Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV): The Complete Guide by Yamamah Smart Saudi Arabia

Professional Soundproofing Solutions for Walls, Ceilings, and Floors

Noise control has become a critical requirement in modern buildings, whether in offices, commercial facilities, residential projects, or industrial environments. One of the most effective materials used today for blocking sound transmission is Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV).

At Yamamah Smart Saudi Arabia, we supply and install high-performance YAMSIS MLV Mass Loaded Vinyl Noise Barrier, engineered to deliver reliable sound insulation while maintaining a slim and flexible profile suitable for a wide range of applications across Riyadh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

What Is Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)?

Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is a high-density, flexible acoustic barrier designed to block sound transmission through walls, ceilings, and floors. Unlike absorptive materials, MLV works by adding mass to building assemblies, making it harder for sound waves—especially low frequencies—to pass through.

The YAMSIS MLV supplied by Yamamah Smart is manufactured from PVC-based material combined with mineral fillers to achieve high density and superior acoustic performance

MLV data sheet-

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Why Use Mass Loaded Vinyl for Soundproofing?

MLV is widely used because it offers a unique combination of performance and practicality:

• Excellent sound transmission blocking
• Very thin profile compared to traditional soundproofing systems
• Flexible and easy to install
• Suitable for retrofit and new construction projects

From an engineering perspective, sound respects mass. The dense yet flexible nature of MLV makes it extremely effective at reducing airborne noise without introducing resonance issues.

YAMSIS MLV – Technical Specifications

The YAMSIS MLV Mass Loaded Vinyl Noise Barrier by Yamamah Smart is designed to meet demanding acoustic and environmental requirements:

• Material: PVC-based Mass Loaded Vinyl
• Roll Size: 1 m × 5 m
• Thickness: 3 mm
• Weight: 4.8 kg/m²
• Density: ~1800 kg/m³
• Sound Insulation (STC / Rw): Up to 33 dB
• Fire Rating: Class B (B-s1, d0)
• Water Resistance: Yes
• Fire Resistance: Yes
• Anti-Microbial: Yes
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +80°C

These properties make YAMSIS MLV suitable for both commercial and residential soundproofing projects in Saudi Arabia

MLV data sheet-

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Does Mass Loaded Vinyl Absorb or Block Sound?

MLV is primarily a sound-blocking material, not a sound absorber.

• It blocks airborne sound transmission by adding mass
• It is especially effective against low-frequency noise
• It does not replace acoustic panels or insulation but complements them

Professional insight:

The most effective soundproofing systems combine MLV (blocking) with acoustic insulation or panels (absorption) for optimal performance.

Common Applications of Mass Loaded Vinyl

YAMSIS MLV can be used in a wide range of soundproofing applications:

• Office partitions and meeting rooms
• Commercial buildings and business centers
• Residential walls, ceilings, and floors
• Mechanical rooms and equipment enclosures
• HVAC ducts and service shafts
• Floors requiring airborne noise reduction

Its slim thickness allows it to be installed without sacrificing valuable space.

How to Install Mass Loaded Vinyl

Proper installation is critical to achieving maximum soundproofing performance.

Wall Applications

• MLV can be cut into manageable 1 × 1 m sections
• Installed directly on walls using screws, nails, or synthetic rubber adhesives
• Joints must be tightly sealed to prevent sound leakage

Ceiling Applications

• Recommended for concrete ceilings only
• Not advised for lightweight suspended ceiling systems due to material weight
• Full surface coverage increases mass and sound blocking performance

Floor Applications

• Supplied in roll form for easy floor coverage
• Flexible enough to fold around steps and level changes
• Can be covered with carpet, wooden flooring, gypsum, or cement finishes

YAMSIS MLV is designed for easy and safe fixing, making it suitable for professional installation in active project environments

MLV data sheet-

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Advantages of YAMSIS MLV by Yamamah Smart

• Blocks high, medium, and low frequencies
• Minimal thickness with maximum acoustic impact
• Fire-resistant, water-resistant, and anti-microbial
• Long service life in Saudi climate conditions
• Compatible with most finishing materials

Mass Loaded Vinyl vs Other Soundproofing Methods

• MLV vs Acoustic Panels: Panels absorb sound; MLV blocks sound
• MLV vs Insulation: Insulation reduces echo; MLV prevents sound transmission
• MLV vs Extra Drywall Layers: MLV provides higher performance with less thickness

For best results, Yamamah Smart recommends using MLV as part of a complete acoustic system, not as a standalone solution.

Conclusion

Mass Loaded Vinyl is one of the most efficient and versatile materials available for soundproofing modern buildings. When correctly specified and installed, it significantly reduces noise transmission while preserving space and architectural flexibility.

Yamamah Smart Saudi Arabia provides complete MLV soundproofing solutions, from material supply to professional installation, tailored to offices, commercial buildings, and residential projects across Riyadh and the Kingdom.

Contact Yamamah Smart – Acoustic & Insulation Experts in Saudi Arabia

📍 Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +966 506 600 672

📧 Email: Ahmad@yamamahsis.com

🌐 Website: https://www.yamamahsis.com