Saturday, July 16, 2005

Major Updates to Soundproofing America's website (Effective Mass Loaded vinyl installation instructions)

Soon we will be updating the installation procedures for Mass Loaded vinyl on the website. We still have the best prices in the country, but the installation procedures are changing due to some intense feedback from our contractors and customers in the field. Before you purchase MLV from any company, please call us first even if it is for the most up-to-date information on MLV technology and installation procedures.
We are finding so many conflicting reports from different soundproofing companies and even some of the major acoustical treatment manufacturers as to just how to effectively install mass loaded vinyl. Obviously some of the procedures used do not maximize the effectiveness of the vinyl.
In our joint reasearch, we have discovered that MLV is much more effective when it is installed directly to the stud or joist structure. The reason being, that the vinyl needs an air gap in order to perform to is optimum. With an air gap the MLV is able to move and vibrate as sound passes through the wall or ceiling assembly. Now if you don't want to take down your existing drywall as is recommended, then you have 2 distinct options. One is to add some 1" furring strips to the existing sheetrock. The MLV will be attached to the furring strips (Industrial staples, screws or nails) as opposed to being installed directly to the drywall. The second option is to use the Americlips to float the wall or ceiling, this is by far the best method, but it is a little more costly. The clips will give the vinyl approximately 3" of air gap and the better that gap is sealed (backer square and acoustical caulking) the better the soundproofing will be using MLV.
That being said, we have discovered that for the best soundproofing using MLV is to bite the bullet and remove the existing drywall. Once the old drywall is removed, you are then free to treat the joist or stud cavities with a bonded acoustical cotton or even better yet Roxul AFB or Roxul Safe. Roxul is a dense mineral wool product that is made in Canada. It is used extensively in professional recording studios and high end home theaters. The use of these great soundproofing products is not "Rocket Science" but proper installation instructions must be adhered too carefully.
By removing the existing drywall, you are able to treat the structure assembly (the joists or the studs) we have found that deadening the existing structure is imperative for effective soundproofing of walls and ceiling in todays modern or even vintage homes and structures. Keep in mind that the older the home of industrial space is, the more resonant the wood will be. Old violins sound better than new one for this very reason.
Here is the bottom line, if you need to soundproof using MLV or any of our wonderful soundproofing or sound conditioning products, please call us first and we will make certain you know the proper installation procedures before you buy.
Thanks for reading and learning together, we welcome your comments and questions, remember Soundproofing America, when peace of mind is all that matters.

Dr. Bob
e-mail: dr.bob@soundproofingamerica.com
Call Toll free (877) 530-0139

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