subject: Mass Loaded Vinyl For Soundproofing [print this page] have written a lot of articles on Mass loaded Vinyl because it is a very
versatile and effective soundproofing agent. Mass Loaded Vinyl, or (MLV for
short) is a high grade vinyl that is impregnated with Barium salts and silica (sand) to give it the consistency and the mass of lead sheeting, however MLV
contains absolutely no lead at all.
Mass Loaded vinyl perform best when it able to move or resonate with the sound. In other words, when sound hits a MLV membrane, it vibrates the vinyl which in turn prevents the sound from passing through the vinyl. With that in mind, it is always best to install mass loaded vinly directly to bare studs or joists, that way the MLV is able to resonate with the sound that is trying to pass through a wall or ceiling assembly.
It is always a good idea to install mass loaded vinyl during the construction phase of a new home, office or room addition. By installing the MLV directly to the new structure you are insuring great room to room soundproofing for the life of your home.
Most contractors don't think about soundproofing until it is too late and they are being sued by new owners who are experiencing noise issues in their new house, condo or co-op.
The uses for mass loaded vinyl are endless, it has been used to soundproof homes, and offices as well as automobiles and aircraft. It is also used extensively to soundproof fences from noisy neighbors or loud traffic noise.
With new city sound ordinances being enacted almost daily, soundproofing is becoming a very big issue.
Many people are now living in smaller multi family units such as condos, duplexes and apartments where sound can hit you from above, below and all around you. Soundproofing is becoming an essential part of any new construction or new renovation project.
Mass Loaded Vinyl has been an industry standard for over 20 years and it is one of the best and most economical soundproofing agents on the market today.
The American mass loaded vinyl is used in many recording studio and home theater applications to prevent the unwanted sounds from migrating to other parts of the house or industrial space.
Again I would like to say that the uses for this material are nearly endless. Mass loaded vinyl has been used in large concert and theater venues as well as indoor and outdoor sports areas.
Many nite clubs and bars have used mass loaded vinyl to keep the noise of live bands or live DJ's from leaving the club and reaching the ears of nearby neighbors.
Mass Loaded vinyl has been used in wood fence construction and has proven to be quite effective at blocking unwanted neighbor noise as well as loud and annoying traffic sounds.
To learn more about this or any of our other SDoundproofing or Acoustical treatment products, please feel free to contact one of the Soundproofingl pros at Soundproofing America, Inc, you'll be glad you did. This is Dr.Bob Adios!
