What is Mass loaded vinyl?

“What is Mass Loaded Vinyl?” is a question we get asked a lot, when we mention this product to someone looking to soundproof something.  This is very surprising to us as Mass Loaded Vinyl or  MLV, as its known for short, has been around for decades & is widely used in any application where soundproofing is required.  So, in this article we are going to answer many of the questions people normally ask about MLV.

So, What is Mass Loaded Vinyl?  Put simply, Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is a versatile soundproofing material used to reduce noise from one space to another by blocking sound transmission through any structure it is attached to.  It’s appearance is a dense, flexible, and extremely thin sheet made from a combination of minerals mixed with vinyl or other polymers. MLV is most often black or dark grey in colour.

MLV is an excellent choice for situations where adding mass to a surface is key to blocking sound transmission. MLV is often used in construction and soundproofing projects due to its excellent sound-blocking properties.

Keep in mind that MLV is most effective for reducing airborne noise.  For soundproofing  projects that also have other noise issues, such as impact noise (footsteps) transmitted through floors, for the best results, consider combining MLV with other soundproofing techniques, to address your particular issue.

Does Mass loaded vinyl really work?

Yes, Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is indeed a very effective soundproofing material when used properly in the right context. Its effectiveness is based on its density and mass, which enable it to block sound waves. When installed in the correct manner, it will also help to reduce reverberation. However, the effectiveness of MLV depends on various factors, including the thickness and quality of the material, the installation method, and the specific noise issues you’re trying to address.

Does MLV block sound?

Yes, Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is specifically designed to block sound transmission, making it an effective material for soundproofing purposes. MLV works by adding mass and density to surfaces, which inhibits the transmission of sound waves through walls, floors, ceilings, and other structures. The more mass a structure has, the more airborne sound energy required to penetrate it.  Therefore, by adding MLV to a wall, floor or ceiling you increase the mass of the structure, which reduces the amount of sound that can pass through it.

How thick should Mass loaded vinyl be?

This is a slightly non sensical question. Let me explain why. MLV works by adding mass to a structure. The higher the mass, the better the soundproofing. (all else being equal) A higher or lower mass can be achieved at any thickness by increasing the production density.  For instance, if I produce a 2mm thick MLV with a density of 500kg/m3  or a 1mm thick MLV at 1000kg/m3, they will have the same soundproofing abilities. So it doesn’t follow that a 5mm thick MLV is always better than a 3mm thick MLV. When comparing MLVs it is important to take into account the weight per m2 & the thickness.

To simplify things lets talk only about Australian manufactured MLV. In Australia, the majority of MLV is manufactured at a density of 2000kg/m3.  So at 2mm thick it weighs 4kg/m2, at 3mm = 6kg/m2 & at 4mm it is 8kg/m2.

Now, with that information in mind, using good quality Australian Made MLV with a density of 2000kg/m3 lets consider the following.

1. Airborne Noise: For blocking airborne noise, such as voices, music, and general indoor sounds, MLV with a thickness of around 2-3mm (4-6kg/m2) can provide significant sound reduction. This thickness is a common starting point for many soundproofing applications.
2. Heavy Noise: If you’re dealing with particularly loud or intrusive noise, using MLV with a thickness of 4 mm or even thicker might be more effective at reducing sound transmission.
3. Multiple Layers: In some cases, using multiple layers of thinner MLV might be more practical than using a single thick layer. Two or more layers can create an air gap between them, which can enhance soundproofing.
4. Specific Frequencies: Thicker MLV might be necessary if you’re dealing with specific low-frequency noises, as these wavelengths are more challenging to block for ALL soundproofing products.
5. Impact Noise: MLV is less effective at blocking impact noise (footsteps, vibrations) due to its lack of compression. For impact noise, combining MLV with other products like spongy underlayment materials and decoupling will be more effective.

Here in Soundproofing Products Australia, we offer 3 thickness options for Mass loaded vinyl: 2mm, 3mm and 4mm.

Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is primarily used as a soundproofing material rather than as a traditional insulation material. Its dense and heavy composition is designed to block sound waves, reducing airborne noise transmission. While MLV does have some very minimal thermal insulating properties, it’s not typically used for thermal insulation purposes.

Here’s a breakdown of MLV’s characteristics in relation to both soundproofing and thermal insulation:

Soundproofing:

• MLV is effective at reducing airborne noise transmission, such as voices, music, and general indoor sounds.
• It works by adding mass to surfaces, preventing sound waves from passing through walls, ceilings, and floors.
• MLV is commonly used in walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and other structures where soundproofing is needed.

Thermal Insulation:

• MLV does have some insulating properties due to its density, but it’s not a primary choice for thermal insulation.
• It doesn’t provide the same level of thermal resistance (R-value) as traditional insulation materials like fiberglass or polyester insulation.
• While it might have a minimal impact on temperature regulation, its primary function is soundproofing.

If you’re looking for insulation to regulate temperature, prevent heat loss or gain, and improve energy efficiency in your space, it’s better to consider traditional bulk insulation materials designed for thermal purposes.

Keep in mind that effective soundproofing often involves using a combination of techniques and materials, such as acoustic insulation, decoupling methods, and proper sealing, in addition to MLV. If you have both soundproofing and thermal insulation needs, it’s a good idea to address each aspect separately with the appropriate materials.

What is the best Mass loaded vinyl for soundproofing?

At Soundproofing Products Australia we offer the best Australian Made Mass loaded vinyl products. We choose to focus on the Australian Made MLV as the quality & integrity of the product is much higher than many of the imported MLV’s on the market. When it comes to soundproofing, quality matters.   We also offer mass loaded vinyl products adhered to other substrates for different applications from: Walls, Ceiling, Underlay soundproofing, and Fence soundproofing.

Soundproofing Products Australia online store sells a wide range of thermal and acoustic insulation products. We also sell Mass Loaded Vinyl, Nuwrap Pipe Lagging Insulation, Polyester Insulation, Fibertex Rock-wool, Knauf Earthwool, Fletchers Pink Batts, and Bradford Acoustic Batts.

If you have any questions or require a particular delivery quotation, don’t hesitate to Contact Us! You can also get a free obligation quote. Check out other insulation supplies in Soundproofing Products Australia

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