Installing Mass loaded vinyl on a ceiling

In recent months we have discovered that many of our customers are having difficulty installing MLV or MLV with the foam decoupler to their ceilings. As a general rule, regular MLV is supposed to be stapled or nailed directly to the open joists. This allows the vinyl to resonate with the sound. However, this is easier said than done as many will attest to.
After talking with one of our major MLV suppliers we have found that by spot gluing the 4 1/2' wide MLV directly to the drywall prior to installing it onto a ceiling makes for a much easier installation. If you are using the 4' wide MLV there is no extra vinyl to overlap so the edges of the drywall must be buttered with the acoustical caulk. The more articulate (anal) you are about sealing the drywall, the better your results will be. If you are installing MLV directly over existing drywall, then you must use the MLV with the de coupler foam adhered to it. There must be a small air space where the MLV can resonate. The foam de coupler also helps to isolate the new drywall from the existing drywall and also from the joist assembly itself. This works to combat a good amount of impact noise from above. If you are putting up drywall with the foam backed MLV adhered to the back of the drywall, it is imperative that you leave at least a 1/8" gap between the new drywall ceiling and the existing walls. This gap will be caulked in with the acoustical caulk and then you will tape mud and paint the new ceiling as you would a regular drywall ceiling.
If you have a drywall lift, this job won't be nearly as labor intensive. You do want to have the MLV overlapped wherever possible. If the MLV seams land directly on the joist, the overlaps will not be possible as the drywall will not sit flush on the joists.
For more indepth information on this application or for any soundproofing issues you may have, please contact the professionals at www.soundproofingamerica.com .

As Always,

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

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