A sound isolation clip system is always a higher performing option than mass loaded vinyl for wall and ceiling applications, as it will deliver superior STC and IIC ratings. Clips are also much easier to install on a ceiling. We prefer the RSIC-1® clip. RSIC clips should be installed with 25 gauge hat channel, 5/8” drywall, and sealed around the perimeter with acoustical sealant.

Mass loaded vinyl is a cost-effective, simple to install solution for soundproofing, or stopping noise from traveling between two spaces. The MLV must be installed with 100% coverage (no air gaps) and is most commonly used as part of a wall or ceiling assembly. Mass loaded vinyl is commonly used to improve the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of an assembly in both residential and commercial soundproofing projects.

For more on the topic, check out our article does mass loaded vinyl work for soundproofing?

MLV products are all made from recycled goods, and generally have the same density and STC rating. There are some differences in properties depending on the exact formula and which recycling streams a manufacturer dips into, as some are definitely higher quality than others. There are also differences driven by the actual manufacturing process. If you get the cheap-o MLV, some of the problems you can run into are:

1. 1. Inconsistent Weights - this can reduce the mass per square foot and reduce the effectiveness of your MLV sound barrier.
   2. More Brittle and Less Flexible - you don't want the product to rip just because you bent it a couple of times.
   3. Easier Tearing - cheaper MLVs have lower tensile strengths. They will tear easier and should be used with caution if attaching with mechanical fasteners (definitely not outdoors).
   4. Bad Odors - depending on the chemical makeup, some MLVs will have a strong smell that doesn't dissipate over time.

The first thing you should confirm is the quality of the mass loaded vinyl. Two key indicators of quality are the MLV's STC rating and whether or not the company describes it as odorless.

The STC rating tells you how well the MLV blocks sound waves, the higher the better. The density of most MLVs is between 1 pound per sq ft to 2 pounds per sq ft. The industry standard is 1 lb, which is what we recommend for vehicles because the denser versions of MLV are not as workable around a vehicle's curves. Most people use the 1 lb density for homes as well. For this density, you're looking for an STC in the the 26 to 28 range.

Being odorless indicates the quality of the materials that compose the MLV. It's possible to cut costs by making the MLV out of cheap recycled goods, but you pay for that cheapness in odor, easy tearing, and brittleness.

In theory, the mass loaded vinyl barrier will perform better when somewhat limp, because the give prevents your barrier from vibrating. This "limpness" applies whether you're installing the MLV inside the wall of a room in your house or under the carpet in your vehicle. Think about if you hit a sheet of lead (which used to be the go-to blocking material before we learned about the health concerns) it won’t reverberate and ring like a rigid sheet of tin or brass. It’s the same with mass loaded vinyl the flexibility and limpness prevent the MLV from vibrating. Because the MLV material doesn’t vibrate, you don’t hear the ringing sound.

The most important thing for mass loaded vinyl is that you use it with 100% coverage of the area you are installing it, any opening or breaks in the mass loaded vinyl will allow sound to transfer right through. To make sure you get the right amount of material, you’ll need to measure the area to get the total square footage amount. For example, if you’re installing mass loaded vinyl on a 10 feet wide by 8 feet tall wall, you’ll need 80 square feet of material.

If you are installing mass loaded vinyl in your vehicle, check out our car square footage guide for an estimate!

Much like mass loaded vinyl, acoustic mats (commonly called rubber underlayment) are known for often being just as dense as many MLV. The key difference is the makeup of the products. MLV is best known for wall soundproofing due to its STC ratings, but we don't recommend it for floors. Acoustic mats are engineered to soundproof floors by decoupling the finished floor from the subfloor and harshly reduce impact noise, like footsteps.

Our UnderBlock™ rubber underlayment and UnderBlock™ HD are the acoustic mats you need to soundproof your floors.