• Competent helper (MLV is very heavy)
• Measuring tape
• Razor knife
• T-Square or other straight edge
• Hammer
• Drywall nails (min. 3/4")
• Grip Rite Tin Cap Disks (used as washers)
• Seam tape (standard duct tape or ours)
• Green Glue Sealant (or comparable acoustic caulk)

Optional Materials:

• For steel stud installation, use screws, 3/4" wafer head tek screw, self tapping
• For quicker installation use a pneumatic cap stapler and air compressor with 1" long 5/16" crown SL staples plus 1" diameter caps
• Putty pads to install on the back of outlets

Measure the outside distance between the ceiling and the floor. Subtract 1/4" to 1/2" from the total (this allows for the 1/8" to 1/4" perimeter gap required). This is the length you will cut your TotalMass Barrier MLV.

Place the roll of TotalMass Barrier MLV on the floor in an area where you have enough room to unroll it. Use the measurement from Step 1 and mark the mass loaded vinyl for your cut.

Using a T-Square or other straight edge tool, use a standard razor knife and cut the TotalMass Barrier MLV in a straight line.

With the assistance of your competent helper, position the first strip of TotalMass Barrier MLV in the top corner against the wall frame. Ensure that the mass loaded vinyl is straight along the ceiling so as to evenly drape the wall from top plate to bottom plate. Maintain a 1/8" to 1/4" gap along both the ceiling and right (or left) inside corner of the wall.

For this step you can also use a pneumatic cap stapler for quicker installation. For this installation you will need to increase the number of fasteners to every 8" along the top plate and along the length of the stud. 

For steel stud installation replace nails plus a washer with screws plus a washer.

For 16" on center framing, hammer the nail and washer through the MLV 2' on center along the vertical length of each stud.

For this step you can use a pneumatic cap stapler for faster installation. Increase the number of fasteners to every 8" along the top plate and the length of the stud.

For steel stud installation use 3/4" wafer head tek self-tapping screws with washers.

Repeat steps 2-5 until your entire wall or ceiling is covered in TotalMass Barrier MLV.

Where MLV seams fall on a stud, butt pieces against one another. Where MLV seams falls between studs, overlap pieces 2" to 3". See Dealing with Seams below for detailed instruction.

Using 2" wide Heavy TotalMass MLV tape or a construction grade adhesive tape, cover all seams. This is an important step to achieving a high quality seal for your acoustic barrier.

Be careful not to permanently cover electrical outlets when installing TotalMass Barrier MLV. It is best to expose the outlets as you install each strip of MLV so they are not forgotten

Find the electrical outlet in your wall and gently press the mass loaded vinyl against it. Using a razor knife, carefully cut the opening along the inside edges of the box. Keep this hole tight to the electrical box so that you maintain a high quality seal for your acoustic barrier. Push the MLV back, exposing the box to the desired depth for drywalling. Use a combination of Green Glue Sealant and Light TotalMass MLV tape to create a tight seal along the perimeter of the outlet.

For superior sound isolation results, use TotalSeal Putty Pads over electrical boxes before installing TotalMass Barrier MLV.

Once the entire wall is covered with TotalMass Barrier MLV, caulk the perimeter of the wall with Green Glue Sealant. This will require a minimal amount of caulk – approximately 1 tube of Green Glue Sealant per 40 linear feet.

Proper sealing is necessary to achieve high quality acoustic results.

Your TotalMass Barrier MLV installation is now complete. Hang your drywall over the MLV, vertically or horizontally, and apply your desired finishes.

Seam Between the Studs

It is common for a mass loaded vinyl seam to occur between studs, as the width of the TotalMass Barrier MLV you purchase does not necessarily fit your framing, especially in older houses with inconsistent framing.

To create a seam between studs, overlap one strip of MLV approximately 2" to 3" over another. Cut away the top layer of MLV where it overlays the top and bottom plates of the frame (see inset image). It is important to not have two layers of MLV overlapping on the wood frame, as this will cause problems when installing drywall. Seal the seam with a strip of 2" wide Heavy TotalMass MLV tape.

For an extra strong acoustic seal, double seal the MLV seam in the open space between the top and bottom plates. To do so, apply an additional strip of Heavy TotalMass MLV tape on the backside of the bottom MLV layer, facing outwards, to stick against the inside of the top layer of MLV.

Seam On the Studs

TotalMass Barrier MLV is most commonly sold in 48" widths to accommodate 16" and 24" stud spacing. A seam on a stud makes it easier to apply seam tape, but requires more precision during installation.

To create a seam on a stud, butt two pieces of MLV against one another. Do not allow the strips to overlay one another. Nail each strip separately into the stud (see image 5 above). Do not attempt to use one nail and washer along the seam to hold both strips of MLV in place. Run a thin bead of Green Glue Sealant along the seam to ensure a tight acoustical seal of any small gaps, and cover with a strip of 2" wide Heavy TotalMass MLV tape.

The above image represents a completed wall covered in TotalMass Barrier MLV with 24" on center framing. Notice the nail pattern along the top plate and bottom plate. Additional nails between studs are required in a 24" on centre frame for additional support. In a 16" on center frame, nails would be aligned with the studs along the top and bottom plates. Regardless of frame spacing, all vertical nails are spaced 24". Always use a wide washer (minimum 1" diameter) between the head of the nail and the MLV. MLV is very heavy and the washer helps disperse the weight to avoid tearing.

Notice that all seams are sealed with Heavy TotalMass MLV tape, and that the entire perimeter of the wall and the electrical outlet are caulked with Green Glue Sealant. This ensures the highest sound isolation results by eliminating any paths for sound to leak through the wall assembly.

If you have any questions about installing TotalMass Barrier mass loaded vinyl on your project, click here to contact us.