I have asked the AI platform chatGPT, which is recently the rage of the news, this question: How to soundproof a door? This is the response that I got, verbatim:
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ChatGPT constantly improves. Below is what it produced in April 2023.
ChatGPT in April 2023, advising on door soundproofing
Start of the April 2023 quote -
Here are some steps to soundproof a door:
- 1Seal gaps: Check for any gaps around the door frame and use weather stripping or door sweep to seal them.
- 2Add mass: Install a solid core door, add a layer of mass loaded vinyl, or hang heavy curtains.
- 3Decouple: Decoupling the door from the frame by adding foam tape or acoustic sealant around the door frame will reduce the transmission of sound.
- 4Install soundproofing materials: Consider installing soundproofing panels or soundproof foam mats on the door and its frame.
- 5Use a soundproofing sealant: Apply a soundproofing sealant around the perimeter of the door to create a barrier to sound transmission.
Note that the effectiveness of these steps will depend on the specifics of your situation and the level of sound reduction desired.
- End of the April 2023 quote
This is interesting but quite useless hogwash about soundproofing a door. In contrast, check this article written by a human, me.
Below is a quote from ChatGPR produced in November 2025:
ChatGPT in November 2025, advising on door soundproofing
- Start of the November 2025 quote:
Soundproofing a door effectively depends on how much noise reduction you need and what kind of door you’re starting with. Below is a practical, step-by-step overview suitable for property managers, renovators, or homeowners.
1. Identify the Type of Noise
- Airborne noise (voices, TV, traffic) travels through gaps and thin materials.
- Structure-borne noise (vibration from machinery or footsteps) travels through walls and framing.
Most door noise problems involve airborne sound, so sealing and adding mass are key.
2. Inspect and Seal Gaps
Doors often leak sound at their edges.
- Weatherstripping: Apply high-quality acoustic or rubber weatherstripping around the door frame.
- Door sweep: Install an adjustable sweep or automatic drop seal at the bottom to close the gap to the floor.
- Threshold: A solid threshold helps improve the seal and reduce under-door leaks.
Even a tiny crack can significantly reduce overall sound isolation.
3. Add Mass to the Door
Light, hollow-core doors transmit sound easily.
- Upgrade to a solid-core door — this is the single most effective improvement.
- If replacing isn’t an option, add mass to the existing door:
- Attach a layer of mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) or acoustic panel to one or both sides.
- Cover with a decorative layer (e.g., MDF, fabric, or veneer) to maintain aesthetics.
4. Improve the Door Frame
Even a well-sealed door will fail if the frame transmits sound.
- Ensure the frame is securely and tightly packed with insulation or backer rod around the jamb.
- Use acoustic caulk to seal gaps between the frame and wall.
5. Consider an Acoustic Door Kit
For serious noise problems (like mechanical rooms or studios), specialized acoustic door assemblies provide engineered seals, gaskets, and dense cores designed for high Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings.
6. Address Flanking Paths
Sound can bypass the door through adjacent walls, ductwork, or floor gaps. If results are disappointing, inspect for these secondary noise paths — the door may not be the only weak point.
- End of the November 2025 quote
This is a significant improvement, and it is essentially correct.
I then asked ChatGPT a second question in April 2023: How to soundproof a basement? This is the response that I got, verbatim:
Start of April 2023 quotequote -
ChatGPT in April 2023, advising on basement soundproofing
- 1Seal the gaps: Inspect the walls, floor, and ceiling for any gaps or cracks and seal them with acoustical caulk or spray foam insulation.
- 2Add mass: Increase the mass of the walls, floor, and ceiling by adding additional layers of drywall or mass loaded vinyl.
- 3Decouple the structure: Detach the walls, floor, and ceiling from the framing by adding resilient channels or floating the structures on soundproofing materials.
- 4Install soundproofing materials: Consider adding soundproofing panels, soundproof foam mats, or acoustic tiles to the walls, floor, and ceiling.
- 5Use soundproof curtains or rugs: Hang heavy curtains or add rugs to absorb sound waves and reduce the transmission of sound.
- 6Address doors and windows: Seal the gaps around doors and windows, and consider installing soundproof doors and windows or adding weather stripping or door sweeps.
Note that the effectiveness of these steps will depend on the specifics of your situation and the level of sound reduction desired.
- End of April 2023 quote
This is slightly more coherent than the answer about soundproofing the door. However, it is a mishmash of suggestions automatically obtained from the internet. Following the steps will not provide a meaningful soundproofing result. It may create another instance of a bungled basement soundproofing.
ChatGPT in November 2025, advising on basement soundproofing
Below is a quote from ChatGPR produced in November 2025:
- Start of November 2025 quote
Soundproofing a basement depends on why you need it — for example, to keep household noise out (creating a quiet space) or to keep noise in (a home theatre, music room, or mechanical area). Below is a structured guide covering both cases, written in the same professional and practical tone as your earlier sections.
1. Identify the Noise Source and Path
Before you start, determine:
- Where the noise comes from: upstairs footsteps, HVAC systems, plumbing, or outdoor noise.
- How it travels: through the structure (vibration) or through the air (voices, TV, music).
A good soundproofing plan addresses both airborne and structure-borne transmission.
2. Soundproofing the Ceiling
Most basement noise problems involve the ceiling — either blocking upstairs noise from entering or containing sound from below.
- Add mass: Install 5/8" Type X drywall in two layers with Green Glue or acoustic compound between layers to damp vibrations.
- Decouple: Use resilient channels or sound isolation clips with hat channels to separate the drywall from the joists. This is one of the most effective steps.
- Insulate: Fill the joist cavities with mineral wool (rock wool) or fiberglass insulation to absorb airborne noise.
3. Treat the Walls
If exterior walls are unfinished concrete, they already block sound fairly well, but they can reflect and amplify noise inside.
For noise isolation: Build a decoupled stud wall in front of the concrete, fill it with mineral wool, and finish it with double drywall and damping compound.
For noise absorption (inside only): Add acoustic panels or fabric-wrapped absorbers to control echo and reduce reflections.
4. Soundproof the Floor (if needed)
Sound rarely travels downward, but vibration from equipment (like a treadmill, washer, or subwoofer) can.
Use rubber underlayments or acoustic mats under flooring.
Float heavy or vibrating equipment on isolation pads or platforms.
5. Seal Gaps and Openings
Noise can leak through even small gaps.
Seal around ducts, pipes, and wiring penetrations with acoustic sealant.
Replace hollow-core doors with solid-core ones, and use weatherstripping and door sweeps.
Check HVAC registers — line them with duct liners or use sound-attenuating baffles to reduce flanking noise.
6. Control Mechanical Noise
Basements often house noisy HVAC or plumbing systems.
Isolate vibrating equipment (furnace, pumps) on rubber or spring mounts.
Wrap ductwork with acoustic insulation.
Use flexible connections for ducts and pipes to prevent vibration transfer.
7. Finishing Touches
Add acoustic ceiling tiles for extra absorption.
Hang heavy curtains or wall hangings to reduce reflections.
Use carpeting or rugs to cut down floor echo.
- End of November 2025 quote
This is an improvement over the advice provided by ChatGPT in April 2023; however, it remains confusing, as it mixes unrelated acoustic issues. ChatGPT obtained the answers by searching the Internet for information, perhaps even my blog articles. However, the AI still does not understand the acoustic matters well enough to offer a coherent and correct answer.
Using ChatGPT in November 2025 remains a risk. Some answers are surprisingly good and accurate, while others are not.
To ask a human how to do any aspect of soundproofing, click on the button below.
