Acoustic Ceiling Tiles

Acoustics in the workplace are incredibly important, yet they’re often overlooked. Whether a waiting room or an office space, sound has a huge influence over day-to-day operations.

A suspended ceiling can help to combat poor acoustics when constructed with the right ceiling tiles. From increasing privacy in a meeting room to containing the chaos of the classroom, establishing the acoustic needs of your workplace can impact a number of things:

Physical wellbeing
Productivity
Mental wellbeing
Quality of work

To understand the acoustic performance of your ceiling tiles, make sure you check out the specifications in the datasheet or product descriptions provided on our website. Our ceiling experts are also just a call away if you need help determining the best acoustic solution for your space.

What are Acoustic Suspended Ceilings?

Acoustic ceilings are designed to control sound transfer in different environments. Made from acoustic ceiling tiles, these systems have specialised properties that help them achieve this.

Sound absorption is ideal for improving the privacy of a room. Sound insulation, on the other hand, can help block room-to-room sound transfer.

What is Sound Insulation?

Also referred to as sound attenuation, sound insulation combats the volume of noise travelling from room to room. A sound insulating ceiling tile will likely have a larger quantity of clay mixed in its material composition. This material acts as a barrier to block the volume of noise that’s able to transfer through your ceiling tiles into neighbouring rooms.

Sound Insulating Ceiling Tiles

To determine the sound insulation properties of your acoustic ceiling tiles, you’ll need to look at their acoustic properties. Sound insulation is measured in decibels (dB) and we generally recommend a tile with a minimum 34 dB sound insulation rating for a degree of privacy.

What is Sound Absorption?

Sound absorption refers to the volume of noise reverberation that’s reflected back into a room from hard surfaces such as your ceiling. A sound absorbing ceiling tile will likely have a larger quantity of fibreglass mixed in its material composition. This material creates a softer surface that absorbs noise instead of returning it back into a room.

Sound Absorbing Ceiling Tiles

To determine the sound absorption properties of your acoustic ceiling tiles, make sure you read the tile specifications. Sound absorption is measured in alpha waves and categorised into classes. Class A is a high performing tile whereas Class E tiles will offer very little sound absorption. To improve speech intelligibility and reduce echoes, we recommend a ceiling tile with a Class C sound absorption rating or higher.

Acoustic Suspended Ceiling Tiles

Certain suspended ceiling tiles will offer good sound absorption and sound insulation ratings. These are known as acoustic ceiling tiles. The specialist tiles are used in workplaces experiencing acoustic challenges, such as classrooms, waiting rooms and hospitals.

Acoustic Ceiling Installation

Acoustic ceiling tiles are installed the same way as all ceiling panels. The fitting process can be simplified into two easy steps:

1. Install Your Suspended Ceiling Grid

You will need to install your ceiling grid before you can fit the tiles. This framework consists of edge trim, main runners, cross tees, suspension wires and associated fixings. Once these are constructed, you will have a ceiling structure with open gaps for the suspended ceiling tiles.

2. Install Your Acoustic Ceiling Tiles

Next, fit your acoustic ceiling tiles. Lay-in ceiling tiles can be lifted through the individual gaps and lowered into place. Take care not to damage your ceiling tiles during installation as this can impact the tile’s acoustic performance.

Please note: We’ve simplified these steps. If you need more guidance on installing your suspended ceiling, please contact our experts.

Acoustic Suspended Ceiling Tiles – FAQs

How do I soundproof my ceiling?

The acoustic performance of your suspended ceiling system will depend on the tiles used. Whilst no ceiling can be completely soundproof (there are many external factors to consider), fitting tiles with high sound absorption and sound insulation can help harmonise the ideal workplace.

Can acoustic ceiling tiles be painted?

We never recommend painting your ceiling tiles, especially specialist acoustic panels. Paint can cover the tile’s porous surface which is vital for sound absorption, subsequently impacting the overall acoustic performance.

What’s the most common type of acoustic ceiling?

A suspended ceiling is the most common type of acoustic ceiling. Not only is it an affordable option for many businesses, but it also offers flexibility in the type of sound protection it offers.

How do acoustic ceiling tiles Work?

Acoustic ceiling tiles will have a rating of sound attenuation and/or sound absorption. This works in the following ways:

Sound Attenuation – The material of a sound insulating tile will block sound energy from travelling through your ceiling, making it difficult to hear conversations from the adjacent room.
Sound Absorption – Sound absorbing ceiling tiles have a porous surface. This increases the available surface area that absorbs sound energy and prevents it from reflecting back into a room.

What’s the cheapest way to improve office acoustics?

Installing a suspended ceiling is an affordable way to impact the acoustic performance of your office. Whilst specialist acoustic ceiling tiles are available, we recommend a tile with at least a Class C sound absorption rating and/or 34 dB sound insulation.

Are acoustic ceiling tiles worth it?

Acoustic ceiling tiles are a great investment and make a huge difference to the acoustic performance of a room. No matter where they are installed, this can offer benefits such as improved productivity and better wellbeing – all factors that have a positive impact on business!

Ceiling Tiles Express

Is your workplace giving you a headache? Don’t wait any longer. At Ceiling Tiles Express, we offer a variety of ceiling tiles with exceptional acoustic performances. All the tiles you see on our website are available with next day delivery when ordered before 12 pm.

If you have any questions about the acoustic performance of your suspended ceiling, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We can advise on the best product bespoke to your space.