glass Door Curtains

Within each curtain type, several factors determine how well the window treatments block unwanted noise.

Noise Reduction Rating

One key factor is the NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) rating. This measures how much sound any material absorbs rather than transmitting. NRC ratings range from 0 (no absorption) to 1 (full absorption).

For sliding glass doors, an NRC of at least 0.5 is ideal. This balances meaningful noise reduction with aesthetics. Very high NRC ratings above 0.8 often come with tradeoffs in appearance and cost. Focus on curtains with an NRC rating suited to your goals and budget.

Lining and Layering

Adding lining or extra curtain panels enhances noise dampening. Lined curtains with a dense backing material create a layered sound barrier. Contrasting colors and textures between the front and back fabric also help absorb acoustic energy.

Layering two single curtain panels achieves a similar effect. For the best results, use a set of light-blocking curtains behind lighter panels. The combination optimizes sound insulation while still allowing some light through.

Integrating blackout liner panels is another way to reinforce noise blocking abilities. Blackout lining can be added to almost any curtain style for increased acoustic performance.

Proper Installation

To achieve maximum noise reduction, the details matter when installing curtains. First, mount the curtain rod at least 3 inches above the sliding glass door frame. This prevents the panels from vibrating against the door. Extending the rod 6-12 inches beyond the door frame creates an overlap for sealing perimeter gaps.

The curtains themselves should fall from ceiling to floor without any open space at the bottom or sides. Any gaps or openings compromise the sound barrier. Weighting the bottom hems with chain, tape, or other material also helps stop noise infiltration beneath the panels.

Take time to ensure edges and overlaps are completely sealed. Light peeking through means noise can still permeate. Proper installation makes a big difference in stopping sound transfer.

Window and Room Considerations

The size of your sliding glass doors impacts the amount of noise transmitted. Larger doors typically allow more sound through. Smaller sliding door panels isolate interior and exterior spaces better acoustically.

The construction of the door itself matters too. Well-insulated frames with laminated glass help block noise even without curtains. Doors with hollow frames and single pane windows will require more soundproofing from curtains.

Also factor in the room size and how you use the space. Hard surfaces like tile amplify noise. Small rooms with less furnishing also reflect more sound. Adjust your noise blocking approach based on your space.

Additional Tips for Noise-Blocking Sliding Glass Door Curtains

Here are some final tips and recommendations for choosing curtains to muffle sliding glass door sounds:

• Opt for motorized or cordless curtain operation. This eliminates noise from curtain rings sliding across rods when opening and closing.
• Layer curtains with complementary window treatments like shades or blinds for enhanced acoustic insulation.
• If noises still creep in post-installation, address gaps at edges, overlaps and bottoms for complete acoustic sealing.
• For severe noise issues, consider professional soundproofing like acoustic panels paired with noise-reducing curtains.

With some diligent shopping and proper installation, it's possible to turn sliding glass doors into sound barriers rather than noise conduits. Evaluate your needs, choose curtains with sufficient noise blocking abilities, and pay attention to the details. With the right curtains, you can muffle outside sounds for a peaceful indoor sanctuary.

Sliding glass doors offer beautiful views and natural light. But loud exterior sounds easily travel through the glass. Installing noise-blocking curtains is an affordable and attractive solution to dampen noise from traffic, construction, and other outside nuisances.

Focus on soundproof, blackout, and mass loaded vinyl curtains. Prioritize proper installation and NRC ratings. With quality curtains over your sliding doors, you can control noise and enjoy quieter, more comfortable indoor spaces.