What Is Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)?
A Guide to MLV50 & MLV100 by West Sussex Soundproofing Ltd
When it comes to high-performance soundproofing, few materials are as effective and versatile as Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV). At West Sussex Soundproofing Ltd, we use premium MLV50 and MLV100 sound barriers in our acoustic wall, floor, and ceiling systems across Brighton, Hove, Worthing, and throughout West Sussex.
What Is Mass Loaded Vinyl?
Mass Loaded Vinyl (often abbreviated to MLV) is a flexible, high-density soundproofing membrane designed to block airborne noise. Unlike sound-absorbing materials such as mineral wool, MLV adds mass to walls, floors, or ceilings — preventing sound waves from travelling through them.
Manufacturers typically make it from a combination of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and barium sulphate or calcium carbonate, giving it the heavy, sound-blocking properties needed for professional soundproofing applications.
How MLV Works
Soundproofing is based on two main principles: mass and decoupling.
MLV works by adding significant mass to a structure without taking up much space. The dense vinyl acts as a sound barrier, blocking noise such as:
- Traffic or road noise
- Music and television noise
- Voices and conversations
- Industrial or mechanical sounds
When installed correctly, MLV can reduce airborne noise transmission by up to 25–30dB, depending on the system it’s part of.
MLV50 vs MLV100 — What’s the Difference?
| Product | Thickness | Weight per m² | Performance Level | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLV50 | 2.5mm | 5kg/m² | Medium performance | Ideal for domestic walls, ceilings, and floors where moderate sound reduction is needed |
| MLV100 | 5mm | 10kg/m² | High performance | Used in professional and commercial applications, recording studios, or where maximum airborne noise control is required |
Both MLV50 and MLV100 offer flexibility and durability, and installers can layer them or combine them with other materials—such as acoustic plasterboard, resilient bars, or rock wool—for even better results.
Key Benefits of Mass Loaded Vinyl
✅ High Sound Blocking Performance: Excellent at stopping airborne sound.
✅ Flexible & Thin: Adds density without reducing space.
✅ Easy to Install: Can be cut and shaped to fit any surface.
✅ Non-Toxic & Safe: Environmentally friendly and free from harmful materials.
✅ Durable: Resistant to tearing, cracking, or sagging over time.
✅ Versatile: Installers can use it on walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and even pipe enclosures.
Common Installation Areas
At West Sussex Soundproofing Ltd, we install MLV across a wide range of domestic and commercial projects:
- Party walls and separating floors between flats
- Ceilings in noisy apartments or offices
- Garage conversions and home studios
- Machine rooms and plant enclosures
- Cinema rooms and music rehearsal spaces
When paired with acoustic plasterboard, resilient bars, or Green Glue, MLV provides one of the most effective soundproofing systems available.
MLV Installation in West Sussex
Our expert installers at West Sussex Soundproofing Ltd have years of experience fitting MLV systems across Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Crawley, Chichester, and surrounding Sussex areas. We use MLV50 and MLV100 depending on the level of soundproofing required, ensuring every project achieves optimal noise control and performance.
Whether you’re creating a quiet home office, soundproofing a bedroom, or building a recording studio, we can design and install a tailored MLV solution that meets your needs.
Contact Us
For expert advice or a free quote on MLV soundproofing systems, contact West Sussex Soundproofing Ltd today.
🌐 Visit: www.westsussexsoundproofing.co.uk
📧 Email: info@westsussexsoundproofing.co.uk
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