Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is used almost everywhere to assist in blocking sound — walls, ceilings, doors, windows, machines, interior or exterior, and commercial or residential applications. As you will learn, MLV takes many shapes and forms to easily add mass to sound-blocking assemblies and products.
MLV not only offers effective sound-reducing abilities but is also relatively easy to apply. MLV is typically attached to joists or studs, followed by covering seams and joints with acoustic caulking or barrier tape. Once sound caulking is applied, seams are sealed with tape to ensure optimal soundproofing performance.
Part of the cost of MLV is the Freight since it is so heavy and bulky. That is why we don't just include a made up cost included in the price. We 'cost' each shipment for you, so you get the best pricing possible.
MLV should always be attached to the building's structural framing. Drywall alone will not support the weight. Always use 5/8” drywall (or better) over the top of MLV.
Staple or nail through the MLV into the studs — add a fastener every 8 inches along the top and length of the studs. As you move along the wall and hang the MLV, press it against the electrical outlets, switches and other objects.
The best and most common alternatives for mass loaded vinyl are: Green Glue + Drywall. Sound Isolation Clips. Soundproof Blankets.
Yes you can cover the Mass Loaded Vinyl with any covering.
In its base form, MLV is a thin (typically 1/8″ or 1/4″ thickness) sheet of vinyl that is infused with Calcium Carbonate (non-toxic & very dense) to add weight to such a thin product.
Difference between 1 lb and 2 lb Mass Loaded Vinyl:
2 lb mass loaded vinyl is twice as heavy as 1 lb. These weights are often “nominal” so that 2 lb MLV actually weighs approximately 1.8 lbs/square foot (and 1 lb MLV actually weights 0.9 lbs/square foot). The thickness also changes in equal proportion.
SoundAway Barrier Plus is a two pound per square foot mass loaded vinyl with the highest soundproofing rating of 32 STC. Upper frequency noise reduction exceeds 40 dB, as shown in the table below. SoundAway Barrier MLV 1# also available with a cloth reinforced facing.
Contrary to its name, Green Glue is not an adhesive but rather a unique noise-proofing product that can be used for both renovations and new construction projects. Sold in either cases of 12 tubes or 5-gallon pails, Green Glue helps block sound transmission in common soundproofing assemblies.
While MLV is highly praised for its sound blocking capabilities, it tends to be more expensive than rubber flooring. Rubber offers a cost-effective alternative that doesn't sacrifice performance, making it accessible for larger areas or for those on a tighter budget.
While Mass Loaded Vinyl is a prevalent soundproofing material and has been for many years, it does have some limitations which lead to some looking for an MLV alternative. One of the biggest shortcomings of MLV is that it's not meant to handle structural impact noise.
Add Underlayment
The underlayment can absorb noise so that it doesn't go to the next room or the floor below. Flooring underlayment can installed with both LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planks). While LVT and LVP are not soundproof, an underlayment can help you dampen the noise.
In Conclusion – Using Soundproof Paint for Walls
Remember, don't expect it to block any noise, so if you have noisy neighbors it will not reduce the noise you hear from them. It will however help with sound absorption, however if that's your issue then you should strongly consider wall panels.
Quick Tip: Should I use MLV or Green Glue? If you're working on a soundproofing project that involves new construction, we often recommend MLV since it's effective when attached to the studs, but Green Glue is great too. It just depends on what you're most comfortable installing.
Thinner than drywall, and much more effective at blocking sound transfer, EVA and PVC Noise Barriers both provide significant improvement in wall soundproofing levels.
PVC foam board has excellent sound insulation properties due to its cellular structure. The material's closed-cell structure means that it does not allow sound waves to pass through easily. Instead, the sound waves are reflected back, reducing the amount of noise that passes through the material.
Once MLV has been installed, then you can simply just paint it, or for better aesthetics and further soundproofing, you can add Autex Peel & Stick acoustic tiles, Autex Cube or another layer of acoustic plasterboard over the top of the MLV.
This surprisingly high amount of sound leakage from such small holes and cracks can be readily treated and eliminated with the use of acoustical caulk. Latex-based acoustical caulking provides an effective sound barrier because it remains soft and pliable for its lifespan and will not harden and crack.
After the installation of mass loaded vinyl sheets on wall or ceiling, seal all butt joints, openings, cuts, and perimeter with UberQuiet MLV Seam Tape. Ensure that all gaps and openings are properly sealed with the tape.