
The MLV is also made in the USA using high-quality materials and is easy to cut and install. They sell rolls in larger sizes, meaning you get a lower price per square foot. That’s why we recommend using the Mass Loaded MLV. It also usually takes the most amount of material and therefore costs the most. Mass Loaded Vinyl for WallsĪdding MLV to your walls will make the most significant difference when it comes to soundproofing any space. It’s made with high-quality materials making it highly durable and flexible, so you can be confident it will hold up without tearing. We recommend using the Soundsulate MLV underneath your flooring. While the underlay provides some sound dampening properties, if you’re serious about soundproofing a space, adding MLV is a must. Mass Loaded Vinyl for FloorsĪdding MLV under flooring is another step that’s easy to skip over because most floors already have an underlay. It can withstand scorching hot conditions and temperatures that dip below freezing, meaning you can rely on it to hold up in any environment. The SoundSafe MLV is the perfect soundproofing solution for any residential or commercial ceiling. But the truth is, soundwaves can travel through your ceiling just like your walls if they aren’t acoustically treated. When soundproofing a space, it’s easy to skip over the ceiling and not think twice about it.

Because of the large option size, you can expect a lower price per square foot than buying smaller rolls. The Total Mass MLV is the go-to product for controlling sound on larger projects. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT), in particular, is a common choice due to its specific noise-reducing design and durability.īut for floors with no backing, or if you want to maximize your floor’s soundproof capabilities, you should choose MLV or an underlayment that contains MLV to lay down on the subfloor.Īs with most things, you get what you pay for the higher quality of the materials, the more effective your floor will be at blocking sound. Many vinyl floors come with a foam backing, making them an excellent choice for sound reduction. The soundproofing qualities of vinyl flooring depend less on the vinyl itself and more on the foam backing or chosen underlayment.
#Mass loaded vinyl floor how to
These combined materials make MLV extremely dense and block sound waves from passing through walls, floors, and ceilings.Īll See: How to Soundproof Your Garage Is Vinyl Flooring Good For Soundproofing? These are high mass elements that give MLV its soundproofing capabilities.

The second is Barium Sulphate or Calcium Carbonate. I’m sure you could guess that vinyl is one of the main components of MLV and is the reason it’s so flexible. To understand how mass loaded vinyl works, we need to dive into the two primary materials used to create it.

#Mass loaded vinyl floor install
I'm happy with the way my 4x4 cargo van sounds (or doesn't) now.įWIW, I have a buddy that used rock wool instead of Thinsulate, cheaper but messier to install and seems to work well, and you can buy it at home repo.9 Final Thoughts How Does Mass Loaded Vinyl Work?
#Mass loaded vinyl floor plus
And the HF floor mats should be left in the sun for a day or two so it loses the smell.įor horizontal surfaces and the roof I used Noico and 3M Thinsulate, plus additional thermal CCF for temp control. I also used that layering wherever I could up front, and under the seats.įor clarification, I purchased MLV from a local supplier who glued a layer of CCF to one side, so that saved some time, but I spent about twice what you did. I also covered the wheel wells with Noico, then MLV, then the factory rubber covers. I then replaced the factory plywood floor and rubber mat. As you know, MLV must be disconnected from the metal, so I used Harbor Freight foam floor pads to fill in the gullies, then the MLV, then another layer of CCF over it. I used it strictly on the floor and am happy with the results. It's only necessary if you want to squelch road and tire noise.
