Green Glue vs Mass Loaded Vinyl: A Comprehensive Guide
Soundproofing is the process of reducing or preventing the transmission of unwanted noise from one space to another. Soundproofing can improve the quality of life, privacy, and comfort of people living or working in noisy environments. It can also enhance the performance and clarity of audio recordings, broadcasts, or musical instruments.
There are many soundproofing materials available in the market, but two of the most common and popular ones are Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) and Green Glue noise proofing compound and sealant. Both of these products are designed to reduce the amount of noise that passes through walls, ceilings, and floors, but they have different properties, installation methods, effectiveness, and costs.
In this comprehensive guide, we will compare and contrast MLV and Green Glue in terms of their properties, installation, effectiveness, and cost, and help you decide which one is best for your soundproofing needs. We will also answer some frequently asked questions and provide some tips and advice on how to choose and use the best product for your soundproofing project.
Difference Between Green Glue and Mass Loaded Vinyl Soundproofing
| Criteria | Green Glue | Mass Loaded Vinyl |
|---|---|---|
| Properties | A viscoelastic compound that dampens vibrations and converts sound energy into heat. | A dense, flexible, and heavy material that blocks sound transmission and vibrations. |
| Installation | Applied between layers of drywall or other rigid materials in a zigzag pattern. | Attached to the surface with nails, screws, or adhesive, or sandwiched between layers of drywall or other materials. |
| Effectiveness | Reduces both airborne and impact noise, such as voices, music, footsteps, or items being dropped. | Blocks airborne noise, such as voices, music, or traffic. |
| Cost | Cheaper than MLV, with prices ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot. | More expensive than Green Glue, with prices ranging from $1.50 to $2.80 per square foot. |
Properties
MLV and Green Glue are both soundproofing materials, but they work in different ways and have different features and benefits. Here are some of the key properties of each product:
Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
MLV is a dense, flexible, and heavy material made of vinyl impregnated with metal particles or barium sulfate. It is specifically designed to block sound transmission and vibrations, making it an effective barrier for airborne noise. Airborne noise is the type of noise that travels through the air, such as voices, music, and traffic.
MLV is typically available in rolls and comes in various thicknesses, ranging from 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch. The thicker the MLV, the more mass it has, and the more sound it can block. However, thicker MLV also means higher cost and more weight. The weight of MLV can range from 0.5 to 2 pounds per square foot, depending on the thickness.
Some of the key features and benefits of MLV are:
- It has a high density and mass, which makes it a strong sound barrier.
- It is flexible and can conform to any shape or surface, making it easy to install and cut.
- It is durable and resistant to water, fire, mold, and mildew, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
- It is thin and can be sandwiched between layers of drywall or other construction materials, making it discreet and aesthetically pleasing.
Green Glue
Green Glue is a viscoelastic compound that is applied between layers of drywall, plywood, or other rigid materials. Its primary function is to dampen vibrations and convert sound energy into heat, minimizing both impact and airborne noise. Impact noise is the type of noise that is caused by physical contact, such as footsteps or items being dropped.
Green Glue is available in tubes and is applied using a standard caulking gun. It should be applied evenly across the entire surface in a zigzag pattern, ensuring full coverage. After application, the second layer of drywall is placed on top and fastened to the studs, creating a constrained layer damping system.
Some of the key features and benefits of Green Glue are:
- It has a high damping coefficient, which means it can absorb and dissipate a lot of vibrations and sound energy.
- It is effective for both low and high frequencies, which means it can reduce a wide range of noises.
- It is easy and convenient to apply, as it does not require any special tools or equipment.
- It is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, as it does not contain any solvents or VOCs.
Installation
MLV and Green Glue have different installation methods and requirements, depending on the type and size of the project. Here are some of the steps and tips for installing each product:
Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
MLV can be installed in walls, ceilings, and floors, either as a standalone barrier or as part of a soundproofing system. The general steps for installing MLV are:
- Measure and cut the MLV to fit the area, leaving some extra material for overlapping and sealing the edges. You can use a utility knife or scissors to cut the MLV, but be careful not to damage the surface underneath.
- Attach the MLV to the surface using nails, screws, staples, or adhesive. You can also use furring strips or resilient channels to create an air gap and increase the soundproofing performance. Make sure the MLV is flat and tight, without any wrinkles or gaps.
- Seal the seams and edges of the MLV using acoustic caulk, tape, or grommets. This will prevent any sound leakage and improve the sound isolation.
- Cover the MLV with a layer of drywall or other finishing material, if desired. You can also paint or decorate the MLV, but make sure the paint or decoration does not affect the soundproofing quality.
Some of the tips and tricks for installing MLV are:
- Wear gloves and protective gear when handling the MLV, as it can be heavy and sharp.
- Use a sound level meter or a smartphone app to test the noise reduction before and after the installation, and adjust the MLV accordingly.
- Use the thickest and heaviest MLV you can afford and handle, as it will provide the best sound blocking results.
- Combine the MLV with other soundproofing materials, such as acoustic foam, soundproof curtains, or soundproof blankets, to enhance the sound absorption and diffusion.
Green Glue
Green Glue can be installed between layers of drywall, plywood, or other rigid materials, either on existing or new walls, ceilings, or floors. The general steps for installing Green Glue are:
- Cut the drywall or other material to fit the area, leaving some extra material for overlapping and sealing the edges. You can use a circular saw or a jigsaw to cut the material, but be careful not to damage the surface underneath.
- Apply the Green Glue to the back of the drywall or other material, using a standard caulking gun. You should use one tube of Green Glue per 4′ x 8′ sheet of drywall, or about 2 tubes per 100 square feet of area. Apply the Green Glue in a zigzag pattern, covering the entire surface, but leaving a 2-3 inch gap from the edges.
- Place the drywall or other material on top of the existing surface, aligning the edges and corners. Press the material firmly and evenly, ensuring full contact and coverage of the Green Glue.
- Fasten the drywall or other material to the studs or joists, using screws or nails. You should use at least one fastener per square foot of area, and avoid placing the fasteners near the edges or over the Green Glue.
- Seal the seams and edges of the drywall or other material using acoustic caulk, tape, or grommets. This will prevent any sound leakage and improve the sound isolation.
Some of the tips and tricks for installing Green Glue are:
- Wear gloves and protective gear when handling the Green Glue, as it can be sticky and messy.
- Use a sound level meter or a smartphone app to test the noise reduction before and after the installation, and adjust the Green Glue accordingly.
- Use the recommended amount of Green Glue per square foot of area, as using too little or too much can reduce the soundproofing performance.
- Allow the Green Glue to cure for at least 7 days before testing the soundproofing quality, as it takes time for the compound to reach its full damping potential.
Effectiveness
MLV and Green Glue have different levels of effectiveness in reducing noise, depending on the type, frequency, and intensity of the noise. Here are some of the factors and examples that can influence the effectiveness of each product:
Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
MLV is very effective at blocking airborne noise, such as voices, music, and traffic. Its dense and heavy composition makes it a strong sound barrier. According to a study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, MLV can increase the sound transmission class (STC) of a wall by 5 to 10 points, depending on the thickness and configuration of the MLV¹. STC is a measure of how well a wall or other structure reduces sound transmission. The higher the STC, the better the soundproofing.
However, MLV is less effective at reducing impact noise, such as footsteps or items being dropped. This is because MLV does not absorb or dampen vibrations very well. It can also transmit low-frequency noise, such as bass or machinery, through flanking paths, such as gaps or openings in the wall or floor. Flanking paths are indirect ways that sound can travel from one space to another, bypassing the sound barrier.
Some examples and scenarios where MLV can be used are:
- Soundproofing a fence or a window to block traffic noise or noisy neighbors.
- Soundproofing a home theater or a music studio to prevent sound leakage and improve acoustics.
- Soundproofing a bedroom or a office to create a quiet and peaceful environment.
Green Glue
Green Glue excels at reducing both airborne and impact noise, such as footsteps or items being dropped. Its viscoelastic properties allow it to absorb and dissipate vibrations and sound energy. According to a study by the National Research Council Canada, Green Glue can increase the STC of a wall by 9 to 12 points, depending on the amount and coverage of the compound². Green Glue is also effective for both low and high frequencies, which means it can reduce a wide range of noises.
However, Green Glue is less effective when used alone, without any other soundproofing materials. It works best when used in conjunction with drywall or other rigid materials, creating a constrained layer damping system. It also requires a certain amount of time to cure and reach its full damping potential, which can take up to 7 days or more. During this time, the soundproofing quality may not be optimal.
Some examples and scenarios where Green Glue can be used are:
- Soundproofing a wall or a ceiling to reduce impact noise from upstairs or downstairs neighbors.
- Soundproofing a door or a floor to reduce airborne noise from outside or inside the room.
- Soundproofing a basement or a garage to reduce low-frequency noise from appliances or equipment.
Cost
MLV and Green Glue have different price ranges and cost-effectiveness, depending on the quality, quantity, and source of the product. Here are some of the factors and examples that can influence the cost of each product:
Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
MLV is generally more expensive than Green Glue, as it is a heavier and denser material. The average price range of MLV is between $1.50 and $2.50 per square foot, depending on the thickness, quality, and brand of the product. However, the price can vary significantly depending on the supplier, the location, and the availability of the product.
Some of the additional expenses that may be involved in buying and installing MLV are:
- Shipping and handling fees, which can be high due to the weight and size of the product.
- Taxes and duties, which can vary depending on the country or state of origin and destination.
- Labor costs, which can depend on the complexity and duration of the installation.
Some of the ways to save money and get the best value for MLV are:
- Buying in bulk, which can reduce the unit price and the shipping fees.
- Looking for discounts, coupons, or promotions, which can lower the overall cost of the product.
- Combining with other soundproofing materials, which can increase the soundproofing performance and reduce the amount of MLV required.
Green Glue
Green Glue is generally cheaper than MLV, as it is a lighter and thinner material. The average price range of Green Glue is between $0.50 and $1.00 per square foot, depending on the amount, coverage, and brand of the product. However, the price can also vary depending on the supplier, the location, and the availability of the product.
Some of the additional expenses that may be involved in buying and installing Green Glue are:
- Shipping and handling fees, which can be low to moderate due to the weight and size of the product.
- Taxes and duties, which can vary depending on the country or state of origin and destination.
- Labor costs, which can depend on the complexity and duration of the installation.
Some of the ways to save money and get the best value for Green Glue are:
- Buying in bulk, which can reduce the unit price and the shipping fees.
- Looking for discounts, coupons, or promotions, which can lower the overall cost of the product.
- Combining with other soundproofing materials, which can increase the soundproofing performance and reduce the amount of Green Glue required.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we have compared and contrasted MLV and Green Glue in terms of their properties, installation, effectiveness, and cost. We have also answered some frequently asked questions and provided some tips and advice on how to choose and use the best product for your soundproofing needs.
The main points and findings of this guide are:
- MLV and Green Glue are both soundproofing materials, but they work in different ways and have different features and benefits.
- MLV is a dense, flexible, and heavy material that blocks sound transmission and vibrations, making it an effective barrier for airborne noise.
- Green Glue is a viscoelastic compound that dampens vibrations and converts sound energy into heat, minimizing both impact and airborne noise.
- MLV and Green Glue have different installation methods and requirements, depending on the type and size of the project.
- MLV is generally more expensive than Green Glue, as it is a heavier and denser material.
- MLV and Green Glue have different levels of effectiveness in reducing noise, depending on the type, frequency, and intensity of the noise.
| Criteria | Green Glue | Mass Loaded Vinyl | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price ($/sq.ft.) | 0.50 – 1.00 | 1.50 – 2.80 | 1.00 – 1.80 |
| Sound Reduction (dB) | 9 – 12 | 5 – 10 | 4 – 2 |
| Thickness (inches) | 0.125 – 0.1875 | 0.125 – 0.375 | 0 – 0.1875 |
| Weight (lbs/sq.ft.) | 0.1 – 0.2 | 0.5 – 2 | 0.4 – 1.8 |
Some final tips and advice for choosing and using the best product for your soundproofing needs are:
- Consider the type and source of the noise you want to reduce, and the level of noise reduction you want to achieve.
- Consider the size and shape of the area you want to soundproof, and the available space and budget you have.
- Consider the ease and convenience of the installation, and the tools and equipment you need.
- Consider the durability and aesthetics of the product, and how it fits with your existing or desired decor.
- Test the soundproofing quality of the product before and after the installation, and make any adjustments or improvements as needed.
We hope you have found this guide helpful and informative. If you have any feedback, questions, or experiences to share, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.
