Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) has been used for a long time to block noise because it is dense and good at doing so. On the other hand, MLV is only sometimes the best or most cost-effective choice.
This blog post will go into more detail about the top 10 Mass Loaded Vinyl Alternatives. We will give you more information about each one and compare them to MLV regarding how easy they are to install, how much they cost, and how well they work.
Contents
How to Understand Mass Loaded Vinyl
Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is a flexible material made from vinyl. It’s like a thick fabric that you stick to surfaces to make them quieter. Either barium sulfate or calcium carbonate is the most crucial part because it gives mass-loaded vinyl extra weight for its size.
MLV is made of a viscoelastic material. When force is put on the product, it moves with the force but then goes back to its original shape. That’s easy to see in memory foam.
You could also use the phrase “limp mass” to explain this. MLV is called “limp mass” because it doesn’t move when force is put on it.
Top 10 Mass Loaded Vinyl Alternatives
What you should use instead of mass-loaded vinyl will depend on where you’re putting it. For instance, you wouldn’t soundproof floors and walls with the same thing.
So, my best alternatives to mass-loaded vinyl work in different parts of a room. When I can, I give STC ratings so you can get a good idea of what works best.
Mass Loaded Vinyl vs Green Glue: All You Need to Kno
1. Green Glue Compound
As a noise-blocking compound, Green Glue is viscoelastic and turns sound energy into heat. This stops sound from travelling through walls, floors, and ceilings.
With MLV, you have to attach the vinyl to the wall. With Green Glue, you just put it between two layers of drywall or other building materials. This makes it a better choice for people who like to do things themselves.
In terms of performance, Green Glue is famous for getting rid of low-frequency noise very well, which can be challenging for MLV. MLV might be better at blocking higher-frequency sounds, though.
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2. Acoustic Foam Panels
Instead of MLV, acoustic foam panels are light and can be used in many ways. They are made of soft, porous materials that soak up sound waves and lower the echo and reverberation in a room. These panels come in various thicknesses and styles, so you should be able to find one you like.
MLV does not block sound as well; they do a great job of improving the room’s overall sound quality and are very simple to set up. Most of the time, acoustic foam panels are less expensive than MLV, making them an excellent choice for people trying to save money.
3. Resilient Channels
Metal strips called resilient channels make a small space between the drywall and the framing. This space helps keep sound from travelling through the wall. These other options are great for putting less weight on the walls or ceilings.
Even though they can be more complex to install than MLV, resilient channels do a great job, especially when mixed with other soundproofing materials like acoustic insulation.
Resilient channels may not work as well as MLV when used by themselves, but they can work just as well when mixed with other materials and often cost less.
4. Soundproof Drywall
A special kind of drywall called soundproof drywall is made to block out noise. Layers of gypsum and other materials that help to dampen vibrations make it up. Compared to MLV, soundproof drywall looks better because it blends in better with your existing walls.
It can be more expensive and needs to be installed by a professional, but it’s an excellent choice for a sleek, discreet way to block out noise.
When used with other soundproofing materials like Green Glue or resilient channels, soundproof drywall can be just as good as MLV in terms of performance.
5. Soundproofing Blankets
An easy-to-use and inexpensive alternative to MLV is a soundproofing or heavy-moving blanket. They are made of dense, heavy materials like fibreglass, mineral wool, or even mass-loaded vinyl; their job is to block sound and soak it up.
You can easily hang soundproofing blankets on walls, doors, or windows, which makes them a valuable choice for many situations. They might not be as good at blocking out noise as MLV, but they’re a good choice for people who need something temporary, portable, or easy to set up.
Soundproofing blankets are best at blocking the noise that travels through the air, like traffic or conversations between neighbours. However, they might need to improve at blocking noise that hits the ground, like footsteps.
Most of the time, soundproofing blankets are cheaper than MLV, which makes them a good choice for people on a budget.
6. Acoustic Insulation
Installing acoustic insulation in the wall, floor, or ceiling cavities is an excellent alternative to MLV. Fiberglass, mineral wool, and cellulose are some of the materials that make it up. All of these help to absorb and block sound.
Even though it can be more complex to install than MLV, acoustic insulation works very well and can make your space more energy efficient.
Soundproofing may be the same as acoustic insulation like Rockwool and MLV, but it can be cheaper and save you money, especially on energy costs.
7. Soundproof Flooring Underlay
If you want to soundproof your floors, a soundproof flooring underlay is an excellent alternative to MLV for lowering impact noises like footsteps or things being dropped.
These underlays are put under your flooring to absorb vibrations and stop sound from travelling. They are made of materials like rubber, foam, or cork.
Even though they might not block out as much airborne noise as MLVs, they’re a great way to deal with impact noise in homes or buildings with hard floors.
In terms of price, underlays are usually less expensive than MLV, but how well they work will depend on the material used.
8. Soundproof Paint
A unique and not-too-expensive alternative to MLV is soundproof paint. The paint is thick and water-based. It has sound-absorbing fillers that help keep noise from travelling through walls or ceilings.
Even though it’s not as good as MLV at blocking out loud noise, it’s a good choice for mild soundproofing needs or to make other soundproofing materials work better. It’s also simple to use and comes in different colours to match your home’s style.
Soundproof paint is usually less expensive than MLV but doesn’t block out as much noise.
9. Soundproof Wallpaper
Soundproof wallpaper is another alternative to MLV; it looks good and can help block out noise. Soundproof wallpaper comprises many layers of dense materials that can soak up and block some sound.
Even though it will block out less noise than MLV, it’s a good choice for people who want an easy-to-install solution that looks good.
Soundproof wallpaper is usually less expensive than MLV, but it might not work as well.
10. Fiberglass Panels
Since fibreglass panels are made up of tiny glass fibres, they are very good at blocking out noise because they are porous.
This alternative is excellent for reducing echoes and reverberations and blocking sound more effectively than acoustic foam panels allow. You can also hang them straight on the wall, which makes the process very simple.
Even though fibreglass panels aren’t as good at blocking sound as MLV, they can still do a great job when used with other soundproofing materials or methods, like soundproof drywall or resilient channels.
Conclusion
Now you know the top 10 alternatives to mass-loaded vinyl, along with more details about installing them, how well they work, and how much they cost. Remember that the best choice for you will depend on your situation, your budget, and the result you want.
Feel free to mix and match these options to find the best way to block out noise in your room. After all, a comfortable and quiet place is essential for your health and peace of mind.
FAQ: Mass Loaded Vinyl Alternatives
1. Which is better: green glue or mass loaded vinyl?
The choice between green glue and mass loaded vinyl (MLV) depends on your specific needs. Green glue is an acoustic sealant used to dampen sound vibrations between layers of construction material, ideal for walls, ceilings, and floors. It’s especially effective for reducing airborne noise. Mass loaded vinyl is a heavy, flexible material that blocks sound and is used in floors, walls, and ceilings. If you need to block sound, MLV might be the better option, whereas green glue is more about reducing sound transmission.
2. What are the cons of mass loaded vinyl?
While effective for soundproofing, mass loaded vinyl has some drawbacks. It’s relatively expensive compared to other materials and can be heavy and challenging to install without assistance. Additionally, it’s not the most eco-friendly option and can have a distinct odor upon installation, which usually dissipates over time.
3. What is the difference between rubber and mass loaded vinyl for soundproofing?
Rubber and mass loaded vinyl are both used for soundproofing but have different properties. Rubber is more elastic and provides excellent vibration damping, making it ideal for reducing impact noise. It’s also more resistant to moisture. Mass loaded vinyl, on the other hand, is denser and better at blocking airborne sound. Your choice should depend on whether you need to block or absorb sound and the specific conditions of your space.
4. What is the cheapest soundproofing material?
The cheapest soundproofing materials usually include acoustic foam, egg crate foam, and certain types of insulation like fiberglass or rock wool. These materials are effective for absorbing sound and reducing echo but may not be as effective at blocking sound as more expensive options like MLV or soundproofing drywall. For a budget-friendly option, consider the type of noise you’re dealing with and the specific requirements of your space.
