Mass Loaded Vinyl - An Effective Soundproofing Material

Posted by alicebeth on August 13th, 2018

It won’t be wrong to say that our existence, in addition to other things, depends a lot on sound. But, too much of it can be a matter of concern as well.

Sound plays a major part in communication and is also used in geophysics - for positioning, signaling, and location tracking. As a form of energy, it has more uses than we can ever imagine. While it is considered so useful in many aspects of life, there are aspects in which it becomes a hindrance and nuisance. When sound becomes noise - it usually becomes unwanted. Imagine the sound of a motor engine or the sound of music coming from your neighbor’s house or a shared apartment - it would be right to call these noises that everyone wants to do away with. Everyone facing these noise issues is looking for techniques or ways to block or reduce the noise. Before you go out in search of a noise reducing or blocking solution, it is important to know the properties of sound waves - they can reflect, refract, and make their way around edges. Blocking it completely isn’t possible, but, you can certainly work to reduce its intensity. The work done to reduce, block, or eliminate sound by using certain products is called soundproofing. One of the best materials for the job, which is also an industry standard is Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV).

Mass Loaded Vinyl or MLV is as effective and tough as it sounds. This vinyl soundproof material is made with barium silica and salts that give all the mass it is known to have. Vinyl soundproofing is also considered better than lead soundproofing as it is a more viable and greener way to soundproof. MLV is free of all the disadvantages that you associate with lead.

Let us understand how MLV works. The objective is the addition of a dense mass to an area. This dense mass works as a barrier that blocks the passage of sound waves through walls and ceilings. It is not only used in homes or commercial spaces but music studios as well where quality sound control is a necessity.

MLV is an effective way to control sound and is considered a blessing for engineers, DIYers, and architects. In addition to its excellent sound reducing or blocking capabilities, MLV is very easy and safe to use as well. So, even DIYers can use it in their projects for exceptional soundproofing performances.

Author’s Bio: The author is a blogger. This article is about Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV).