If you want a good burger, you should know about Five Guys. If you like to watch football, you should know about Tom Brady… And if you are serious about soundproofing, you should know about mass loaded vinyl (MLV).
Lame intro? It could’ve been better. But you won’t be left disappointed by this guide to MLV soundproofing. We are going to tell you all about MLV, explain how it is best used, and address some frequently asked questions on the soundproofing material.
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What is MLV?
Mass loaded vinyl – commonly abbreviated to MLV – is a material that is used as a sound barrier.
If you want to soundproof or reduce noise transmission to any degree, it may be a good option.
The popularity of MLV for soundproofing stems from its effectiveness in cutting sound transmission, relatively low cost, the fact it is class A fire rated (the highest possible designation), and that it is waterproof.
Read more about the advantages of MLV here – Mass Loaded Vinyl for Soundproofing (7 Big Benefits)
How is MLV sold?
You’ll typically buy MLV in sheeting that comes in rolls. You can find a variety of roll sizes, going up to 100 square feet. Standard thicknesses are ⅛ inch and ¼ inch.
⅛ inch thick MLV has a sound transmission class (STC) rating of 26, meaning it can help to reduce sound transmission through a structure by 26 decibels (dB). ¼ inch thick MLV has a sound rating of 32 dB, meaning it can reduce the noise going through it by 32 dB.
Those are some serious numbers, and you should consider that the dB reduction will be greater when combined with another sound barrier such as a wall or carpet.
MLV is pretty much always black. This makes it a questionable choice for sticking directly on the outside walls (unless dark and gloomy is your style!). But as you will read in this article, there are plenty of ways to hide MLV out of sight.
What is MLV made from?
Mass loaded vinyl (MLV) is manufactured from vinyl combined with substances that add mass. These other substances may include minerals like Barium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, and Silica Sand. Below is a good option for soundproofing MLV style.
Recommended MLV
The truth is, if you are using good quality MLV, there may not be a big difference between brands. However, we have picked out this particular MLV soundproof barrier for its popularity, price, and because it’s US manufactured:
Check Soundsulate mass loaded vinyl (MLV) price on Amazon
As you’ll see via the link above, Soundsulate is a tried and trusted MLV sheeting for soundproofing needs.
7 ways to use MLV for soundproofing
MLV is one of the most versatile materials for soundproofing. Here are 7 ways you can use MLV for soundproofing:
Soundproofing walls with MLV
Due to its density and ability to block sound transmission through a structure, MLV is a good choice for soundproofing walls.
MLV is best used for soundproofing walls during construction. It can be fixed directly to wall studs (wooden or metal part of the walls framework) which allows it to hang limp. This slack in the material gives it a ‘limp mass effect’ which is ideal for sound wave dissipation.
If your walls are already built, you have three options:
- Removing your existing layer of drywall, installing the MLV, then adding a new layer of drywall.
- You could fix furring strip boards through the drywall, then attach the MLV sheeting to them, before ‘sandwiching’ the MLV with another, new layer of drywall.
- The alternative is to glue or staple MLV to the outside of your wall. But by doing it this way, you’ll have some unsightly black sheeting making your room a gloomy place. Not only that, but the MLV won’t work as well. You will get the added mass as a sound blocker, but you will lose the advantage of either a) soundproofing your wall by attaching MLV to the wall studs (stopping sound transfer through the structure) or b) decoupling by adding another layer of drywall.
Unless you want a black room, MLV for soundproofing your walls is not a quick fix. For you to receive the full benefits you are going to have to:
- use MLV during construction
or
- add an extra layer of drywall to sandwich the MLV
or
- remove your existing drywall, install the MLV, and then replace it with a new layer of drywall
Key takeaway – MLV is an excellent way to soundproof walls, especially when used in construction or installed behind a new layer of drywall.
Soundproofing ceilings with MLV
MLV is an option for soundproofing your ceiling, adding mass, and acting as an excellent sound blocker.
As with walls, the best ways will involve you installing MLV during construction, or removing your existing layer of drywall and attaching MLV to the ceiling joists, before adding a new layer of drywall. You could theoretically staple MLV to your ceiling. But bear in mind it won’t look good, and won’t do its sound blocking job as well.
But why not attack your sound disturbance issue from above? If you are the owner of the room above, the most convenient way to use MLV for soundproofing could be as carpet underlay. MLV sheeting can be used as carpet padding, it will sit under your carpet, and do a good job of blocking airborne noise (voices, TV, and music) from reaching the room below. And conveniently, you won’t have to worry about installing new drywall in your ceiling.
If you are being disturbed by impact noise (footsteps) coming through your ceiling, there are better options than MLV. Use a carpet underlay that offers sound absorption, rather than just sound blocking ability.
There are some good carpet underlay options in this article – Does Carpet Underlay for Soundproofing Work?
And you can read more ceiling soundproofing methods in this article – How to Soundproof a Basement
Key takeaway – MLV can be used for ceiling soundproofing; either installed within the ceiling itself, or used as carpet underlay in the room above.
Soundproofing floors with MLV
Like walls and ceilings, ideally you would use MLV during construction to soundproof your wall. It could be added to the floor studs before the boards are laid.
Alternatively, you could use MLV as a carpet underlay. Installing the thin version ⅛ inch version below your carpet will make a big difference to the airborne noise that is heard downstairs, due to MLV’s sound blocking abilities.
However, note that MLV is not the best at sound absorption. This means it won’t reduce impact noise that well. So if you want to reduce the noise of foot traffic in a downstairs room, there are better carpet underlays for that purpose.
There is also the consideration of cost – MLV is a very expensive way to soundproof your whole floor, compared to other options for carpet padding.
Key takeaway – if foot traffic noise is the problem, there are better and cheaper ways to soundproof your floor than MLV. However, it is an option if you have a big problem with airborne noise (voices, TV, music) transmitting to other rooms.
Soundproofing HVAC and pipes
Did you know that noise can be transmitted into a room through the pipes and ducts that make up your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system?
MLV can be wrapped around HVAC pipes and ducts to reduce noise transmission within the ductwork (the network of ducts).
You can also use MLV in this way to reduce the sound of the waterflow in pipes, if that is disturbing you.
Because MLV is flexible, it is convenient for bending into shape around pipes and ducts, where it can perform its job blocking noise transmission. It is fire resistant too, making it suitable to be installed in the pipework of a home or workplace. But there are other options for soundproofing pipes and ducts that might work out better financially. These include acoustic pipe wrap – see the video below for more info:
Key takeaway – if your pipes or HVAC ducts are especially noisy, or allowing noise to be transmitted from another room, MLV might be an option. However, there may be better options for soundproofing your pipes, such as acoustic pipe wrap. Ask your plumber or HVAC technician for advice.
Soundproofing automotive and boats
Due to its effectiveness and flexibility, MLV is a soundproofing material that is incredibly versatile.
For this reason, it can also be used in cars and boats to block sound and reduce noise. It’s easy to install and stick down with velcro strips or MLV Seam Tape.
In cars, installing MLV across the floor can significantly reduce the engine and traffic noise when you are driving. By blocking noise coming from the hood and the road, you can also enhance the listening experience from your car’s sound system.
Want more car soundproofing tips? Read our article on How to Reduce Traffic Noise in Car (8 Effective Ways)
The same applies to boats – MLV can significantly reduce noise coming from the engine compartment, doing its job as an excellent sound blocker. It can also be installed around various other parts of your boat – including in walls and as carpet underlay – cutting down engine and external noise.
Key takeaway – MLV is one of the best solutions for soundproofing cars and boats, reducing engine noise and other external sounds.
Soundproofing recording studio
MLV is good for soundproofing recording studios, but don’t get confused – MLV will not improve the audio experience by reducing echo and reverberation. That is the job done by sound absorbing materials such as acoustic foam. MLV is a better sound blocker than sound absorber.
So what can MLV do for recording studios? It can prevent external noise from entering and disturbing your jamming session. And it can reduce the amount of noise that escapes the studio, making you less likely to annoy others in the same building.
MLV can be installed in the walls, ceilings, and flooring of your recording studio.
As always, ideally MLV will be factored into the construction of your recording studio. If not, you’ll either have to remove then replace your drywall to allow you to put MLV behind it, or add a new layer of drywall and sandwich the MLV behind it. The quick option is to stick MLV directly to the outside of your studio walls – but this won’t soundproof as well and will look gloomy – one for producers of black metal, perhaps?
Key takeaway – MLV is a good sound blocker that can prevent noise entering or leaving your studio, but it isn’t the best for improving the audio experience.
Soundproofing industrial settings
In industrial settings, there’s a lot of noise. And anywhere there’s a lot of noise, there’s a good chance MLV can do a good job at soundproofing…
Noise from machinery, equipment, and processes can be better controlled with MLV. It can be installed in walls, floors, ceilings, indoor panels, and compartments where a sound blocker is needed.
Many organizations – from manufacturers to energy suppliers – have a responsibility to control their noise pollution. MLV certainly plays its part in the insulation system of several industrial settings, especially oil and gas facilities.
Key takeaway – MLV is used effectively as sound insulation in many industrial settings.
MLV soundproofing FAQs
We need some closure on this! Let’s round off this article with some quick-fire answers on one of our favorite soundproofing materials:
How much does MLV cost?
That will depend on the thickness you choose. Online, a 100 square foot (sq FT) roll of ⅛ inch thick MLV sheeting costs in the region of $250.
If you need a large volume of MLV you can expect discounts for buying in bulk.
Which thickness of MLV do I need?
MLV comes in thicknesses including 1/16 inch, ⅛ inch, ⅙ inch and ¼ inch thick. ¼ and ⅛ inch are the most common. If installed correctly, especially in tandem with other sound blockers such as drywall, 1/16 or ⅛ inch thick MLV can be good for soundproofing.
Remember – the thicker the MLV sheet, the harder it can be to work with and maneuver.
How long does MLV last?
MLV is very durable and will last for several years, and even decades, no problem! Even in outdoor conditions, there is a reinforced MLV that is designed to withstand the elements.
What can I use to stick MLV down?
Anything from duct tape to MLV seam tapes, spray adhesive, and Velcro strips. There are many options, but if you are using glue, ensure you are using the right type.
