M20 Acoustic Soundproofing Mat

M20 Acoustic Soundproofing Mat | 20mm | 1000 × 1000mm

The M20 is a 20mm thick recycled rubber soundproofing mat designed for direct bonding to masonry walls as the primary mass layer in a wall soundproofing assembly. Recycled rubber at this density works by adding significant surface mass to the wall structure — mass is the primary physical mechanism by which airborne sound transmission through a solid wall is reduced. The greater the surface mass of a wall assembly, the more energy is required to set it into vibration, and the less sound energy passes through to the other side. At 16kg per sheet (16kg/m²), the M20 delivers a level of mass addition that is not achievable with membrane-based products such as MLV alone, making it the appropriate specification where a bonded, high-mass wall treatment is required.

The M20 is manufactured in the UK from recycled rubber, delivering equivalent density and acoustic performance to virgin alternatives. Each sheet covers 1m² at 1000 × 1000mm and weighs 16kg. At 20mm nominal thickness, the mat forms the primary build-up layer in the assembly, with two layers of 15mm acoustic plasterboard bonded over the top to complete the treatment — a total wall build-up of approximately 50mm. Fire resistance is certified to FMVSS 302. The system is suitable for use in assemblies targeting compliance with Part E Building Regulations for airborne sound through walls.

Applications

• Brick and masonry party walls — bond M20 sheets directly to the existing masonry surface using High Strength Contact Adhesive, applied to both the sheet and the wall surface, in a brick bond pattern. Overlay with two layers of 15mm acoustic plasterboard, staggering joints between layers. Seal all perimeter gaps and sheet joints with AC95 Acoustic Sealant to maintain barrier continuity throughout the assembly. The combined surface mass of the rubber mat and plasterboard layers significantly increases the energy required to set the wall into vibration, improving airborne sound reduction through the assembly. The M20 bonded system is the preferred specification for brick and masonry party walls where a stud frame or independent wall construction is not practical.
• Retrofit wall upgrades — where room dimensions make a stud frame or independent wall system impractical, the M20 bonded system provides meaningful acoustic improvement with a total build-up of approximately 50mm including two layers of plasterboard. No frame is required; the mat bonds directly to the existing wall surface, preserving as much floor area as possible while still adding the mass necessary for effective airborne sound reduction.
• High-noise environments — the M20 is specified for walls where louder or more demanding noise sources are the primary concern — music, amplified audio, shouting, or machinery — and where a higher-mass solution is required beyond what standard MLV or lighter bonded systems can achieve. The 16kg/m² surface mass makes it appropriate for party walls in residential conversions, flats, and terraced properties where the existing masonry alone is insufficient.

Product Benefits

• 16kg/m² surface mass — high-density recycled rubber construction. At 16kg per sheet, the M20 adds substantial surface mass to the wall assembly. Mass is the primary driver of airborne sound reduction in bonded wall systems — the heavier the wall, the more energy is required to set it into vibration and transmit sound through it. The 20mm recycled rubber construction achieves this mass addition in a single bonded layer, without the need for a stud frame or secondary structure.
• Direct bond to masonry — no frame required. The M20 is bonded directly to the existing wall surface using contact adhesive, making it suitable for retrofit applications where a stud frame would reduce room dimensions unacceptably. The bonded installation method also eliminates the air gap that can introduce resonance in frame-based systems, keeping the assembly mechanically coupled and acoustically predictable.
• Part E suitable. When used as part of a correctly specified assembly — M20 bonded to masonry, overlaid with two layers of 15mm acoustic plasterboard, with all perimeter joints and sheet joins sealed with AC95 Acoustic Sealant — the system can contribute to compliance with Part E Building Regulations for airborne noise through walls. Correct sealing of all gaps and joints is critical; any breach in the barrier significantly reduces overall performance.
• Fire resistance — FMVSS 302 certified. The M20 meets the FMVSS 302 flammability standard, making it suitable for use within wall assemblies in residential and commercial applications where fire performance of internal materials is a consideration.
• UK manufactured from recycled rubber. Produced in the UK using recycled rubber content, the M20 delivers equivalent density and acoustic performance to virgin material alternatives with a lower environmental footprint. Each sheet is 1000 × 1000mm, covering 1m² per sheet.

Installation

Ensure the mounting wall is structurally sound, clean, and free from dust, debris, and loose material. Seal any bare or untreated plaster before applying adhesive to prevent absorption and ensure a consistent bond.

Apply High Strength Contact Adhesive to both the M20 sheet and the mounting wall surface. Allow the adhesive to become tacky before pressing the sheet firmly into position. Work from the bottom up, laying sheets in a brick bond pattern to avoid continuous vertical joints. Butt all sheet edges tightly together — any gaps in the mat layer will reduce the overall mass of the assembly and compromise acoustic performance. Seal all sheet joints and perimeter gaps with AC95 Acoustic Sealant.

Bond the first layer of 15mm acoustic plasterboard over the M20 using contact adhesive applied to both surfaces. Allow to tack, then press firmly into position. Seal all gaps at the perimeter and between boards. Apply the second layer of plasterboard, staggering the board joints from the first layer to avoid continuous joints through the assembly. Complete a final seal of all perimeter gaps and joints with AC95. The wall is then ready for dry lining or plastering to finish.

At 16kg per sheet, ceiling and overhead applications will require two people for safe handling.

The Technical Details