| There is more than one method for installing | | | | problems with the drywall sitting level on |
| mass loaded vinyl to obtain maximum effect. | | | | the studs. If your studs are 16" on center, |
| The standard of the industry is to install | | | | then every other stud will have 1/8" of |
| the MLV directly to the stud or joist framing | | | | increased width compared to the studs that |
| using an industrial stapler or heavy-duty | | | | don't have the MLV weaved a top of them. To |
| roofing nails that have the large plastic | | | | keep the drywall even on both sides, a sound |
| heads. This method is known as the membrane | | | | isolation tape can be adhered to every other |
| or septum method. The MLV works well when | | | | stud that that is not covered with the weaved |
| placed on a wall or ceiling in a membrane | | | | MLV this will make all of the stud surfaces |
| fashion, however it can also be sandwiched | | | | flat and even and the drywall will rest |
| between 2 layers of drywall or other type of | | | | evenly on the studs. |
| wallboard. The jury is still out on what | | | | |
| thicknesses of drywall is best. For better | | | | From the feedback of our contractors in the |
| frequency diffusion, it is best to use a | | | | field, we have discovered that the more a |
| layer of 5/8" drywall then the MLV as a | | | | wood structure is dampened, the better the |
| septum (a sandwich) and then add a layer of | | | | soundproofing will be in a wall or ceiling |
| ½" drywall or Homasote. The dissimilar | | | | assembly. This is especially true for impact |
| materials do help in the soundproofing effort | | | | noise from above. There are many ways to |
| especially when we are looking to get every | | | | dampen a wood frame assembly and some are |
| STC point we can get with as little effort as | | | | more effective than others. Some contractors |
| possible. | | | | have used blown in cellulose in order to |
| | | | dampen the joist or stud structures, but |
| There is not a lot of information on the Web | | | | cellulose has no mass and though it will help |
| in regards to alternate methods of mass | | | | to a degree, it is much less effective than |
| loaded vinyl installation, hopefully we will | | | | using blown in closed cell foam, or my |
| be able to explore this here. | | | | favorite (which requires some ceiling demo) |
| | | | is to line the cavity areas between studs and |
| If you are constructing walls using the | | | | joists with a closed cell vinyl nitrile foam |
| staggered stud method, it would be beneficial | | | | mat (America Mat is a great choice) for |
| to actually weave the vinyl in an out of the | | | | maximum dampening. The foam mat would be |
| staggered stud assembly itself. The above | | | | glued to the studs and the wallboard in the |
| picture gives you a rough idea of how this | | | | stud cavities (provided you have drywall on |
| would look. The key to weaving MLV (or any | | | | one side of the wall only). This insures that |
| barrier material) is to seal the vinyl as | | | | the wooden structure is completely dampened |
| best as possible. In the case of a horizontal | | | | and if sealed properly will offer extra |
| weave (most common weave) it is best to | | | | soundproofing as a result of sealing those |
| overlap the seams by at least 1" and seal | | | | cavities. Sealed dead air space is God's |
| that overlap with acoustical caulking as well | | | | natural soundproofing method, as I like to |
| as a quality seam tape. The weaving of MLV | | | | call it. I am sure you have read many of the |
| also aids in the defusing of sound waves. | | | | analogies regarding sealed dead air. If you |
| This works much like the dissimilar materials | | | | were able to seal the dead air space and |
| except "turbo charges it". | | | | actually create a vacuum in that space, you'd |
| | | | be amazed at the amount of sound transmission |
| You can also use the weave on a standard stud | | | | that would be blocked. |
| wall provided there is no drywall installed | | | | |
| on either side of the studs. (just open | | | | I hope this little narrative helps you |
| studs) This weaving method can be foiled by | | | | especially if you are doing new construction |
| stud cross members, so it is best to have | | | | for a home theater, or music sound studio in |
| only vertically installed studs if you are | | | | your home. Thanks for reading and learning |
| planning to do the weave. If you weave the | | | | together. This is Dr. Bob…..Out!!!!!! |
| MLV on a normally studded wall, there may be | | | | |