This is unlike most other noise reduction materials such as fiberglass or mineral fiber that only do one but not the other.īut asides from its sound absorbing and blocking capabilities, what really sets MLV apart is its flexibility. What makes Mass Loaded Vinyl such a great choice for noise reduction is the fact that it’s a double threat – it is both a potent sound barrier and effective sound absorber. The vinyl is what gives MLV its flexibility while Barium Sulfate or Calcium Carbonate, which are highly dense compounds, is what gives the material its soundproofing capability. This flexible material also referred to as a “Limp Mass Barrier,” is made up of two principal components – a natural high mass element (such as Barium Sulfate or Calcium Carbonate) and vinyl. Mass Loaded Vinyl or MLV is a special soundproofing material that is designed with the primary purpose of serving as a sound barrier. Il touch upon if MLV is safe to use or if it’s toxic and dive into the different uses of this type of soundproofing product. In this article, I will talk about all aspects of Mass Loaded Vynil when it comes to soundproofing. The sound mat is very similar to a mutex but only the difference is that mutex has two layers in which one work as a blocker and the other work as an absorber.īut in the Sound mat, there are three layers in which one is worked as an absorber and the other two are worked as a sound blocker.Would you like to stop outside noise from disturbing the serenity of your home or office? Or would you prefer to make as much noise as you want without bothering the neighbors? If you’ve answered yes to either of these two questions, the solution is simple and it’s called Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV). Yes, you can paint over the MuteX but the company does not recommend it because painting may change the sound deadening and observing capabilities.
Yes, Mutex is fire-resistant and It meets flame test MFVSS 302 and has a class “C” burn rating. Yes, you can staple, glued, nailed, or screwed it easily as like MLV, but always remember one thing and that is the carbon-weave side should always towards the source of the sound.
MASS LOADED VINYL ALTERNATIVE INSTALL
Mutex works great when it is used inside the wall or ceiling or floor.Īs you installed MLV, just like that you can install MuteX. MuteX helps you in reducing noise, but it will not completely block the sound. Therefore if sound waves pass through something, they need to make it vibrate.Īnd you know very well that, the heavier the structure the less it will vibrate and fewer vibrations mean more sound will block or reflect. It requires some material medium to travel, whether it may be air (gas), or solid material, or liquid. How does MLV workĪs we saw MLV is the vinyl sheet loaded with mass such as barium sulfate, which is a high mass material.Īnd as you already know that mass is one of the very important principles of soundproofing for blocking out sound. That’s why you can use MLV even in complicated places very easily such as pipe, duct, tank and so many.
Vinyl is a naturally rigid product so an additive known as a plasticizer is added to give it flexibility. Calcium silicate or barium sulfate makes the MLV denser and you all know that the denser materials are able to block the noise effectively and Vinyl provides strength and stability.