5kg vs 10kg MLV: Which Soundproofing Mat Do You Need?

Choosing between 5kg and 10kg mass loaded vinyl (MLV) is one of the most important decisions you'll make when soundproofing your home or commercial space. The wrong choice can mean wasted money, insufficient noise reduction, or over-engineering a simple problem. This comprehensive guide compares both options across performance, cost, applications, and Building Regulations compliance to help you make the right decision.

What is Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)?

Mass loaded vinyl is a dense, flexible acoustic barrier designed to block airborne sound transmission. Unlike absorption materials like acoustic foam, MLV works on the principle of mass law: the heavier and denser the material, the more sound energy it blocks.

MLV is manufactured by loading vinyl with high-density minerals (typically barium sulphate or calcium carbonate), creating a limp, non-resonant membrane that prevents sound waves from passing through walls, floors, and ceilings.

Key characteristics:

• Limp mass barrier (non-resonant)
• Flexible and easy to cut
• Can be installed in walls, floors, ceilings
• Complies with UK Building Regulations Part E when used correctly
• Available in various densities (3kg/m², 5kg/m², 10kg/m²)

5kg vs 10kg MLV: Quick Comparison Table

Performance Comparison: Sound Reduction

Airborne Sound Insulation

The primary difference between 5kg and 10kg MLV is their ability to block airborne sound (voices, TV, music, traffic).

5kg MLV Performance:

• Weighted Sound Reduction Index (Rw): 23-26 dB when used alone
• When combined with plasterboard in a stud wall system: 45-52 dB
• Suitable for achieving Part E compliance in most residential applications
• Effective frequency range: 125 Hz - 4000 Hz

10kg MLV Performance:

• Weighted Sound Reduction Index (Rw): 28-32 dB when used alone
• When combined with plasterboard in a stud wall system: 52-58 dB
• Exceeds Part E requirements, ideal for high-performance applications
• Better low-frequency performance (down to 63 Hz)

Real-world example: A party wall between two terraced houses using 5kg MLV in a stud wall system typically achieves 48-50 dB Rw, meeting the 45 dB Part E requirement. The same system with 10kg MLV achieves 54-56 dB Rw, providing a noticeable improvement in perceived quietness.

Impact Sound Insulation

For floor applications, both 5kg and 10kg MLV reduce impact noise (footsteps, dropped objects), but performance varies:

5kg MLV in Floors:

• Impact Sound Reduction (ΔLw): 18-22 dB
• Suitable for timber joist floors with acoustic underlay
• Meets Part E when combined with resilient layers

10kg MLV in Floors:

• Impact Sound Reduction (ΔLw): 24-28 dB
• Superior performance for high-traffic areas
• Ideal for commercial or multi-occupancy buildings

Cost Analysis: Which Offers Better Value?

Material Costs

5kg MLV:

• Average cost: £18-22 per m²
• SilentCloud 5kg MLV (1m x 1.2m): £25.99 (1.2m²)
• Cost per m²: ~£21.66
• Typical room (12m² wall area): ~£260

10kg MLV:

• Average cost: £35-42 per m²
• SilentCloud 10kg MLV (1.2m x 2.0m): £89.99 (2.4m²)
• Cost per m²: ~£37.50
• Typical room (12m² wall area): ~£450

Cost vs Performance Analysis

When 5kg MLV is better value:

• Residential party walls requiring 45 dB Rw (Part E minimum)
• Timber floor soundproofing in flats
• Heritage properties with thickness constraints
• Budget-conscious projects where Part E compliance is the goal

When 10kg MLV justifies the extra cost:

• Recording studios, home cinemas, music rooms
• Commercial buildings with high acoustic standards
• Properties near airports, railways, busy roads
• When exceeding Part E by 5-10 dB is required
• Concrete floor applications requiring maximum mass

ROI Consideration: Doubling the mass (5kg to 10kg) increases cost by ~75% but only improves sound reduction by 4-6 dB. In acoustics, a 10 dB reduction is perceived as "half as loud," so the 4-6 dB improvement from 10kg MLV is noticeable but not transformative for most residential applications.

Application Guide: Which MLV for Which Job?

Stud Walls (Timber or Metal Frame)

Use 5kg MLV when:

• Building or upgrading party walls in terraced houses
• Creating internal partition walls in flats
• Soundproofing bedroom walls from living areas
• Working with 75mm or 100mm stud depths
• Budget is a primary concern

Use 10kg MLV when:

• Building home studios or music practice rooms
• Soundproofing walls adjacent to commercial spaces (pubs, restaurants)
• Maximum performance is required
• Stud depth allows (100mm+ recommended)

Installation tip: In stud walls, install MLV between the studs and the final plasterboard layer. Seal all edges with acoustic sealant for optimal performance.

Learn more: Stud Wall Soundproofing Solutions

Timber Joist Floors

Use 5kg MLV when:

• Soundproofing floors in Victorian or Edwardian conversions
• Upgrading existing timber floors without major structural work
• Combining with acoustic mineral wool and resilient bars
• Floor loading capacity is limited

Use 10kg MLV when:

• New-build timber floors requiring high performance
• Floors above noise-sensitive spaces (bedrooms, studios)
• Commercial timber floors (offices, hotels)
• Structural capacity allows additional weight

Installation tip: Lay MLV over joists before installing the subfloor. Overlap joints by 100mm and seal with acoustic tape.

Ceilings (Reducing Noise from Above)

Use 5kg MLV when:

• Upgrading ceilings in flats below noisy neighbours
• Heritage properties where ceiling height is precious
• Combining with resilient ceiling systems
• Weight loading on existing ceiling joists is a concern

Use 10kg MLV when:

• Creating soundproof home cinemas
• Isolating music rooms or drum practice spaces
• Maximum impact noise reduction is needed
• New ceiling joists can support the additional weight

Installation tip: Attach MLV to the underside of joists using acoustic adhesive and staples, then install resilient bars and plasterboard below.

Explore: Ceiling Soundproofing Solutions

Solid Walls (Masonry, Brick, Concrete)

Use 5kg MLV when:

• Adding acoustic performance to existing solid walls
• Creating independent stud wall systems against masonry
• Heritage properties requiring minimal thickness
• Walls already have good mass (brick, concrete block)

Use 10kg MLV when:

• Lightweight blockwork needs upgrading
• Walls adjacent to very noisy environments
• Maximum airborne sound insulation is required
• Wall thickness is not a constraint

View: Solid Wall Soundproofing Solutions

Building Regulations Part E Compliance

Both 5kg and 10kg MLV can achieve Part E compliance when used in correctly designed systems. Part E sets minimum performance standards for sound insulation in new builds and conversions:

Part E Requirements:

• Walls: Minimum 45 dB DnT,w (airborne sound insulation)
• Floors: Minimum 45 dB DnT,w (airborne) and maximum 62 dB LnT,w (impact)

Achieving Part E with 5kg MLV

Typical stud wall system:

• 12.5mm plasterboard
• 100mm metal studs with 100mm acoustic mineral wool
• 5kg MLV layer
• 12.5mm plasterboard
• Expected performance: 48-52 dB DnT,w ✓

Typical timber floor system:

• 18mm chipboard flooring
• 5kg MLV over joists
• 100mm acoustic mineral wool between joists
• Resilient bars
• 2 x 12.5mm plasterboard ceiling
• Expected performance: 48-50 dB DnT,w, 58-60 dB LnT,w ✓

Achieving Part E with 10kg MLV

High-performance stud wall:

• 15mm plasterboard
• 100mm metal studs with 100mm acoustic mineral wool
• 10kg MLV layer
• 15mm plasterboard
• Expected performance: 54-58 dB DnT,w ✓✓

High-performance floor:

• 22mm chipboard flooring
• 10kg MLV over joists
• 150mm acoustic mineral wool between joists
• Resilient bars
• 2 x 15mm plasterboard ceiling
• Expected performance: 52-56 dB DnT,w, 54-56 dB LnT,w ✓✓

Robust Detail Compatibility: Both 5kg and 10kg MLV can be incorporated into Robust Detail systems (pre-approved construction details that meet Part E without testing). Consult Robust Details Handbook or an acoustic consultant for specific guidance.

Expert Recommendations by Scenario

Scenario 1: Terraced House Party Wall Upgrade

Recommendation: 5kg MLV

• Cost-effective Part E compliance
• Sufficient for typical residential noise (TV, conversation, music at moderate levels)
• Easier DIY installation
• Product: SilentCloud 5kg MLV

Scenario 2: Flat Conversion (New Build)

Recommendation: 5kg MLV for walls, 10kg MLV for floors

• Walls: 5kg achieves Part E economically
• Floors: 10kg provides better impact noise reduction (critical for flats)
• Balanced cost vs performance

Scenario 3: Home Recording Studio

Recommendation: 10kg MLV

• Superior low-frequency performance
• Exceeds Part E by significant margin
• Justifies cost for professional/serious hobbyist use
• Product: SilentCloud 10kg MLV

Scenario 4: Heritage Property Internal Soundproofing

Recommendation: 5kg MLV

• Minimal thickness preserves room dimensions
• Sufficient performance for internal walls
• Lighter weight reduces structural loading
• Preserves external facade (internal-only solution)

Scenario 5: Commercial Office Fit-Out

Recommendation: 10kg MLV

• Meets higher acoustic standards expected in commercial spaces
• Better long-term performance and durability
• Justifies cost in commercial budgets
• Reduces complaints and improves productivity

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use two layers of 5kg MLV instead of one layer of 10kg MLV?
A: Technically yes, but it's not cost-effective. Two layers of 5kg MLV cost more than one layer of 10kg MLV and provide similar performance. However, two layers may perform slightly better at certain frequencies due to the air gap between layers.

Q: Will 10kg MLV block twice as much sound as 5kg MLV?
A: No. Doubling mass increases sound reduction by approximately 4-6 dB, which is noticeable but not a doubling of performance. A 10 dB reduction is perceived as "half as loud."

Q: Can I install MLV directly to walls without a stud frame?
A: Yes, but performance is limited. MLV works best when decoupled from the structure using a stud wall or resilient system. Direct application to walls provides 3-8 dB improvement, whereas a full system provides 15-25 dB improvement.

Q: Is 5kg MLV enough for a home cinema?
A: For casual home cinema use, yes. For dedicated home cinema with high SPL (sound pressure levels), 10kg MLV is recommended, especially for low-frequency content (explosions, bass).

Q: How long does MLV last?
A: MLV is extremely durable and should last the lifetime of the building (50+ years) when installed correctly. It doesn't degrade, compress, or lose performance over time.

Q: Can I paint or plaster directly onto MLV?
A: No. MLV must be covered with plasterboard or another rigid surface. The plasterboard can then be painted or plastered as normal.

Conclusion: Which MLV Should You Choose?

Choose 5kg MLV if:

• You need to meet Building Regulations Part E economically
• You're soundproofing residential walls, floors, or ceilings
• Budget is a primary concern
• You're working in heritage properties with space constraints
• You're a DIY installer preferring lighter, easier-to-handle materials

Choose 10kg MLV if:

• You need maximum sound reduction performance
• You're building a recording studio, home cinema, or music room
• You're soundproofing commercial spaces
• You're in a very noisy environment (airports, railways, busy roads)
• Budget allows for premium performance
• You're soundproofing floors where impact noise is critical

The sweet spot for most projects: 5kg MLV provides excellent value, meets Part E requirements, and delivers noticeable noise reduction in residential applications. Upgrade to 10kg MLV only when you have specific high-performance requirements or challenging noise environments.

Ready to Order?

• SilentCloud 5kg MLV (1m x 1.2m) - Ideal for residential walls, floors, and ceilings
• SilentCloud 10kg MLV (1.2m x 2.0m) - Maximum performance for studios and commercial spaces

Need help choosing? Contact our acoustic specialists for free project advice and Part E compliance guidance.