MLV FAQ
1 LB: 1/8″ thick weighing about 1 LB per square foot (~105 pounds per 100 square foot roll and ~40 pounds per 40 square foot roll)
2 LB: 1/4″ thick weighing about 2 LB per square foot (~125 pounds per 60 square foot roll)
1/2 LB: 1/16″ thick weighing about 1/2 LB per square foot (~105 pounds per 200 square foot roll)
Little to nothing. To the end user in regards to performance, no difference. Whether the MLV is name brand or private label, the manufacturer is often the same. There are slight differences in flexibility depending on the manufacturing process. Despite this, the performance is ultimately the same when comparing our 1 LB, 2 LB, and 1/2 LB versions to versions by other companies. And to add to that, generally 2 manufacturers cover the majority of MLV sold in the US.
Technically anywhere you would like. Although we do recommend higher performance products that decouple. When those products aren't an option, MLV should be considered.
We generally only recommend mass loaded vinyl in lightweight assemblies with minimal layers of material, or for utility use in fences, doors, windows, duct, cars, etc. However, mass loaded vinyl does have a value over products like Green Glue Compound or QuietRock in that mass loaded vinyl will work in any type of wall, ceiling, or floor, regardless of other materials used in that assembly. For example, a plaster wall with Green Glue Compound and a new layer of drywall over the plaster has proven ineffective because plaster is difficult to dampen (mass, rigidity). Mass loaded vinyl does not have the same issue as Green Glue Compound in this assembly because it isolates sound in an entirely different way than the Green Glue Compound. Same issue with use in floors for isolating airborne noise. Mass loaded vinyl will be able to work as advertised whereas a product like Green Glue Compound would be less predictable depending on joist length, joist spacing, assembly weight, etc.
When used in a framed structure, any benefit created by mass loaded vinyl is not from the actual mass itself. The structure already weighs several pounds per square foot more than the MLV. To increase isolation considerably with mass alone, the material would need to double the structure weight.
What MLV brings to the assembly is a material that resonates like no other building material. Every structure or material has a resonance point. Including mass loaded vinyl in the structure will resolve many resonance issues allowing consistent performance in mid to high frequencies.
More recent advancements in sound isolation with resilient sound clips, damping compounds, and rubber underlayment minimizes the value of mass loaded vinyl in a framed structure. However, where these new products cannot be used, the mass loaded vinyl likely can. Including fences, doors, windows, duct, cars, and other similar uses.
MLV is not as assembly dependent as Green Glue Compound, so it is often the better choice if the assembly isn't ideal for the use of Green Glue Compound.
No, mass loaded vinyl will not help to isolate impact footfall noise. We would suggest rubber underlayment because it will compress and bounce back upon impact. Check out our IsoRubber product on this site for more information.
Basic drywall screws or nails with a thin washer or roofer’s tin cap between the head of the fastener and the vinyl. Staples can also be used for even faster installation. If hanging on walls, you only really to attach the top, sides, and bottom.
Roll it out, butt the seams together, and tape the seams with Everbilt seam tape, or a similar tape. MLV is not rated as an underlayment so finished floors such as tile or vinyl cannot be adhered directly to the MLV.
Attach grommets to the MLV to tie or fasten to chain link fences. Use standard drywall nails or screws for fastening to wood fences.
Simply cut to size, wrap it around the surface to cover 100% with a slight overlap, and duct tape in place. Adhesives are not required for this installation, but can make it easier in hard to reach places.