How to Install Mass Loaded Vinyl

1) Ronald S: Once i have the MLV on the studs, Can I use soundboard then drywall? Question should i use foam spacer strips on the studs to create a gap between the MLV and the drywall Thank you, Ron

2) Monica: Hi, If I apply MLV to walls and ceiling, can I just attach drywall using drywall screws to studs, or is there something else that is needed??

3) Maxine C: Can you fix mlv to plasterboard?

4) Andrew L: Can I install the MLV over existing drywall and then put another layer of sheetrock on top?

5) Anthony M: Can mass load vinyl be place over existing wall

6) mike h: Can you place over existing sheetrock and leave as the inner wall covering? I have a closet I would like to convert to a practice room. I would like to place the vinyl over the wall, using staples or roofing nails.

7) Greg: Does placing MLV over existing drywall then drywalling over the MLV reduce the effectiveness of the MLV? Do more layers of MLV create a more effective sound barrier? do the ceilings need MLV too if its a shared wall like in a condominium?

8) Darren: I thinking of sound proofing my garage. Can I apply MLV to a brick wall?

9) Beau B: Can mlv be used on the floor? i know that insulation needs air in it and is not effective if squished. is mlv the same? im going to have my workbench on top of it.

10) Jason P: can u apply mlv with glue and if so what kind of glues should i use

11) Josh: Hi, Can I hang MLV over existing sheetrock on the ceiling to block noise from upstairs neighbors? If so, is it best pulled taught or left slack? Thanks!

12) John P: Can I use Staples to mount to studs. If so, What size?

13) peter: Can you paint over MLV? If you install to existing ceiling can you pain t the MLV? If so what kind of paint?

14) Josh: Do sound clips and hat channels add significant STCs if added to MLV?

15) Malz: should i be using a 1 lb or 2 lb MLV for a home theatre room on the second floor of the house? I will be using a Quietrock drywall, would that be an overkill? Also should i be using the MLV for the ceiling too?

16) Jose B: Hello, I'm soundproofing a corner in my garage. Should I remove the old sheetrock from the wall and from the ceiling before I install the MLV? Thank very much. Jose

17) Robert: Can I use mlv on the outside of my house over my tyvek wrap in a cold weather city like Chicago? Will it?s effectiveness change as the temperature changes? Or is strictly for indoor use.

18) Graham : Can I apply mass loaded vinyl to a plastered brick wall? If yes, do I need to place plaster board on top of it and then paint?

19) Kevin W: I am building out a control room and plan to use MLV for the first time. I generally install OSB first on the framing and then two layers of 5/8' drywall. Two questions: (1) can I substitute one layer of drywall for MLV and maintain same STC rating? (2) if so is it more effective up against the studs or can i sandwich between the OSB and 1 layer of drywall?

20) Jane: Using MLV on the floor in 2nd floor flat - I will have sound insulation slab fitted between the timber joists, my question is do I use MLV over the joists but under my floor boards or do I put the floor boards back down first and use MLV on top?! :)

21) michael m: If I were to glue mass loaded vinyl to a composite wood board -- plywood, for example -- what adhesive should I use? thanks,

22) alex : Can I hang MLV over windows and doors to soundproof my bedroom? If so, how could i hang it up? Thanks

23) Katie: Is it possible to affix MLV to concrete basement walls? If so, what do you recommend?

24) Erin: I've read on some sites to apply the MLV loosely as applying it too taught will cause a drum-like echo effect? Is this true? Applying it loosely I think would cause gaps in the sound insulation it's supposed to provide so I'm wondering how best to apply it. Thanks!

25) mike: Can I use this under luxury tile.

26) Lauren V: I need to sound proof a shared wall for a secondary dwelling. the exterior has 5/8' T1-11 that I am planning to attach the vinyl to. I would like to know if I can get the same results with two layers of 1/8' as with one layer of 1/4'. Or, would it be better to attach one layer of 1/8' over both sides of the wall.

27) Amy W: we are putting together 4x8 sound panels for large party room to install over garage doors. The plan was a frame of 2x4s, luan on the side facing the door, MLV on the luan, 4' wedge foam secured with chicken wire and black fabric to finish it off. Are we way off or what? Goal is to soundproof the doors as much as possible.

28) Matt H.: Our exposed joist basement ceiling transmits a lot of noise. We want to attach MLV to the subfloor between the joists and then attach a fascade subfloor to the MLV to retain the appearance of the open ceiling. Would this be an effective solution and how would you recommend attaching the MLV and fascade?

29) Ali K.: I have a small day spa and was thinking about laying MLV on top of the commercial acoustic ceiling tiles because we seem to get a lot of noise transfer into other rooms through the ceiling. Would laying it on top of the ceilings above the room space work, or would it be better to attach it directly on to the ceiling tiles visible on the inside of the room?

30) Jay S: I am thinking of installing MLV under tile with and electrical heating element. How stable is the vinyl if near a heat source like those commonly used under tile? Does this product have an odor when it gets hot (say 100 degrees)?

31) Jo: We have applied the soundproofing vinyl to the ceiling frame, in layers so the does overlap one another. The tape isn't grabbing properly so no ends have been sealed. Will this weaken the effectiveness? If so, are there alternative products we should try? Thanks.

32) Alex S: Above my acoustical ceiling tiles in the basement between the joists I put Insulation because we could hear noise from below. I can still hear some music, Should I staple the MLV to the joists, sealing in the insulation from below or would it be the same if I put them right on top of the ceiling tiles?

33) Ian: Assuming I want to use resilient clips and hat channels (after going through the steps listed above): Is the best approach to attach the clips to studs directly on top of MLV? In other words, decouple the wall as you normally would, but with a layer of MLV in between? Is this the best order of operations, or is there more effective/efficient approach?

34) Nicole M: Can I install MLV on the floor under my carpet? I understand that nothing can be glued to to MLV, so I am wondering if carpet staples would be enough to hold both the carpet and the MLV. Also, I live in a very noisy condo. Would I be better off using 1 lb or 2 lbs MLV?

35) Eric L: Can I install MLV over joists in the attic space above a bedroom (and over the top of insulation)? Would the attic heat be a problem? Does the MLV act like a vapor barrier (which you wouldn't want in the attic)? I was hoping to seal a room without having to remove the ceiling drywall if possible.

36) Claudio G: Hi there. Thanks for these useful answers. I am planning to install to layers of MLV on top of my hardwood floor, above which I would then place a layer of underlay and carpet. How can ensure that everything stays in place if the MLV can’t be glued to the floor? Thanks.

37) Samantha Bra: Can I apply MLV directly to existing painted wall and then cover in wallpaper?

38) Bill Z: I am building a band practice space in a 20’ft x 14’ft shed. There is vinyl siding, 1/2” OSB, I am using sound insulation between the studs, then was planning on using 1# MLV, isolation clips on the studs, and 5/8” board. Do you think this is enough to keep the sound down enough to prevent my neighbors from hearing me?

39) Tom N: Is MLV effective if its hung directly on an existing wall? I don't plan to put anything else on top of the MLV.

40) Gloria S: I plan on installing MLV on existing drywall then covering the MLV with decorative wood paneling covering the entire wall. Will this be effective? Can the paneling be nailed into the MLV?

41) Mike: We have 2 toddlers on a second story that are driving the first floor tenants crazy. We'd like the most effective route to sound proof the first floor. Here's what we are considering after removing ceilings on the first floor from this 90 yo house: 1. r-19 insulation in rafters 2. Sound Clips through out 3. MLV -- 1 lb 4. 5/8' Dry wall 5. Green Glue 6. 5/8' Dry Wall … What are we missing? Anything else more effective than this?

42) Anthony: As a soundproofing process for my ceiling, could I remove my ceiling drywall, place the MLV above the ceiling drywall, replace the ceiling drywall, put another layer of MLV over the replaced ceiling, and then adding more ceiling dry wall over the second MLV layer?

43) Randy T: I purchased 3 rolls of mlv from you and I am soundproofing an interior wall that has an hvac duct that runs to the level above. My question is can I install mlv to the studs on both sides of the wall or could it possibly cause mold or mildew issues? I would like to cut down noise in both rooms from the duct.

44) mark m: do you have a mass loaded vinyl with an adhesive backing?

45) Bryan: I'm planning on adding a layer of mlv to the ceiling of our guest room to reduce footstep noise from above. Assuming the most I can do is add 1 layer of mlv, how much of a difference would any of the following make? (assuming each method leaves no gaps): 1) 1 pound or 2 pound mlv 2) stapling mlv directly to ceiling 3) stapling mlv to ceiling but with thin foam at each staple site, adding a slight (maybe 1/8') air gap between the ceiling and the mlv 4) suspending mlv 1-2' below ceiling attached by string to ceiling hooks Follow up, are heavy duty staples strong enough to hold the mlv to the ceiling for an indefinite period of time?

46) Michel B: I would like to install MLV underneath a hardwood tong and groove floor. We were thinking about glueing the hardwood onto to the MLV to prevent separation, but see no that you do not recommend this. how would do you suggestion installation to prevent separation of the wood? Thanks so much

47) John: My home has plywood on exterior, planning to remove and add stucco to reduce the road noise. Can I add MLV on exterior wall. Existing insulation + MLV + Stucco on outside of the wall ? CAn MLV be added only inside the wall? Thanks

48) Mike: I am building my theater room and i plan on doing a suspended ceiling as well as 2 layers of 5/8 drywall and 1/8 MLV so there is no noise transfer. With the gap with the suspended ceiling and the drywall and MLV sandwiched between the 2 layers and i will use green Glue, is there anything else i could do to reduce noise transfer as the system is really loud.

49) James B: If Mass Loaded Vinyl is hung up as a wall (uncovered) how long does it take for the potential off gassing odor to go away? I hung some up a few weeks ago and used a primer to seal it but it’s still smelling pretty bad.

50) Dietrich: We live in a townhouse that has two townhouses (side by side) on top of it. The neighbours over the kitchen and living room area are keeping their carpet and we can hardly ever hear them, even in their tiled kitchen. Whereas the neighbours over the bedrooms replaced the carpet with hardwood/laminate flooring and I have a feeling that they didn't install the 73STC rated underlay as outlined by the bylaws. The result is we can hear them walking around a lot. Especially at night. I'm contemplating off adding either 5/8' drywall with Green Glue or 5/8' drywall on top of a layer of 1lb MLV to our existing ceiling to reduce the noise. Is there any reason why adding green glue compound to the 5/8' drywall would not work or shouldn't be used? We could use channels in the bedrooms (9' ceiling) but the bathrooms and hallway are only 8', so channels would cause us to lose a lot of height and a number of items (sprinkler heads, fans and lights) would have to be lowered a lot. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

51) Ryan: I have a contractor that gave me a quote and his method was to remove existing drywall, put puddy behind the outlets, then install MLV, and lastly two sheets of drywall with green glue. This would then require me to add extensions to my windows, remove vapour barrier to get access behind outlets, tie up my bedroom, etc. Could I not just install MLV behind my vinyl siding and that would also block noise transmission through my outlets? Lastly, how effective is Mass loaded vinyl with train noise (low roaring sounds)? Thanks

52) Silvia: I just moved into a house with roommates and very thin walls. I'm not looking to completely soundproof, but would like to reduce noise from outside my room and to keep some noise from escaping the room as well. Would MLV be effective in patches nailed to the the wall to reduce noise? For example, behind picture frames/decorations, or furniture? Should I use in conjuction with a sound absorbent layer like cork or foam as well?

53) Thomas A Cr: Can you use Green glue and MLV in between two layers of drywall? I intend to install MLV over existing drywall then apply Green Glue to the back of Quite Rock sheets to sound proof. Essentially creating a sandwich effect.

54) Bill: Since MLV acts as a vapor barrier, wouldn't MLV on the inside of an exterior wall (meaning: drywall, then MLV, then studs w/insulation, then Tyvek, then siding) cause condensation to form between the MLV and the insulation if it is humid outside and the air conditioning is on inside? In other words, since Tyvek is permeable, the humid air would eventually make its way to the MLV, and if the MLV is cold from the a/c, then water buildup would eventually cause mold?

55) Keith: I think you are going to say it doesn't matter which way....However, I am considering lining an existing brick wall with two layers of 1lb MLV a bubble insulation, rigid foam insulation battens and then decorative wooden panels. Obviously the panels would be the last thing to fix, but what order is best for the others? MLV by the wall or by the panels? And thank you for all your other answers, really helpful.

56) Eric Walker: I have a music room for band rehearsal, and I want to block sound from escaping to the rest of our house and the neighbors (semi-detached house). Can I put MLV on the existing drywall (walls and ceiling) and just leave it at that? If so, how would I hang it? Thanks very much.

57) Rob Houser: I have a wooden stairway that causes a lot of loud sounds as it is open below to the basement stairway. Would stapling MLV directly to the bottom of the stairs (the bottom of the wood treads and risers) have any effect on deadening or lessening the impact sounds from foot traffic on the stairs?

58) Jeremy: I am trying to soundproof a wood lattice fence in my backyard against car noise from the alley behind. I am planning to use 1lb MLV on the fence, and then a layer of plywood over the MLV (so: wood lattice fence, MLV, plywood). How necessary is the additional plywood layer over the MLV?

59) Dave: Hi, I have an existing finished wall that is lathe and plaster, and also has two windows. 1. Can mlv be attached to a plaster wall? 2. Is there any special screws or fasteners needed so it doesn't cause cracks / tears in plaster? 3. Are there any special concerns / issues when applying mlv to a wall with windows? Thanks so much!

60) Eliza: I'm looking to soundproof a practice room for violin playing, so mainly mid-high frequency airbourn noise. Can I attache mlv directly to the wall and then cover with some fabric curtains, or do I need to cover it with plasterboard to have any effect?

61) alex: can mass load vinyl be put on right before siding is put on a house?

62) Diego: Can seld adhesive mlv be applied directly on top of an aluminum roof to reduce rain noise?

63) Diego: I see 1lb, 2lb, and half lb options. I don't know which one i need.

64) Arthur Allen: I am working on an 34ft. A Class Motorhome. Basically a bread box on wheels. The floor is 1 1/4 steel tube frame supporting a thin layer of aluminum with a 3/4' plywood on top of that. The box is I will call it is isolated from the frame on rubber mounts. However Engine noise is similar to a leaf blower in lower gears, plus hearing wheels hitting pot holes and road noise. Considering 2lb mlv on top. Then carpet padding and carpet. Wondering the stc rating of plywood with mlv on top. I can also go underneath and cut plywood and sandwich mlv underneath with rubberized coating on plywood to protect from water. Your thoughts and advice. Also is green glue effective between 2 layers of wood?

65) Brian: what glue do you recommend to attach MLV to existing drywall?