EVA based vinyl lasts much linger than it’s PVC counterpart, and also provides better STC rating results in lab tests. Since it does not off-gas, it does not cause unwanted odors or cause the material to break down as quickly. Higher quality mass loaded vinyl is EVA based, which is naturally flexible and does not require the use of plasticizers. Plasticizers can cause harsh off-gassing, and as off-gassing causes the plasticizers break down over time, the MLV becomes very brittle and will start to crumble. PVC based mass loaded vinyl is made using plasticizers, which make the normally rigid vinyl flexible. There are two different types of mass loaded vinyl – PVC based MLV and EVA based MLV. Each one will have it’s own unique, stand-alone STC rating, and will impact the soundproof ability of a wall assembly differently. Factories have special extrusion machines so they cam adjust the thickness at which the material is extruded.Īlthough each thickness and weight of MLV is the same density, they do not have the same STC rating. Light mass loaded vinyl will have the same density as a heavier mass loaded vinyl. Does Heavier Weight MLV Have a Higher Density? However, no matter how thick or thin the material is extruded, density will remain the same. The factory will determine the thickness they’d like the vinyl to be, which also determines how heavy the mass loaded vinyl will be. The extrusion machine is the last step MLV goes through during production. Meanwhile, 2 pound MLV is typically required for soundproofing mechanical rooms, since it’s better at blocking low-frequency, vibrational noise. Half pound mass loaded vinyl is typically reserved for use in metal stud wall assemblies, while 1 pound MLV is ideal in wood stud wall assemblies, or metal stud wall assemblies requiring STC 55+. 1/16″ thick, 1/2 lb/sf mass loaded vinyl.Some other options for MLV weight and thickness include: All mass loaded vinyl is the same density, but it is extruded at different thicknesses – the most common thickness and weight is 1/8″ thick, 1 lb/sf. Mass loaded vinyl comes in a variety of weights and thicknesses, however, the density of the material remains the same no matter the thickness or weight per square foot. Mass Loaded Vinyl Thickness, Density & Weight In this way, mass loaded vinyl is actually a much more cost-effective and labor-effective option for wall soundproofing than multiple layers of drywall. Multiple layers of drywall can also be used to increase the mass of a wall, however, in order to achieve the same results as one layer of MLV you would need 2-3 additional layers of drywall. As the name states, mass loaded vinyl is used to add mass to walls and improve the amount of sound they can block, which is measured by the wall’s STC rating. If you’ve ever worked with mass loaded vinyl in a wall soundproofing project, you’ve probably noticed that it’s a pretty heavy material.
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