Premium Mass Loaded Vinyl Soundproofing Mat | 5kg/m² | 1.25m x 3m
Mass Loaded Vinyl is a mineral-loaded, high-density membrane that blocks airborne sound transmission by adding mass to a structure. Unlike acoustic foam, which absorbs sound within a space, MLV works as a decoupling barrier — its mass and flexibility interrupt the path sound takes through walls, floors, and ceilings, reducing what passes through to the other side.
This 5kg/m² MLV is manufactured in the UK from recycled mineral materials, delivering the same density and acoustic performance as virgin alternatives with a lower environmental footprint. At 2.6mm nominal thickness it is one of the thinnest effective soundproofing barriers available, making it suitable for applications where space is limited and a thicker construction build-up is not practical.
Each roll covers 3.75m², weighing 19kg — equivalent in mass per unit area to lead of the same thickness, which is the standard by which MLV acoustic performance is measured. A single layer used as a free-hanging curtain provides 24dB of airborne sound insulation. Two layers provide 29dB, three layers 32dB. As a rule, each 3dB improvement represents approximately 50% reduction in perceived noise level.
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Applications
- Stud walls and timber partitions — for maximum performance in a lightweight stud wall, sandwich one layer of MLV between two sheets of acoustic plasterboard. The MLV layer increases the surface mass of the wall assembly, requiring significantly more energy to set the structure into vibration and transmit sound through it. Alternatively, hang the MLV as a free curtain behind the plasterboard layer for a simplified installation where full decoupling is not required.
- Timber floors — secure all existing floorboards to eliminate movement and squeaking before installation. Apply Green Glue Noiseproofing Joist Tape to the joists, seal the perimeter and all joints with acoustic sealant, then bond the MLV to the timber floor using High Strength Contact Adhesive. This combination addresses both airborne noise transmitting through the floor from below and impact noise generated above.
- Ceilings — the MLV can be installed as a barrier layer within a ceiling build-up, positioned between the existing ceiling substrate and a new plasterboard finish layer. For suspended ceiling applications, use as a free-hanging barrier above the ceiling tiles to reduce flanking paths.
- Walls and ceilings — free-hanging — in plant rooms, server rooms, and commercial spaces where a permanent installation is not required, MLV can be hung freely from fixings to create a sound barrier without structural modification.
Product Benefits
- 5kg/m² density — equivalent acoustic mass to lead. MLV performance is determined by mass per unit area. At 5kg/m², this membrane delivers the acoustic barrier performance of lead sheet of equivalent mass, without the associated toxicity or handling constraints.
- 2.6mm nominal thickness. At under 3mm, this is one of the thinnest practical soundproofing barriers available. Where a 10mm or 15mm floor build-up is not achievable, MLV provides meaningful sound reduction without significantly reducing ceiling height or altering floor levels.
- UK manufactured from recycled materials. Produced in the UK using recycled mineral content, meeting FMVSS 302 flammability requirements. Dimensional stability of 2% at 100°C over four hours ensures the material maintains its form and acoustic properties in warm or variable temperature environments.
- Stackable performance. A single layer delivers 24dB. Each additional layer adds measurable performance — two layers reach 29dB, three layers 32dB — allowing the installation to be specified and scaled to meet the noise reduction target without overbuilding.
- Flexible and cuttable on site. The MLV can be cut with a sharp knife or scissors and shaped to fit around obstacles, penetrations, and irregular surfaces. No specialist tools required.
Installation
For bonded installations, prime all surfaces with High Strength Contact Adhesive before applying the MLV. Butt joins between sheets tightly and tape with acoustic sealant or MLV joining tape to maintain barrier continuity — any gaps in the membrane significantly reduce overall performance. For floor installations, ensure all floorboards are secure before laying the MLV layer.
Please note: Colour and finish may vary from the pictures however this will not affect performance of the product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MLV the right product for a party wall between two houses?
It depends on the wall construction. MLV adds mass to a structure, which improves resistance to airborne sound transmission. It delivers its best results in lightweight stud walls and timber floor assemblies where mass is the primary deficiency. For a solid masonry party wall, the wall already has significant mass — in that case, acoustic plasterboard on resilient bars or clips is typically the more effective intervention. If you are unsure which applies to your situation, contact us before ordering.
I can still hear loud bass through my treated wall — is MLV the wrong product?
Not necessarily the wrong product, but bass frequencies require mass and decoupling to block effectively. If MLV has been bonded between plasterboard without resilient bars or acoustic clips, flanking paths and structural transmission may be carrying low-frequency energy around the treatment. For persistent bass problems, MLV works best as part of a fully decoupled stud wall system using MuteClips or resilient bars alongside the barrier layer.
What is the difference between this and the 10kg mat?
The 5kg mat provides 24dB of airborne sound insulation as a single free-hanging layer. The 10kg mat provides 29dB — a meaningful improvement particularly at low frequencies, where the 10kg measures 20dB at 100Hz versus 10dB for the 5kg. For standard residential soundproofing against typical household noise, the 5kg is the appropriate and more cost-effective specification. For loud noise sources — amplified music, live rehearsal, heavy machinery — or where a previous 5kg installation has proved insufficient, the 10kg is the correct upgrade.
Is it the same product as Green Glue, and should I use both?
They are different products with different functions. MLV is a mass-loaded barrier — it blocks sound by adding weight to the wall assembly. Green Glue is a viscoelastic damping compound — it converts sound energy into heat when sandwiched between two rigid boards. They address different aspects of sound transmission and are often used together in a high-performance assembly: MLV adds mass, Green Glue adds damping between plasterboard layers.
Why is delivery charged on this product?
Due to the weight of this product, orders are shipped via a specialist freight company rather than standard parcel delivery. Delivery is still on a next-day service. For larger quantities, orders may be dispatched on a pallet. If you would prefer to collect, this option is available at the payment stage — our facility is located in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
The Technical Details
| Product Name | 5kg Soundproofing Mat - Mass Loaded Vinyl |
| Product Size | 1250mm x 3000mm (Nominal) |
| Product Thickness | 2.6mm (Nominal) |
| Area Covered Per Roll | 3.75sqm |
| Product Weight | 19kg |
| Flammability | FMVSS 302 |
| Colour | Black |
| Hardness | 76 (Durometer Shore A, 1 sec dwell) |
| Tensile Strength | 0.9mpA (JISK6251) |
| Elongation at Break | >100% (JISK6251) |
| Dimensional Stability | 2% (4hr @ 100oC) |
| Surface Tension | >44 dynes/cm |
| Acoustic Properties (Airborne Sound Insulation) - to ISO R140 Free Hanging Curtain |
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| 100Hz | 10 R dB |
| 200Hz | 15 R dB |
| 500Hz | 20 R dB |
| 1000Hz | 28 R dB |
| 2000Hz | 33 R dB |
| 4000Hz | 38 R dB |