Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV)
Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is a dense flexible barrier sheet used to add acoustic mass to walls and ceilings. Australian builder's guide to MLV uses and limits.
Ask Chalkline about this →Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is a dense, flexible sheeting material used as an acoustic barrier to add mass to wall and ceiling assemblies without increasing framing thickness. It is available in density ratings from 2 kg/m2 to 10 kg/m2 and is applied as a supplementary layer over framing or plasterboard, or wrapped around pipes and ducts to reduce airborne noise from hydraulic services.
Also known as: acoustic barrier, sound barrier sheet, MLV.
Category: Acoustic material / Soundproofing add-on.
MLV is not a substitute for a tested wall system. The Rw+Ctr 50 threshold required by ABCB Housing Provisions Part 10.7 for Class 1 separating walls applies to the complete assembly; MLV contributes mass to the system but is not independently tested as a wall system under AS/NZS ISO 10140-2. It is most commonly used in retrofit applications where framing cannot be opened, in pipe and duct wrapping to reduce impact and airborne noise transmission, and as a supplementary layer in high-performance recording or theatre room builds. See acoustic boards for the role of MLV within a complete soundproofing strategy.
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Last updated: 2026-05-10. Verified: 2026-05-10. Quarterly review for currency.