How thick is mass loaded vinyl soundproofing? | ASLONG Guide

How Thick is Mass Loaded Vinyl Soundproofing?

Are you searching for reliable data on the thickness of mass loaded vinyl soundproofing? This article covers the primary specifications and industry standards, addressing common professional inquiries about optimal thickness selection and effectiveness in real-world sound insulation.

What is Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)?

- MLV is a flexible, dense synthetic material engineered for soundproofing applications.

- It acts as a sound barrier, commonly used in walls, floors, ceilings, and vehicle insulation.

- Renowned for balancing mass (for blocking sound) with a manageable, flexible form.

Standard Thicknesses of Mass Loaded Vinyl

- Common commercial MLV thicknesses:

- *1/16 inch (1.6 mm)* – Lightweight, suitable for less demanding environments.

- *1/8 inch (3.2 mm)* – Industry standard; offers a strong balance of mass and flexibility.

- *1/4 inch (6.4 mm)* – Heavy-duty, designed for critical sound isolation needs (Source: Acoustical Surfaces, Inc.).

- Weight correlation:

- Typically, the thicker the MLV, the higher its weight per square foot (psf)—a key sound-blocking metric.

- Example: 1/8 inch MLV generally weighs 1 lb/ft²; 1/4 inch up to 2 lb/ft².

Why Does Thickness Matter?

- Sound Transmission Class (STC):

- Thicker MLV generally achieves higher STC ratings, indicating better sound reduction, especially for airborne noise.

- As thickness and mass increase, more sound energy is absorbed and blocked.

- Space Constraints:

- Installers must balance desired acoustic performance with available space in walls or assemblies.

Typical Applications by Thickness

- 1/16 inch:

- Vehicle cabins, pipes, and small enclosures.

- 1/8 inch:

- Residential walls, floors, ceilings; most commercial and light industrial projects.

- 1/4 inch:

- Home theaters, recording studios, mechanical/equipment rooms, demanding commercial applications.

Key Installation Considerations

- All edges and seams must be tightly sealed to prevent sound leakage.

- Can be layered for increased mass and performance when space allows.

- Always verify fire ratings and chemical compatibility for your environment.

Authoritative Sources

- Acoustical Surfaces, Inc.: (https://acousticalsurfaces.com/)

- Building & Construction Handbook, 11th Ed.

- National Research Council of Canada: (https://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/)

In Summary

- Mass loaded vinyl is most commonly available and effective in 1/16, 1/8, and 1/4 thicknesses.

- The 1/8 (3.2 mm) thickness is the industry benchmark for performance vs. versatility.

- Thickness selection should align with project acoustic goals, available installation space, and weight limits.

For tailored advice or product offerings, contact the ASLONG technical team today.