Project designers and architects have a choice when it comes to types of acoustic ceiling installations. These options include but are not limited to absorptive sound panels, drop panels, lowering plaster ceilings, and perforated ceilings with sound absorptive insulation.
Products are available in a range of decorative finishes, colors, and textures that will complement any design style.
Today’s acoustic ceilings system have evolved in terms of both style and function. These ceiling solutions are examples of how you can bring your vision to life, and play with angles and patterns that enhance your surroundings. And make sure that the space is going to meet the needs of the occupants at the same time.
Ceilings are often considered the fifth wall of a room, and in the most dynamic and innovative design settings, they need to match the style and home design found in the rest of the space.
The three main types of acoustic ceilings are absorption, diffusion, and reflection
Room acoustics is a science and an art. The complex physics—and opposing opinions—behind room acoustics are beyond this article. However, since the bulk of questions we get about acoustics focus on sound absorption, we’ll discuss the types of acoustic ceilings from that angle.
Since acoustics are driven by interactions between sound waves and different surfaces, it makes sense that many different factors are at play in a specific room.
Three things, in particular, affect the overall movement of the sound waves in a room
- hard surfaces
- noise sources,
- and high ceilings.
Absorption ceilings consist of a fabric membrane that traps sound and reflects sound back down.
Acoustic absorption occurs on an architectural surface that is suspended ceiling, or wall plastering, that converts energy sound waves into heat energy by means of friction inside the pores of the material.
The more sound energy is absorbed, the less that is reflected back into the room as noise, reverberation, echo, or flutter.
Absorbing sound dampens the overall sound in the room. In some scenarios, you’ll want to keep sound waves from causing echo without fully absorbing the sound, so the room doesn’t end up sounding too quiet.
Diffusion ceilings have many small openings that allow sound to spread evenly.
Sound diffusers enhance the quality of the interior by spreading the sound waves more evenly across the room, avoiding “flutters” caused by standing sound waves. They are installed on walls, in ceiling grids, or hung like clouds for open ceiling designs.
Not all spaces require pure sound absorption or pure reflection. Rather, many require a mix to achieve the best acoustical properties. In these situations, sound diffusion may be the best approach such that is dispersed somewhat randomly throughout a space.
Portions of the wall and ceiling treatments are treated to be sound absorptive while other portions are reflective.
Reflection ceilings use reflective surfaces to send sound back down.
Reflection is a common problem in many rooms. When sound waves travel across a room, they will run into surfaces, walls, furniture, or other objects. Certain types of surfaces will absorb sound waves. Others will cause to bounce off and continue traveling in a different direction.
This allows for the proper mix of aesthetic and acoustic properties that can become part of the overall visual and sound qualities of the space.
Acoustic Ceilings Installation
Acoustical ceiling tiles are not a blanket solution using the same acoustical tiles, building is not always a wise decision, as there is a significant difference in the acoustical requirements of ceilings in closed spaces and those in open spaces.
Our range of modular ceilings consists of acoustic ceilings system installed as suspended ceilings or as acoustic tiles fixed directly to the soffit. They cover the entire (or close to) ceiling area and thus provide the largest possible area for acoustic treatment of a room.
Having no sound reflections from above is the best way to mimic nature and full coverage is an optimal solution.
Dimensions of Acoustic Ceilings Tiles
Acoustic ceilings are in many different materials, sizes, and thicknesses,
- the common cell size in the suspension grids is 600×600 mm,
- while the ceiling tiles are slightly smaller at 595mm x 595mm or 595mm x 1195mm.
- It could be in ceilings or improvement in designs. That has made acoustic ceilings fit into a grid system providing a unique feel in our homes and offices.
- It reduces noise, as it has sound absorbent properties.
Acoustic ceilings absorb the sounds in a room, reducing noise and reverberation while increasing acoustic comfort and privacy.
All successful acoustic design needs treatment by way of three main categories:
- ceiling treatment,
- wall treatment,
- and flexible or movable acoustics.
Say goodbye to drab cubicle walls. New acoustic partitions are fashionable, clever, and sure to brighten up any space. The Airflake system from ICF keeps visual communication within separate spaces while preventing sound from getting in the way.
