Types of Acoustic Ceiling Tiles
Written by Milan Jara on 5th May 2021
Do you have a room inside your house that sounds empty? If you have had this experience, then you’ll know that this does not create a homey environment. What tends to generate this kind of echoing atmosphere is a hard surface flooring, like concrete or ceramic tiles. This allows sound to bounce from wall to wall and ceiling to floor, creating an echo you probably want to rectify. Although the simple solution is to place a carpet down onto the floor, this isn’t always recommended. Perhaps you like the style of the floor because it matches well with the decor scheme inside your home. If this applies to you, then consider installing acoustic ceiling tiles. For inspiration, check out the Micro Perforated Acoustical Aluminum Ceiling Tile: #MPA-1 – an acoustical ceiling option.
Benefits of Acoustic Ceiling and Acoustic Tiles
Acoustic tiles are very sound absorbent, which takes the harshness out of a hard ceiling. Not only does an acoustic ceiling reduce echoing, but it also enhances the sound quality within a room.
Moreover, they allow more available light reflect back into the room. This particular process helps save you money in utility costs. Ultimately, the tiles come in different levels of humidity and fire resistance.
Other benefits to having acoustic ceiling tiles include:
Easy installation
These ceiling tiles can be dropped or glued-up in a straightforward manner. You can also install acoustic ceiling tiles via a nail-up method. If you don’t have a grid system, then either opt for a glued or nail-up installation.
Affordability
Soundproofing options can be costly, but an acoustic ceiling tile allows you to find a solution at a reasonable price. Furthermore, there isn’t a minimum purchase amount, meaning you can order the exact number of tiles that you need as opposed to over-purchasing.
Versatility
These days, you don’t have to picture a ceiling that’s filled with unsightly grey foam panels stapled to your wall. You now have the option of acoustic ceiling tiles that allow you to have a functional yet stunning finished ceiling.
Acoustic ceiling tiles can come in many aesthetically pleasing designs, including intricate patterns and elegant colors that will spruce up any space within your home.
Acoustic Ceiling Options
Acoustic ceilings usually come in two standard styles: a dropped ceiling or a glued ceiling. A dropped ceiling is perhaps the more common of the two, but each offers soundproofing qualities and can cover up any existing damage.
Here’s a comparison of these two options:
Dropped Ceiling
An acoustical drop ceiling can help provide soundproofing in two different ways. It can either absorb sound waves, which prevents sound from bouncing around the room, or it can block sound from traveling to an adjacent room. There are some drop ceilings that can offer both of these capabilities, and there are some that can only offer one or the other.
When you’re weighing your options, it’s important to look into two general ratings. There is ceiling attenuation class (CAC) and noise reduction coefficient (NRC). NRC informs you of the amount of sound that a ceiling tile can absorb to decrease a room’s noise. CAC, on the other hand, rates a ceiling’s efficiency to block sound to other nearby rooms.
There are various decorative outcomes you can achieve by installing an acoustic drop ceiling. They are made of tiles that are fitted within a metal framework hung from the ceiling and you can customize the look as you wish. As soon as you have applied this feature, you’ll soon realize its potential when it comes to the effect it has on the sound. You’ll notice that the acoustic drop ceiling will dampen ambient noise as well as help the noise within the room seem fuller and richer.
Ultimately, fitting an acoustic drop ceiling is a worthwhile option if you’re looking to renovate a ceiling while controlling its sound properties. Acoustic drop ceilings work incredibly well in places like bedrooms and basements, especially the latter as you can design magnificent home theaters or games rooms within your basement.
Acoustic Glue-up Ceiling
This basic installation process is just another way for you to implement acoustical tiles to your ceiling. Adopt this method especially if you already do not have a lot of headroom within the room you’re renovating.
With acoustic ceiling tiles, you have the chance to be flexible with your ceiling. You can install them in most rooms, and they are easy to maintain. Moreover, they are impact-resistant and can removed or replaced in as quickly as possible.
Using glue-up acoustic ceiling tiles differs from using dropped ceiling tiles. With dropped ceiling tiles, you drop them into an interlocking metal grid suspended from the ceiling. On the other hand, glued ceilings contain tiles that are glued directly onto the structural ceiling.
A great aspect of acoustic ceiling tiles is that they can come in many different designs, patterns, and textures. In most cases, you’ll even be able to paint them in the color you wish. Another benefit to using glue-up acoustic ceiling tiles is that they can be installed onto any type of existing ceiling, whether it’s drywall, concrete, and even wood. There will be no grid needed whatsoever. As drywall alone doesn’t absorb sound very effectively, installing acoustic ceiling tiles is certainly a calculated move.
If you prefer to install acoustic ceiling tiles without the glue-up ceiling tiles, then note that you have the option of installing them via a nail-up method instead.
Conclusion
Today’s acoustic ceiling systems have evolved enormously in terms of style and function. Gone are the days when you have to install hideous foam or old dropped panels. With contemporary acoustic ceiling tiles, you can bring your vision to life while also enhancing your surroundings to make sure that your home meets the needs of its occupants.
