Most Mass Loaded Vinyls will cost about $1-$2/sf, but some thinner variations (standard is 1/8″, but it can come in 1/16″ thickness) may be as cheap as $0.50/sf. Scheduling: Along with cost savings, using Mass Loaded Vinyl Barrier instead of multiple layers of drywall also provides schedule savings.
Full Answer
How much does mass loaded vinyl soundproofing cost?
So far, MLV has only one major drawback, and that’s its price. A square foot of MLV can cost anywhere between $1 and $2.50 depending on the type, manufacturer, and seller. If you are on a tight budget or have a lot of surfaces to soundproof, then maybe Mass Loaded Vinyl isn’t for you.
What is re-reinforced mass loaded vinyl?
Reinforced Mass Loaded Vinyl boosts soundproofing performance of ceilings, walls and floors by adding mass and preventing structure from vibrating. 4.5’ x 30’ Roll with total coverage of 135 square feet. 1/8” thickness, weighing 1 lb. per square foot, Perfect for Hanging Applications. Quantity discounts begin at 4 rolls, see below for details.
What is 1 pound mass loaded vinyl flooring?
One pound Mass Loaded Vinyl is 1/8" thick and weighs one pound per square foot. It is the perfect material for adding mass to your walls, floors, and ceilings without compromising on space. Additionally the flexibibility of the 1 pound MLV allows you to wrap MLV around noisy pipes to significantly reduce noise transfer.
How much does a mass loaded vinyl barrier weigh?
These are commonly between 0.5 pounds per square foot, and 2 pounds per square foot. The most common areal weight for Mass Loaded barriers is 1.0 lb/sf. While the weight changes, the density seldom does, so in reality the thickness changes as well. 1 psf Mass Loaded Vinyl is 1/8″ thick, while 2 psf is 1/4″ thick.
Why are there only a few manufacturers of mass loaded vinyl?
What is the primary base for mass loaded vinyl?
How thick is 2 PSF?
What additives are used to make vinyl?
Is drywall bad for STC?
Is mass loaded vinyl better than drywall?
Does PVC have a plasticizer?
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Is Mass Loaded Vinyl worth it?
Mass loaded vinyl is clearly the better product for soundproofing, if only because it was designed for this purpose. MLV is mass-rich and flexible, meaning it dissipates sound waves that come into contact with it. A high level of mass also makes it harder to vibrate in the first place.
How expensive is Mass Loaded Vinyl?
Mass-loaded vinyl is pretty easy to find. You can get enough mass-loaded vinyl to cover up to 36 square feet for about $150. All in all, the material should cost between $100 and $200 for an average room.
Which is better Green Glue or Mass Loaded Vinyl?
Results: Mass loaded vinyl can improve wall performance, but performance is much lower than Green Glue, especially at low frequencies. Green Glue is also lower in cost and much faster to apply than MLV. While hanging MLV limply is a common recommendation, using it as the center of asandwich performs better here.
What can I use instead of Mass Loaded Vinyl?
The 4 Best Mass Loaded Vinyl AlternativesFloor Underlayment. You can put floor underlayment under hard floors and carpets, but it's particularly useful for the former. ... Acoustic Foam Panels. Acoustic foam is another well-known product that you've likely seen before. ... Green Glue. ... Wall Insulation.
Is MLV good for soundproofing?
MLV sound barriers block out most everyday noises people encounter, from traffic and construction sounds to noises from by trains, buses and even aircraft. It is a cost-effective solution to a variety of noise issues. As a DIY soundproofing material, MLV is one of the best options.
Will Green glue stick to MLV?
Green Glue offers a +10 STC point increase from the reference wall and a +4 point increase over both MLV walls. The chart shows that the Green Glue wall performs better at almost every frequency.
Can you cut mass loaded vinyl?
Unroll your MLV on the floor. With a utility knife, use a straight edge ruler to cut a square edge evenly through the MLV. {See Figure 1} You do not need to cut through the material fully, once it is scored, it will come apart easily. The MLV can also be cut with a heavy duty scissor.
Where do you put mass loaded vinyl?
Ensure that the Mass Loaded Vinyl is straight along the ceiling so as to evenly drape the wall. Maintain an even gap along both the floor and ceiling. Use a Pneumatic Cap Stapler for quicker installation. Fasten to every 8" along the top plate and along the length of the studs.
Can mass loaded vinyl be used on top of drywall?
While MLV can be hung directly on a wall, it performs best when sandwiched between drywall sheets. Doing so also allows you aesthetic options since the usually black, shiny MLV isn't the most decoratively appealing surface!
How much does MLV reduce noise?
Upper frequency noise reduction exceeds 40 dB, as shown in the table below. SoundAway Barrier MLV 1# also available with a cloth reinforced facing. SoundAway Barrier is available in rolls measuring 4' x 25' and 4.5' x 30'. SoundAway Barrier Plus (MLV 2#) is available in rolls measuring 4.5' x 15'.
Can I paint MLV?
MLV is available in stores in one of two colors; gray and black. If this isn't good enough for you, you'll be happy to know that Mass Loaded Vinyl is actually paint-friendly. Latex paint is the best type of paint to use to coat MLV, and if you are dissatisfied with the paint job, you can always have it repainted.
How many decibels does Mass Loaded Vinyl reduce?
Studies have reported that a 4 dB reduction in sound level is noticeable. A 10 dB reduction in sound level seems half as loud. With our sound control membranes installed, you will barely be able to hear the TV or conversation in the next room.
Is dynamat mass loaded vinyl?
MLV is short for mass loaded vinyl (Amazon link). It's a well known and widely used soundproofing material that's pretty good at its job. It's made from 2 outer layers of vinyl with an interior core of either barium sulfate or calcium carbonate.
Does mass loaded vinyl smell?
Does Mass Loaded Vinyl smell? It depends on the specific product. Some MLV sheets don't smell at all (like the ones I purchased), while others can have a mild “plastic smell”, similar to some cheaper acoustic panels. The reason behind it is usually the packaging rather than the product itself.
Is mass loaded vinyl heat resistant?
MLV is odorless, heat resistant, waterproof, tear resistant, and has a high STC rating for effective noise blocking. One of the most common uses for MLV is soundproofing walls. Because mass loaded vinyl is flexible, it's the ideal noise blocking material to fit around the contours of a vehicle.
Products
This is a High Quality Mass Loaded Vinyl which boosts soundproofing performance by adding mass and preventing structure from vibrating. Made in the USA from virgin material, no odor. Choose from our four size options: 4' X 25' - 4.5' X 30' - 4' X 10' - 4' X 4' -
Testimonials
Premium carpet underlayment - a wonderful solution to second floor noise and footfall dampening in a home with open beam first floor ceiling treatment. Elie was so helpful in educating us on the right product - and lead time and delivery were as promised, in a year when nothing else was! Great company and product!
Why are there only a few manufacturers of mass loaded vinyl?
There are only a few manufacturers in the United States, due to the energy-intensive processes and costs associated with extruding mass loaded vinyl. Often-times it must be purchased online and shipped directly to the client’s site.
What is the primary base for mass loaded vinyl?
When it comes to Mass Loaded Vinyl, there are 2 primary polymer bases – PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) and Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA).
How thick is 2 PSF?
While the weight changes, the density seldom does, so in reality the thickness changes as well. 1 psf Mass Loaded Vinyl is 1/8″ thick, while 2 psf is 1/4″ thick. MLV is produced by extruding a polymer through a screw and chamber at high temperature and pressure.
What additives are used to make vinyl?
The most common mass-loading additive is calcium carbonate, although in the past others were used, including lead and barium-sulfate. When the vinyl is properly mixed, it is extruded through a dye, and quickly cools and hardens onto cooling rolls, where it takes its final shape. Some extrusion lines have a variable dye, ...
Is drywall bad for STC?
Drywall is very bad at low frequencies, so even when STCs are acceptable, the performance in the field generally appears much lower, since the low-frequency noise is audible. In particular, MLV should be strongly considered when STC 50 is needed on single stud walls.
Is mass loaded vinyl better than drywall?
While stacking drywall layers may get you to an STC 40-45 range, Mass Loaded Vinyl is a great option if STCs of 50 or higher are needed. They are generally cheaper than multiple layers of drywall, much faster to install, and are significantly more effective at blocking low-frequency noise. Drywall is very bad at low frequencies, so even when STCs are acceptable, the performance in the field generally appears much lower, since the low-frequency noise is audible
Does PVC have a plasticizer?
PVC is a naturally rigid product (such as vinyl siding on a home), so an additive known as a plasticizer must be added to give it flexibility. Unfortunately, plasticizers break down over time, and they “off-gas” at room temperature, leading to unpleasant odors.
How much does a square foot of MLV cost?
So far, MLV has only one major drawback, and that’s its price. A square foot of MLV can cost anywhere between $1 and $2.50 depending on the type, manufacturer, and seller.
What is MLV fiberglass?
MLV + fiberglass: This combination delivers a lightweight material that is capable of blocking and absorbing sound waves. It is ideal for soundproofing ductwork, garbage chutes, or to improve a room’s acoustics.
What materials are used in MLV?
For instance, MLV has been combined with materials such as mineral fiber insulation, glass fiber insulation, acoustical foam, and others.
Why do people use MLV?
Because of its flexibility, aesthetics, and safety, there are a wide variety of ways and places that MLV can be installed for noise reduction purposes. There are even instances of people installing them on outside fences and in cars.
What are the advantages of MLV?
Thinness: To block sound, you need a very thick/dense material. When you think of something that dense, you probably picture a thick slab of concrete or something of equal density, not something that’s cardboard thin. Even though it’s thin, Mass Loaded Vinyl blocks sound like a champ.
Is MuteX as soundproof as MLV?
Which means they are limited in how well they can satisfy your soundproofing needs. Even if a product is as flexible as MLV, such as MuteX, the question of if the product is as soundproof as MLV still stands. FYI, it’s not because MuteX is lighter than and not as dense as MLV.
Can you wrap MLV?
You can twist, wrap and bend MLV anyway you want to install on surfaces of all shapes and forms. You can wrap and install it around pipes, bends, corners, vents or whatever hard-to-reach places you come across. This makes for excellent soundproofing as it covers the entire surface without leaving any gaps.
Why are there only a few manufacturers of mass loaded vinyl?
There are only a few manufacturers in the United States, due to the energy-intensive processes and costs associated with extruding mass loaded vinyl. Often-times it must be purchased online and shipped directly to the client’s site.
What is the primary base for mass loaded vinyl?
When it comes to Mass Loaded Vinyl, there are 2 primary polymer bases – PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) and Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA).
How thick is 2 PSF?
While the weight changes, the density seldom does, so in reality the thickness changes as well. 1 psf Mass Loaded Vinyl is 1/8″ thick, while 2 psf is 1/4″ thick. MLV is produced by extruding a polymer through a screw and chamber at high temperature and pressure.
What additives are used to make vinyl?
The most common mass-loading additive is calcium carbonate, although in the past others were used, including lead and barium-sulfate. When the vinyl is properly mixed, it is extruded through a dye, and quickly cools and hardens onto cooling rolls, where it takes its final shape. Some extrusion lines have a variable dye, ...
Is drywall bad for STC?
Drywall is very bad at low frequencies, so even when STCs are acceptable, the performance in the field generally appears much lower, since the low-frequency noise is audible. In particular, MLV should be strongly considered when STC 50 is needed on single stud walls.
Is mass loaded vinyl better than drywall?
While stacking drywall layers may get you to an STC 40-45 range, Mass Loaded Vinyl is a great option if STCs of 50 or higher are needed. They are generally cheaper than multiple layers of drywall, much faster to install, and are significantly more effective at blocking low-frequency noise. Drywall is very bad at low frequencies, so even when STCs are acceptable, the performance in the field generally appears much lower, since the low-frequency noise is audible
Does PVC have a plasticizer?
PVC is a naturally rigid product (such as vinyl siding on a home), so an additive known as a plasticizer must be added to give it flexibility. Unfortunately, plasticizers break down over time, and they “off-gas” at room temperature, leading to unpleasant odors.
