Acoustic tiles reduce sound reverberation in buildings.
Acoustic tiles are installed in commercial buildings to improve sound quality. Highly trafficked commercial residencies with thin walls and poor soundproofing benefit from the installation of acoustic ceiling tiles. The tiles act as a sound buffer, muffling noise from one room to another. Business clients can conduct meetings in peace and students can learn without outside distractions. Additionally, acoustic ceiling tiles improve the sound quality in concert halls, theaters, churches and auditoriums by reducing echo.
Materials
Acoustic ceiling tiles generally consist of a fibrous material of some sort. Common materials used are porous foam, recycled cotton fiber, mineral wool, fiber glass, aerated plaster and vegetable fibers. Some manufacturers sell vintage-style wood fiber tiles featuring the uniformly-perforated holes that constituted traditional commercial ceiling tiles. According to the Mesothelioma Resource Center, asbestos-containing tiles were manufactured until 1977, when inhalation of their fibers proved to cause cancer. "Green" acoustic ceiling glaze consisting of silica aerogel granules are brushed onto fabric and attached to acoustic tiles. Glazing technology is improving acoustic material flexibility and extending its range of implications.
Styles
Acoustic ceiling tiles are available in a wide range of textures and colors, venturing from traditional white. Patterns resembling stone, stucco and fabric may be selected to contribute to the overall appearance of a room. Suspended acoustic tiles hang freely, allowing access to important fixtures and electrical components when necessary, while interlocking tiles ensure quick installment.
Installation
Interlocking tiles are simple to install, but they usually require the application of adhesive directly to the original ceiling. Removing interlocking acoustic tiles later can cause unsightly damage to interior ceilings. Alternatively, a staple gun may be used to adhere interlocking tiles securely to a ceiling. Floating acoustic ceiling tiles are easily interchangeable, won't damage ceiling surfaces and allow easy access to components such as pipes and electrical wiring. Floating acoustic tiles are difficult to install and will require the aid of a professional or some training to ensure that they are installed properly.
Performance
The quality of an acoustic tile is determined by two industry standards. The NRC, or Noise Reduction Coefficient, measures a tile's ability to absorb incoming sound vibrations. An 80 percent absorption rate represents the highest quality tiles, while average tiles fall within the 50 to 60 percentile range, according to the Ask the Builder website. The CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class) calculates the amount of sound allowed to pass through a tile. The average acoustic tile scores in the 30s, with 44 being the highest achievable score.
Tags: ceiling tiles, acoustic ceiling, acoustic tiles, acoustic ceiling tiles, Acoustic ceiling