If you’ve looked into soundproofing, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of mass loaded vinyl.
This article is all about the benefits of mass loaded vinyl for soundproofing your home, workplace or recording studio.
We’ve carefully assessed the main strengths, advantages, and uses of mass loaded vinyl in reducing sound transmission.
We’ll consider mass loaded vinyl’s best attributes, and talk about how you can use a mass loaded vinyl barrier for soundproofing.
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What is mass loaded vinyl?
Mass loaded vinyl is also commonly known as MLV. It is a material that has been developed by manufacturers over the years as a sound barrier.
It’s relatively inexpensive, straightforward for a professional or DIYer to install, and fireproof. But more than that, it is excellent for cutting sound transmission. If you want to reduce noise in your home, you should be aware of MLV.
You’ll usually find mass loaded vinyl in sheeting that is sold in rolls of up to 100 square feet.
It is almost always black, and comes in various thicknesses; normally MLV 1/8 inch and MLV 1/4 inch.
Check mass loaded vinyl roll price on Amazon
Mass loaded vinyl is made of vinyl combined with other substances that add mass to the material. These substances include minerals such as Calcium Carbonate, Silica Sand, and Barium Sulfate.
Here’s a video on how mass loaded vinyl is made:
Now let’s move on to the benefits of mass loaded vinyl for soundproofing
7 benefits of mass loaded vinyl for soundproofing
Let’s look at some of the biggest advantages of MLV for noise reduction in your home or workplace.
1. Effective at blocking noise
Mass loaded vinyl is a great choice for soundproofing because it is fantastic at noise reduction. It blocks sound waves, absorbing them and dissipating them. MLV can help you with the 2 main principles of soundproofing a) to add mass and b) to fill gaps.
The end result? Less noise will carry through a wall, floor, or ceiling that has been reinforced with MLV.
The soundproofing ability of MLV is shown by its STC rating. 1/8 inch thick MLV has an STC rating of 26, and 1/4 inch thick MLV has an STC rating of 32.
Remember – the sound transmission class (STC) rating of a material indicates that the material reduces noise by a stated number of decibels.
A passing bike engine is around 90 dB. So if you put 1/4 inch thick MLV on a wall, it should reduce that noise by 32 dB, to a much softer 58 dB.
Of course, there are other variables at play. But that’s the basic idea.
Let’s compare the STC rating of mass loaded vinyl to other common soundproofing solutions that are used for noise reduction:
| Material | STC |
| Mass loaded vinyl (1/4 inch thick) | 32 |
| Mass loaded vinyl (1/8 inch thick) | 26 |
| Soundproof curtains | 15-20 |
| Acoustic foam | 10-15 |
Note – the STC ratings for soundproof curtains and acoustic foam are approximate, and will vary according to the thickness of the material.
2. Cost-effective
We get it. You want to do some simple soundproofing that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Using mass loaded vinyl might be on the pricier side of the lighter soundproofing materials, but it is certainly a money saver compared to construction materials and the cost of remodeling your home or workplace.
You can expect mass loaded vinyl to cost about $2 per square foot. But you can find it for as cheap as $1 and as expensive as $5, depending on the thickness. That makes it more expensive than say acoustic foam. But remember, we are talking about one of the most effective soundproofing materials at the lighter end of the scale.
Not only does MLV require a relatively small dip into your wallet, but it also lasts for a long time and is durable. We’ll come onto that benefit later on.
3. Versatile
The versatility of mass loaded vinyl is perhaps unmatched in soundproofing.
From homes to offices, industrial settings, and even boats. Mass loaded vinyl is often the best choice when you are increasing the soundproofing ability of an existing structure.
It can be installed in the walls and ceilings of any property. MLV will do its job in reducing airborne noise – from voices to music and pets.
When put under or over flooring, MLV also fulfills the task of reducing impact noise. That includes vibrations from thudding footsteps or noisy machinery.
Because it can be cut down to size so easily, and is flexible enough to be manipulated; MLV can be utilised in nooks and crannies everywhere. That includes tight areas such as pipework and HVAC system ducts.
Many of the articles and guides on this site will instruct you on how to use MLV, including How to Make a Room Soundproof and Soundproofing a Wall from Noisy Neighbors.
Take a glance at some of mass loaded vinyl’s uses in the diagram below:
4. Fire-proof and heat resistant
It might not be 100% proof, but mass loaded vinyl is built to withstand heat.
We can say that it has fire-resistant properties, but if it is subjected to fire or very high temperatures for a long period, it can burn. That’s because it contains plasticizers.
However, when we compare it to other soundproofing or sound-absorbing options such as acoustic foam, MLV wins for fire resistance.
5. Easily installed in walls
While mass loaded vinyl can be used to fill gaps, there are other soundproofing materials that do this better, such as Green Glue or acoustic caulk.
MLV’s main soundproofing purpose is to add mass. And this is why it works so well blocking sound waves from passing through walls.
By adding a mass loaded vinyl sound barrier for your wall, you are putting in ‘limp mass’ that is good at absorbing and dissipating the energy of sound waves.
How does MLV work best in walls? We recommend installing your MLV sheets against the studs inside the wall, behind the drywall. Ideally, you will use soundproof drywall.
You can fasten your MLV sheet to the studs with a cap stapler.
It’s not the best method to install mass loaded vinyl on top of an existing wall. Not only is this method an inferior mass loaded vinyl sound barrier compared to installing behind the wall, but it could also be an eyesore.
6. Durable
Mass loaded vinyl is tough stuff. You will find it will do its job for years without diminishing that much.
It will not decay or go moldy. And importantly, it won’t shrink in size, meaning it will maintain its mass for soundproofing.
It doesn’t require much effort to clean MLV, either. Just a simple wipe with a cloth or soft brush – using warm water or a cleaning product – will do.
7. A degree of energy efficiency
Let’s make this absolutely clear. Mass loaded vinyl is not a material that should be used specifically for heat insulation. However, thanks to its dense mass, it will provide a useful layer of insulation.
Adding MLV gives you another layer to help regulate temperature, helping to make a room more energy efficient and cutting your utility bills.
Mass loaded vinyl: The bottom line
Its effectiveness in cutting sound transmission, versatility, availability, and price mean that mass loaded vinyl is often the best solution for soundproofing a room.
If you are prepared to remove your drywall from walls, ceilings or floors for installation, adding MLV can make a significant reduction to noise entering and leaving a room. You can hang it on the outside of your existing drywall – this can still be a ‘soundproofing win’, but it may not look great. Who wants gloomy black walls?
We recommend paying a professional to install mass loaded vinyl behind a layer of drywall. It’s one of the most effective soundproofing techniques out there, and is used in many spaces where noise control is required; from home studios to office meeting rooms.
If you are a confident DIYer with plenty of experience, there is no reason you can’t do it yourself.
Which is the best mass loaded vinyl for soundproofing?
There are plenty of MLV products on the market. Among the top brands, the truth is there is not much variance in quality.
We’ve picked out Soundsulate MLV (1/8 inch thick with STC rating of 26) as the best MLV for soundproofing due to its flexible nature, versatility, and very reasonable cost – only $2 per sq ft.
It isn’t the thickest on the market, and you could find a higher STC, but 1/8 thick is more versatile for all your soundproofing needs.
Take a closer look at this US-made product through the Amazon link below
