Double Doors on Bedroom

[davidforhim]

I have a constructed a wall using a 2x4 stud wall with two layers on 5/8inch drywall on each side. This was done for sound reduction from one side (home theater) to the other (bedroom). There will be a doorway between the two rooms through this wall. Since the wall has a thickness of about 6.5inches, I could construct a doorway with two doors, with one opening to each side, thereby reducing noise transfer. Practically, one of the doors would remain open most of the time. I've seen things like this in historical homes.

Are there any code restrictions on such a configurations?

David

[mdshunk]

I'm not the expert in this area, but I do have a copy of the IRC handy and I can get around in it pretty well. I don't see anything that would even remotely prohibit such a door arrangement in a one or two family dwelling. If this was commercial work, you'd have a big-time egress issue. In a house, it seems like you're fine. Wait for other comment...

[bmwpower]

I'm not sure I understand why you would want a door to open to each side. I have a similar setup entering my bedroom, but its double doors both open into the bedroom.

Probably a little late now, but I've seen pocket doors used for what you're trying to accomplish.

[mdshunk]

BMW... I don't think he's doing the typical double door (like french doors). He wants to put two doors in a standard width opening, one right after the other with a few inches of air space between to reduce sound transfer. Sort of reminds me of the beginning of the old "Get Smart" show.

[bmwpower]

Geez, now I understand. Makes sense.

I wonder if there is a special (single) door specifically made for this purpose. Possibly a door made of a different material...

Was anything done to better soundproof the wall itself? You'd be surprised how much sound can travel through a wall, too.

[Wgoodrich]

I see no Code issues on this idea as long as there are no locking devices such as needing a key or special tool to open both doors with concern of emergency escape. Trapping a person is a major concern. Example outside doors are forbidden to have locks installed that require a key for a person to get out of the home. The lock must be designed so that no tools or keys are required to escape through a doorway escaping a home.

I have seen a metal insulated door installed with styrofoam and drywall installed on both sides of a single door creating this sound proof door. May be an idea you can grow on.

Good Luck

Wg

[davidforhim]

Now you've got the picture. I thought about an exterior style door which would be fairly soundproof and generally is installed with a sealing threshold. Probably would work great. Unfortunately, the WAF would be quite low on this. Steel door inside? With weatherproof threshold? Not very pretty.

The only real problem I think I'd have with 2 doors would be making sure the doorknobs don't hit in the space between the doors. May have to offset them. (1.5 inches per door = 3 inches, leaving 3.5 inches for the knobs. The ones on my doors are 2 1/8 apiece or 4 1/4 for two. Hmmmm, sounds like an ooops in the making.

Any code restrictions on interior doorknob height?

Any other suggestions to create an interior "soundproof" door with high WAF would be greatly appreciated.

David
PS WAF = Wife Acceptance Factor

[Wgoodrich]

Another idea is two interior doors molded together with styrofoam between the two doors making a single double layer door with a single door knob.

No concern for height of knob.

10 things I know for sure about women;

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 that's all folks !

Good Luck

Wg