Installing Mass Loaded Vinyl Soundproofing the Right Way!

Mass loaded Vinyl, also known as simply MLV is a dense and heavy material that does a great job at soundproofing a wall. You can even sound proof a fence using MLV!

The problem is that some people install this sound proofing material the wrong way which will make the project ineffective. In this video, I will show you how to install mass loaded vinyl in the correct way to achieve the best soundproofing results.

Here are links from Amazon and Home Depot of the Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) that I recommend.

1. 1lb Roll Mass Loaded Vinyl

Other Soundproofing Material to Soundproof a Wall

1. Acoustic Compound (In between drywall)

2. Acoustic Sealant (Around Electrical Outlets)

3. Backer Rod (Around Bigger Gap Electrical Outlets)

4. 5/8" Drywall

5. Acoustic Pannels (Sound Deadening)

6. Acoustic Foam (Sound Deadening)

7. Acoustic Paint

8. 3D Acoustic Wall Paper

Mass Loaded Vinyl Related Video Links

Bear in mind that some of the links in this video are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

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[carolcarol]

MLV is the way to go! Condo dwellers, this is your fix for noisy neighbors. I watched many videos and researched products after 8 months of hating my bedroom due to a shared condo wall. The MLV worked with the acoustic caulk and 5/8 drywall. I went even further and did mdf sheets over that with a decorative box grid mdf design. My unit is the envy of many neighbors that have seen my pics. Well worth every you for these videos.

[lookingunow]

Very informative touched on soundproofing the electrical boxes that many other videos do not. Very glad I watched it

[baysidelad]

How should MLV be applied to existing drywall, should it be right to the edges and ceiling, or do you need to leave a small (eg 1/8 inch) gap?

[SteveZarse]

Great video - some very useful info here. One big problem though: it is not possible to add putty pads to the back of the electrical outlet boxes once the MLV is in place.
The only solution I see for this is to cut some MLV and surround the back of the outlet before installing the rest of the MLV, then sealing around the front of the outlet after making your cut so that the surround is sealed to the main sheet.
Are there any other ways to solve this?

[anthonywhiteman]

What is the recommend method for installing MLV on a ceiling?

[reisshemmingdrums]

Hey! This is super helpful in my planning for building a drum studio. Thanks so much for all of your videos! I have a quick question, I want to use MLV and a resilient channel for the walls to ensure I've got enough mass, along with a decoupling effect for an air gap.

Should I use MLV directly onto the studs as explained in this video, and then install RC, plus 2sheets of drywall - OR should I install the RC to the studs, then have drywall-MLV-drywall attached to the RC? Would there be a difference? Any help would be great! Thanks!

[thomasnewsome]

Two things?
Would this help with outside noise such as car bass booming ? Would it still work over existing drywall in a small apartment?

[TheFuzzypuddle]

I've heard that the studs are a major conductor of sound waves. I've heard that you want the mlv to hang freely, which I interpreted to mean that it shouldn't attach to the studs. 1) Is that complete nonsense? 2) Or, does it not matter because the acoustic caulking dampens the transfer of sound from the studs?
Or, do I have no idea what I'm talking about? I'm just trying to learn.

[nonzshot]

I've heard about using rubber cow mats (aka horse stall mats) in place of MLV. These mats are really heavy (some of the least thick have a density of 3, 5 lb per sqf ). One of the drawback I would see is that they might be harder to work with (heavier and less flexible). I guess they might be cheaper too if you can source them locally

[JoelArchambault]

Excellent video, thanks!
I would like to add the resilient channel to. Do you have a suggestion where would it go?
I often see construction like this: rockwool in between the joist, sonopan on top, resilient chanels, then two layers of drywall.

With MLV, where could we put the resilient channel?

Thanks!
Joel

[ragnarlothbrok]

is it okay to double the mlv? instead of 1 layer it will be 2 layers?

[thehonestman]

I have a question. I am interested in installing the MLV, but I think I want to do it outside. I am changing the sheathing, so I'm thinking about putting it under the sheathing. I'm afraid if I put it inside, it will actually be bad for acoustics inside the room, as it might reflect the sound back in and not absorb it like Rockwool would. It is my living room area, so I don't want that to happen. My interest in the vinyl is to help block outside noise from coming in, which is why I think it might be better outside? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you. I will use your links.

[annayang]

Hello! Thank you for throw video. Can you do one on how to install on the ceiling??

[Ivor]

i moved into a studio, and i can hear my neighbor do everything, will it work on a finished wall?

[tathaCornish-enqj]

Second question is if there is a lap technique that would allow for a removable wall panel?

[michaelt.]

Great video. I am building a small soundproof, totally enclosed cubicle. I have doubled up with 5/8" drywall and used green glue in between on the outside of the structure. On the inside, I have only used 1 layer of 5/8" drywall. I feel that I need some more material to improve this. I would like to use MLV. I would like to put it outside of the inner cubicle walls. Will this be ok? Other than stapling it to the wood frame underneath the 1 layer of sheet rock, is there anything else I need to keep in mind?

[zackdreamcast]

What about putting mass loaded vinyl on top of existing drywall and then adding new drywall on top of that? I have a 2x4 exterior wall and right next to a major road/highway.

[MrBoxxxed]

Why add acoustic caulk under the MLV when the drywall will be secured right on top of it pressing the MLV firmly against the studs?

[RCRitterFPV]

welp.. let my new obsession begin...
bassment theater under wife's living room...
moved in and realized you can hear EVERYTHING

[shepardmusic]

Super curious about CEILINGS and this stuff. Really can't find any info out there! Any help on the installation?