Does MLV Work For Soundproofing?

Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a cheap and easy way to fix any sound problem? We get it. Taking on a soundproofing project in your home can get confusing and expensive. So, it is totally understandable that homeowners will look for cheaper DIY friendly materials. As a general rule, if the soundproofing solution sounds too good to be true – it probably is. While cardboard isn’t any good for soundproofing, there are many ways to cut costs and there are plenty of affordable materials that can be used for soundproofing. With the help of a Second Skin expert, any sound issue can be solved!

Mass loaded vinyl is an acoustical barrier that is meant for blocking noise transfer. Our Luxury Liner mass loaded vinyl is made of PVC vinyl, but there are other types of vinyl as well that are used to make MLV. MLV is safer than lead and is denser than drywall. It is a high density, limp material that has been a leading sound barrier for decades.

Mass loaded vinyl is typically colored black with a density between 0.5 lbs and 2 lbs per square foot. The most commonly bought version is 1 lb per square foot and comes in large rolls, but we also sell sheets because they’re much easier to ship and some projects need less square footage. MLV is odorless, heat resistant, waterproof, tear resistant, and has a high STC rating for effective noise blocking. Two of the most common uses for MLV are soundproofing walls and soundproofing a car.

Whether you’re dealing with noisy neighbors, nearby traffic, or airplane noise, these forms of unpleasant noise can affect you and your family’s comfort in your home. Noise pollution has been shown to trigger the body’s stress response, which is why excess noise has been tied to a variety of issues – ranging from heart disease to lower sleep quality to less work productivity. Mass loaded vinyl is one of the tools we have at our disposal to address these issues.

To learn more about what MLV is, check out our sister article.

Yes, for the right things! It is great for airborne noise like people talking, music playing, engine noise, or street noise. Mass loaded vinyl is one of the most popular soundproofing materials, used by construction crews and do-it-yourselfers alike. The MLV comes in the form of a large roll and is used to 100% cover your walls or ceilings (not floors!) for noise control.

MLV is popular in applications ranging from commercial buildings to professional soundproof studios to home theater rooms. Because MLV is so versatile, it can be used in just about any soundproofing solution.

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. Whether it’s in a car or a building, it doesn’t do a good job of stopping vibrational energy or structural sound from passing through. It also won’t help to stop footstep noise from the floor above.

Okay, so what does MLV cost? Let’s look at the cost of soundproofing a wallwith MLV. The actual material cost to soundproof a wall will vary drastically depending on the size of the wall and the labor required. To give you the best information possible on the cost of, the table below shows what it would take to soundproof a 30’ x 8’ wall. The cost of labor will vary depending on the project size and location, but a good general rule is thatinstalling mass loaded vinyltakes about as long as installing a layer of drywall.

Mass loaded vinyl is used in a HUGE variety of projects. It’s common to see it installed in a vehicle on the floor, cabin firewall, trunk, and doors (NOT the engine compartment or the roof behind the headliner). People also use it to make a MLV curtain. We also regularly use it in a building as part of a soundproof wall or soundproof ceiling construction.

Be sure to check out our catalog of mass loaded vinyl options and reach out to us if you have questions on a particular application! We can help you stop noise in its tracks!