If you are planning to start a new DIY soundproofing project but have no idea where to start, this article is just the one for you!. When attempts like moving around your furniture and trying to make your room airtight fail, MLVs or Mass Loaded Vinyls like TotalMass and Arrowzoom are your most ideal rescue. How will you know which one will serve your purpose better and which one will get the job done? You can have a closer look at what MLVs are and both of these MLVs and decide for yourself.
Table of Contents
TotalMass vs. Arrowzoom – Which is a Better MLV?
Well, in short, Arrowzoom is a better option for a DIY Soundproofing project than TotalMass. If we consider the cost factor, Arrowzoom is way more affordable than TotalMass, so you can soundproof whichever surface you want without burning a hole into your pocket. Arrowzoom can be used in both home surfaces and automobiles without compromising its soundproofing capability. However, we cannot say the same about TotalMass because it is not advisable to use them on automobiles. So if you are planning to soundproof your car, you will have to stick to Arrowzoom. Arrowzoom also has greater tensile strength than TotalMass and can be handled by pros and amateurs alike.
MLV Explained – What Is It?
Have you ever wondered what exactly is used to muffle or soundproof your surroundings whenever you come across a soundproofed setting? If you have, then here is your answer. A material called Mass Loaded Vinyl or an MLV is used for soundproofing since this material acts as a barrier to any sound produced. A Mass Loaded Vinyl is also referred to as a Limp Mass Barrier primarily because of the flexible nature of this material. As the name itself suggests, an MLV is made up of vinyl. Another material that makes it up is a constituent that is of high mass and density and is also flexible. Elements like Barium sulfate can effectively fulfill such requirements. Calcium carbonate has an equal amount of effectiveness.
Why Should You Use MLVs? – Effects of Using MLVs
MLVs act as a barrier to the sounds produced and can absorb any sound. Hence, it looks after all the factors needed to reduce noise.
Advantages
- MLVs are highly flexible. So be it doors, windows, floors, ceilings, or any surface whatsoever, MLVs are always a viable option. Especially if you’re on a DIY project of soundproofing your surroundings, MLVs might be the right option for you.
- MLVs score high on the STC (Sound Transmission Class) scale. Given its thin build, it has a score range starting from 25 which is quite commendable. What’s even better is that you can increase the soundproofing level of your setting by just adding on more layers or MLV.
- No more thick walls and layers for soundproofing. MLVs have a thin build despite being a soundproofing material that makes soundproofing many times more manageable.
Disadvantages
- One of the significant disadvantages of opting for MLVs is that they can be pricey. So for those who want to soundproof their surroundings without spending much, MLV might not be an ideal choice.
- Installation of MLVs might become challenging at times without proper instructions. This is mainly due to its highly dense yet flexible nature.
TotalMass or Arrowzoom – Who’s the Winner?
Before drawing a conclusion about which one is the winner when put against each other, it is essential to have a clear idea about the positive and negative traits of both these MLVs.
TotalMass
Pros
- TotalMass has a brilliant score of 26, 21, and 31 on the STC scale, depending upon the different options of density that are available for it. (0.25 pound, 0.5 pounds, and 1 pound respectively.)
- It has a large variety of options available when it comes to the thickness and dimensions of the MLV. For thickness, the options are 0.25, 0.125, and 0.06 inches. The variations are 4×5, 4×10, 4×15, and 4×25 feet for dimensions.
- It can be easily cut and secured using razor knives and a variety of adhesives, commercial staples, or even plain duct tape.
- It is highly durable and not at all temporary. Hence, once you invest in this MLV, you don’t have to worry about reinstalling a soundproofing system for a long time. It is more or less permanent.
Cons
- While TotalMass MLVs are considerably flexible, it is not loose when it comes to the places where you can secure or install them. Walls and any home surface are feasible options for TotalMass, but not automobiles or any other such surface.
- TotalMass MLVs are pretty pricey and not at all affordable. Its price ranges from $150 to $200 and hence, definitely not for everyone.
National Consumer Center offers you a chance to get a $500 gift card to Amazon. The payouts are quick, and you can use the Gift Card to pay for some of your Amazon products.
Arrowzoom
Pros
- Arrowzoom has a mass of about 1 pound per square foot. So the soundproofing done using Arrowzoom will be highly effective.
- It is highly flexible – not only in terms of the material but also in terms of the surfaces that it can soundproof. Be it any window frame or door or floor in your house or any of the surfaces of your automobile, Arrowzoom can easily soundproof that surface.
- It has a facility of self-adhesive so you can easily cut and secure it without any additional adhesive or hassle.
- Arrowzoom MLVs perform the task of soundproofing and provide the facility of insulation. So, if you’re thinking of installing it in your room or car, it will automatically keep both places warm.
- Arrowzoom is environment-friendly, water-resistant, and fire redundant – the entire package! So you will be safe while using it and keep the environment safe.
- Arrowzoom MLVs’ costs range from $50 to $80 – quite affordable! So they are an excellent soundproofing option for everyone on a budget.
Cons
- The quality of soundproofing might not be at par with TotalMass.
- It is ideal for being used as a temporary fix. To make it effective on a more permanent basis, you will have to take many measures.
- It does not have much variation concerning thickness and dimension.
What else you may need
Sound sealing or weatherproofing for an air-tight seal
Airgaps need to be treated to ensure complete coverage and manage sound seeping in through the frame. It would be best if you did this on both sides and at the top of the frame. Weatherstripping requires little effort but, done properly; it’s an effective sound management method.
Most products use a peel-and-stick function. Surface preparation is required as the glue needs a clean area to ensure adhesion. An alcohol wash is not always required but is recommended. Installation should be done on the inner part of the frame.
You can use two methods for this:
Acoustic gasket
This is a foam rubber composite material that is a hollow “D” shape. When compressed, the gasket seals off and prevents airflow. If the gap is wide enough, you may end up with an air pocket which is just as effective as a soundproofing method.
Peel off the protective strip to expose the sticky side of the tape and then stick the gasket to the frame on all the edges as required.
Closed-cell foam
Acoustic-treated foam is the most commonly used material for this. It is compressed between the inner door frame and the door itself, preventing sound from traveling through.
Again peel-and-stick methods are commonly utilized for the application, which makes it easy to install.
Seal cracks and gaps around the frame
Air and sound may also leak through gaps around the frame, so sealing off this area is another “Must-do” step in the sound management process.
Caulking in a layer of Green-glue around the frame will effectively address this issue. A large caulking gun is needed, and applying to bead around the entire frame is recommended.
Once you have established an air-tight seal around the frame and there are no gaps around the frame itself, you can look at other areas to address.
Soundproofing your home
Ready to transform your living space into a sanctuary of peace and quiet? Dive into our essential guide to soundproofing your home! From selecting the right materials to easy DIY installation tips, we’ve got everything you need to block out unwanted noise and create the tranquil environment you’ve always dreamed of.
Find out more about soundproofing your home’s windows, doors, ceilings, and floors. Don’t let the buzz of the outside world disrupt your peace. Start your soundproofing journey today and enjoy the serene, noise-free home you deserve. Click here to unlock the secrets to a quieter home!
So Is TotalMass a Better Option or Arrowzoom?
It isn’t easy to give a concrete answer regarding which one is better since both are ideal options for different situations. Suppose you are looking for a long-term soundproofing plan which will not need reinstallment shortly and are ready to invest a significant amount in soundproofing. In that case, TotalMass is just the perfect option for you. Arrowzoom is the best option if you want to properly soundproof your surroundings without spending much. Also, it is best if you will make it a project for yourself instead of hiring professionals.
Good luck and happy soundproofing!