FAQ: Acoustics

FAQ: Acoustics

Metal ceiling systems can offer effective acoustic performance when designed with perforations and backed by acoustic materials.

The perforations allow sound waves to enter the ceiling system, where they are absorbed by the underlying materials. The acoustic performance of metal ceiling systems can be customised by adjusting factors such as perforation size, pattern, depth and acoustic material type.

Metal ceiling systems are known for their sleek and modern aesthetic, making them suitable for contemporary architectural designs. They are available in a wide range of finishes, colours, and panel designs, allowing architects and designers to achieve both acoustic performance and desired aesthetics.

What is the difference between NRC and CAC?
While both NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) and CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class) are important metrics for understanding and managing acoustic environments, they measure different aspects of sound performance: NRC measures absorption, while CAC measures transmission.
Does the tile size effect the acoustic performance?
Generally, larger tiles have more surface area compared to smaller tiles. This increased surface area allows for more sound-absorbing materials to be present, which can enhance the overall acoustic performance of the ceiling. More surface area means more opportunities for sound waves to be absorbed, reducing reverberation, and improving speech intelligibility in the room.
How does the acoustic performance change for different ceiling void depths?

A larger ceiling void depth provides more space for sound waves to dissipate and attenuate, which can contribute to longer reverberation times.

 

In some cases, deeper ceiling voids may facilitate the absorption and attenuation of low-frequency sound waves, which are typically more challenging to control than mid or high frequencies. Ceiling void depth may also influence the transmission of sound between adjacent spaces. A larger void depth may provide more separation between rooms, potentially reducing the transfer of airborne sound through the ceiling assembly.