What Is the Best Mass-Loaded Vinyl for Soundproofing?
Updated
The best mass-loaded vinyl for soundproofing is the heaviest sheet you can handle that comes with a published ASTM E90 lab test. Weight matters more than the brand name: 1 lb/sq ft vinyl rates STC 26 from both Johns Manville (opens in a new tab) and Kinetics (opens in a new tab), and 2 lb rates STC 31 from both.
| Weight | Johns Manville | Kinetics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb/sq ft | STC 26 | STC 26 |
| 1.5 lb/sq ft | STC 29 | Not listed |
| 2 lb/sq ft | STC 31 | STC 31 |
The extra weight helps more with voices than with bass. Johns Manville's 2 lb sheet blocks 32 dB at 1,000 Hz, compared with 27 dB for the 1 lb. Down at 125 Hz, though, both block 16 dB.
For most walls and ceilings, 1 lb is the practical pick. A Kinetics 1 lb roll is 54 in. by 60 ft, so it covers 270 sq ft and weighs about 270 lb. That's a two-person job.
Watch out: Only buy vinyl whose data sheet lists its weight, an E90 STC and an ASTM E84 fire result. Kinetics' plain 1 lb sheet rates Class A (flame spread 15, smoke 300). If a listing shows none of these, you've got nothing to compare it against.
No matter which brand you go with, MLV only blocks once it's sealed into a wall, so read does mass-loaded vinyl work before you buy. MLV soundproofing panels covers where it fits, and the soundproof panels guide and soundproof panels FAQ handle the rest.