![]() However, since this material is used as a floor underlayment to reduce noise, it follows a different rating scale called IIC or Impact Insulation Class. Loud conversation from another room can be heard but not understood.Ĭonversations can’t be hard but traffic sounds and music can be heard.Īny sounds including traffic and music can’t be heard.Ī rubber mat does not have an STC rating. Loud conversation from another room can be heard and understood. Normal conversation from another room can be heard and understood. Here is a quick reference guide for you to look at. This is the rating used for measuring the sound absorption and sound blocking capabilities of an MLV. The higher the number you see in the rating, the more sound is blocked. But since our topic is more of an acoustic nature, we will be looking at how rubber and MLV perform by looking at their STC rating.įirst and foremost, STC or Sound Transmission Class is the standard unit of measure used by many professionals when soundproofing a building. MLV, on the other hand, is mostly used as a sound barrier. The most common would be floor underlayment, gym flooring, playground flooring, and many outdoor settings in your home or commercially. There are different uses for rubber mats. We’ll compare a ⅛” thick rubber matting and a ⅛” thick MLV. Here is a table for better understanding. However, when you compare the weight per square foot of both, you’ll see that MLV has a more significant mass per square foot ratio. MLV works the same way in the sense that the thicker it is, the better it performs. Rubber is dense by nature, and MLV is combined with a high-density or a high-mass element to achieve a weighted structure.Ī rubber mat is more of a sound barrier than a sound absorber, so the thicker the rubber mat is, the better it is in blocking soundwaves. Rubber Mats: Which is the most effective at reducing sound? Sometimes it is the lifespan, the quality, and the effectiveness of the product. It is common knowledge that when you go for alternatives, there will almost always be trade-offs. A big one should be the performance or the effectiveness of the material. When deciding between rubber and MLV, price is not the only factor you need to consider. It comes in ⅛ inch thickness and is sold in a 4.5ft x 30ft roll for $369 without a shipping fee. Let’s take the Sonic-Shield Noise Barrier as our specific brand for MLV’s. MLV is mostly sold via rolls of different thicknesses, but the most commonly used is the ⅛ inch. Tiles that measure 20″ x 20″ with a thickness of ¼ inch are sold in packs of four for $56, again without shipping. Rolls of rubberĪ single rubber mat roll with the size of costs $65 without shipping cost. Goodyear carries these rubber mats under the name “ ReUZ Rubber,” They are sold both in tiles and rolls. The cheapest rubber mats you can find are those made from recycled tires. The price would vary on the thickness and length of your choice. So let’s get into it… Budgetwise: MLV or Rubber Matsįrom the countless forums I have trolled, the price of rubber mats can go anywhere from $1.30 – $2.40/ ft², while MLV would set you back anywhere from 1.5$ – 7.5$/ft².Įach material is sold via rolls or via tiles. ![]() Others are the availability of the item, the mode of installation (DIY or professional), and the purpose of your soundproofing needs.Īfter reading this article you’ll know the pros and cons of MLV vs Rubber matting and which one is best suited for difference scenarios. What should I consider when choosing between MLV and rubber? How much it would cost to soundproof the area and its effectiveness are the main factors. That’s where alternatives for MLV come in, and one of the most popular is the rubber mat. ![]() However, even if MLV is the top performer for sound barriers, this item’s price can sometimes be too much for budget conscious buyers. Before MLV was introduced in construction back in the 1960s, the only way you can dampen noise from inside your home or outside is by thickening the walls of any structure.
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