A go-to place for travelers who are on a trip – business trips or vacations, is a hotel. This is because of the belief of quick service, ultimate privacy, and a silent environment. But staying in a hotel becomes annoying and dissatisfying when unnecessary noise causes disturbance. Aside from people complaining about outside or environmental noises seeping into their hotel rooms, another common complaint is noises from the hotel doors and people have been requesting answers to their question “Why Are Hotel Room Doors So Loud When They Close?”
There are quite a few significant reasons why hotel doors are so loud when they close. The reasons would be listed and discussed below.
Here are the reasons why hotel doors are so loud when they close.
- The doors are a heavy class.
- Metal door jamb.
- Steel door frames.
Contents
The doors are a heavy class
One of the reasons why hotel doors are so loud when slammed, particularly when they close, is because the doors are heavy class “A” rated fire doors. Many hotels use these doors for security and safety.
They weigh more than a standard residential door. Most hotel room doors are 36″ x 84″ x 1-3/4″ unlike a standard bedroom door of 32″ x 80″ x 1-3/8″ that’s about one cubic foot more material or about 46 lbs.
If you compare the hotel doors with a hollow core residential door, the difference could be more than 90 lbs. The most fascinating thing about these hotel room doors is that some of them are actually dense, but due to the high fire rating, they become heavy.
However, the manufacturers of these doors make sure to put silencers that are meant to absorb the sound that could be made by the heavy doors. So, if the hotel door is making so much noise and it’s a heavy class door, the silencer has probably fallen off.
Metal door jambÂ
Another reason why hotel doors are so loud is because of the metal door jamb on their doors. So, the loud sound that the hotel door makes is a combination of the fast closing mechanism slamming the metal door onto the metal door jamb.
Basically, the self-closing mechanism in the hotel doors is for safety, such that if you’re in a hurry, you don’t have to worry about not closing your door – it will slam itself.
Steel door framesÂ
Finally, the Steel door frames many hotels use causes the hotel door to make noise when slammed. Doors with steel frames rather than wood frames are bound to disturb the surrounding when being shut.
Wood makes less noise than steel. Try hitting both and see which one makes a loud noise, then you’d understand why hotel doors make noise.Â
Also read: Are hotel rooms soundproof?
How to stop hotel room doors from making loud noise when shut
If you’re the type that visits different hotels and often experiences a loud noise when the door slams, then you must need tips to stop the noise when next you experience such at any hotel you book. So, the following is how to stop hotel room doors from making loud noise when shut.Â
Consider door silencers
One way you can stop hotel room doors from making loud noise when shut is by using door silencers. Door silencers are small devices that are installed between the door and the frame to absorb the impact and reduce noise.
They are typically made of rubber or similar materials and can be effective in minimizing the noise generated when the door closes. Door silencers are commonly used in commercial settings, such as hotels.
As aforementioned, door silencers are usually added to heavy doors to absorb the noise they make. But since the absence of this silencer is what makes the hotel room door make a loud noise, you should consider purchasing one and fixing it in the loophole in the door to stop the noise.
Add weatherstripping
Instead of door silencers, you can consider adding weatherstripping to stop hotel room doors from making loud noise when shut. Weatherstripping is a material that creates a seal between the door and the frame, preventing drafts and reducing noise transmission.
Adding weatherstripping around the edges of the door can help dampen the noise when it’s closed. There are different types of weatherstripping available, including adhesive strips and door sweeps, which can be easily applied to the door and frame.
You can purchase any of the types of weatherstripping mentioned and apply it to the hotel room door and frame that you booked.
Adjust the door closer
If you’re unable to get weatherstripping, you can take this step instead which is adjusting the door closer. Many hotels use heavy doors with fast closing mechanisms, causing the door to make loud noises when shut.
So, the door closer of the door in your hotel room can be adjusted to control the speed and force with which the door closes.
Contact the hotel managementÂ
If you are staying in a hotel and the noise from the doors is consistently bothersome, it’s worth mentioning it to the hotel management. They may not be aware of the issue or may be willing to take measures to address it. They might be able to make adjustments to the door closers or explore other solutions to reduce the noise levels.
It’s important to note that modifying hotel property may not be allowed without permission from the management or ownership. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult with the hotel staff or management before making any alterations to the doors.
How do you close a hotel door quietly?
I find this question a great one because it simply shows how considerate a guest is trying to be. That being said, closing a hotel door quietly can be done by following a few simple techniques which would be listed and explained below.
To close a hotel door quietly, you can follow these steps:
Slow down
Take your time when closing the door. Avoid rushing or forcefully slamming it shut, as that can create noise. Being mindful of the speed at which you close the door can significantly reduce the sound produced.
Use the doorknobÂ
Instead of pushing or pulling the door from the edge, use the doorknob to control the door’s movement. This allows for a more controlled and quiet closure.
Apply gentle pressure
Apply light and steady pressure to the door as you close it. This prevents it from swinging or banging shut abruptly, which can cause noise. Keep your hand on the door until it is fully closed to maintain control over the movement.
Be mindful of the latch
Pay attention to the latch mechanism as you close the door. Ensure that it aligns properly with the strike plate on the door frame. If it doesn’t align correctly, gently adjust the door until the latch smoothly engages without making any noise.
Engage the door closer
Lastly, many hotel room doors have hydraulic door closers installed, which automatically close the door after it’s released. To minimize noise, let the closer do its job by releasing the door gently and allowing the closer mechanism to slowly and quietly bring the door to a close.
FAQs
Why do hotels use heavy-duty doors?
Have you ever wondered why hotels use heavy-duty doors (called fire doors)? You’d find out the reasons below.
For safety
The heavy-duty doors also called fire doors are used by hotels to protect every guest in the hotel including the hotel. This door prevents fire from leaving your room or entering your room if there’s a fire breakout.
And the most vital part that was put into consideration while the doors are being made is that the safety the door offers outweighs the noise it makes.
Security
There are more reasons aside from safety why hotels use heavy doors. One of the primary reasons hotels use heavy-duty doors is to enhance the security of their guests.
Heavy-duty doors are more resistant to forced entry, providing a higher level of protection against unauthorized access. They are typically made of sturdy materials like solid wood, metal, or composite materials, making them more durable and difficult to break through.
Durability and longevity
Moving forward, heavy-duty doors are built to withstand frequent use and abuse in high-traffic areas like hotels. They are designed to withstand impacts, heavy loads, and wear and tear over an extended period.
By using heavy-duty doors, hotels can ensure that their doors can withstand the demands of constant opening and closing, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Conclusion – Why Are Hotel Room Doors So Loud When They Close?
Perhaps you’re wondering why hotel room doors are so loud when they close. The three significant reasons which are the doors are a heavy class, metal door jamb, and steel door frames, which we were able to figure out have been elaborated in this blog post.
Also, solutions have been provided to help you fix the noise issues the hotel room doors make when they close.