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How to Install Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) On Walls (Existing & New)

How Install Mass Loaded Vinyl Wall

Living in a noisy neighborhood can be a nightmare especially when you finally get home and seek to rest. It becomes necessary to keep the noise out so you can have your peace whenever you want to. It’s also important to soundproof your walls if you make so much noise yourself and don’t want to disturb the neighbors. And so in this article, we would show you how to hang mass loaded vinyl on walls.

In a hurry? Noise Grabber MLV is the best mass loaded vinyl for soundproofing walls. Their high STC makes it very efficient in the absorption of noise through the air, and vibrations traveling through existing walls. 

Mass Loaded Vinyl Installation

There are different methods of mass loaded vinyl installation on walls, and it all depends on where you plan to hang it.

Do you want to take down your already existing wall for the installation? Or do you want to install it on already existing walls? In either case, the process is similar but there are some differences.

Required Tools for Mass Loaded Vinyl Installation

And it’s also good to have a helper. Will make the installation a lot easier.

How to Install Mass Loaded Vinyl on Existing Walls

 

1. Locate The Stud

It’s a bit more complicated if you want to maintain your wall but seek to use a vinyl soundproof barrier.

This is because the studs are already behind the drywall and are not readily accessible to you. Since it’s always better to install your sound deadening vinyl on studs, you would need to use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the wall.

2. Measure and Cut

Measure the wall from ceiling to floor and cut out the mass loaded vinyl sheeting according to the required size.

Regular scissors won’t be enough because of the thickness and density of mass loaded vinyl sheeting, so you should use a utility knife or heavy-duty scissors.

3. How to Hang Mass Loaded Vinyl

With the assistance of your helper, position the first piece of cut sound deadening vinyl on the wall.

Ensure that it is straight and drapes down even before you begin to fasten it on the wall. Begin fastening at the top and go horizontally first.

Fasten with nails, screws, or staples and use as much as you need to prevent the sound barrier from falling off. We recommend you secure the membrane after every 12”.

Continue installing the different pieces of mass loaded vinyl sheeting you have cut until your wall is completely covered with a noise stop vinyl barrier.

When you are done fastening at the top, go down the sides. We recommend that you fasten the sound deadening vinyl after every 36” at the studs.

Hang MLV as close as possible to the previous piece but avoid overlapping them. Use a seam seal tape to seal up the seams between panels. 

4. Finishing Touches

During the application process, you would have undoubtedly covered your switches and sockets with cut pieces of MLV. Cut these parts open to expose them after installation is complete.

Use acoustical sealant in caulking the perimeter as proper sealing is essential for the best results. Apply another layer of drywall and customize it as desired.

MLV Installation Under Dry Walls

1. Measurement and Cutting

Measure the wall from ceiling to floor and leave a little gap of about ½” around the perimeter.

Mark out the measurement on your mass loaded vinyl roll and cut with heavy-duty scissors or utility knife. A straight edge or T square would help you get a straight line cut.

2. Fasten The Sound Barrier Seams

At this point, you would strip the cut out MLV at a corner of the wall with the assistance of another person.

Check that the mass loaded vinyl sheeting is straight to ensure even draping over the wall. Begin fastening the vinyl soundproof barrier, horizontally at the top first before you begin working your way down and in the middle.

Continue installing until your walls are all covered. If the MLV seams terminate on a stud, butt the MLV seam pieces together, caulk it and then tape it with duct tape.

If the MLV terminates between studs, overlap the MLV by about 2” and then tape it.

3. Finishing Touches

While installing the cut pieces of mass loaded vinyl sheeting, ensure that you expose electrical outlets and other openings.

Cut around the openings when you are done, or expose the outlets as you are installing if you fear you may forget them.

Once you have finished installing MLV for soundproofing walls, use an acoustical sealant to caulk the perimeter.

This way you are sure that the wall has been completely sealed and you can expect only the best performance.

Tips for Better MLV Performance

Before you install the mass loaded vinyl, allow it to sit for at least 24 hours. Don’t leave it in the sun for too long so as not to compromise its integrity.

Allow the drywall to sit for a while before you install the mass loaded vinyl to prevent the material from tearing due to the weight of the MLV panel. Read also: outdoor mass loaded vinyl and alternatives to mass loaded vinyl

MLV Existing walls

Final Thoughts About Mass Loaded Vinyl On Existing Walls

Soundproofing your existing or new walls at home can go a long way to giving you quietness. You can’t always choose those who stay around you or influence their habits, but you can ensure you get a peaceful sleep or take a nap in the afternoons with no noise.

If you are noisy yourself and want to do it without being careful, hanging vinyl on your walls will keep the noise in.

We recommend the highly rated Noise Grabber MLV.

So you can freely host that party, or play your favorite song as loud as you want.

Have any more questions about how to install mass loaded vinyl on existing walls? Let us know in the comments.