Home Improvement and Design

Installing acoustic ceiling tiles is an option to consider when you have decided to change the type of ceiling you have in your home or office. Acoustic ceilings earn their name from the sound-absorbent properties that “soften” the surface of the ceiling in order to deaden reverberating noise from throughout the room. Not only does this reduce the sound reverberation within the room, but it also helps block sound transmission to other rooms as well. While noise reduction is a major component to acoustic ceilings, it is not the only advantage acoustic ceilings offer. When acoustic ceiling tiles are suspended from the ceiling grid, they are definitely handy for concealing wires and pipes, and also allow easy access to those utilities when a repair or a remodel is needed.

Acoustic ceilings have been seen as a style that went out long ago. But over the years, the acoustic ceiling industry has changed. This style of ceiling is no longer relegated to that boring, plain style of ceiling tiles that were found in department stores or government buildings. These days, acoustic ceilings offer various colors and styles that can bring in a wide variety of options that range from conventional perforated surfaces to textures that look like slate, stucco, or materials with the consistency of corduroy. Ceiling tiles that interlock can create a diverse, elaborate, and decorative pattern that you can be proud of. If you are working with suspended tiles, different edge treatments are obtainable to vary the look of the tiles.

Because of these changes in the industry that offer so many options, now might be the time to replace that old acoustic ceiling that you have been thinking about remodeling. Maybe your family room lets a little too much sound through when the kids are in there being noisy and having fun. Perhaps you have one room in the house that seems to echo. Installing acoustic ceiling tiles can have a big effect on the noise level in that room that echoes.

There are many aspects to consider when choosing the tiles for the room in which you plan to install acoustic ceiling tiles. The first thing you need to decide is on is the type of tiles you will need. Style, texture, and color are things to take into consideration when you are selecting tiles. Besides these aspects, you should also consider the material properties of he tile you are planning to install. Read packaging thoroughly and find out any maintenance that might be required. For example, some tiles can be washed, some can not. If you are looking to paint your tiles, BEWARE! Most tiles are difficult if not impossible to paint properly. The holes that give the tile acoustic properties can not be filled up with paint, or the tile will lose its acoustic ceilings properties. You must also consider the range of sound-deadening capabilities. Some types of acoustic tiles make more of a difference in sound than others. These noise reduction properties all depend on the surface characteristics, as well as the weight and density of the material. The amount of noise reduction is measured by two ratings, NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) which is the noise absorbed and the CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class) which determines how well acoustic tile blocks sound through itself. The best NRC rating is up to 80 percent. The highest CAC rating is 40 to 44.

Tiles that are specified for suspended-grid systems are the most widely used products in the market today. 12-inch interlocking tiles are available, and they offer a stylish almost seamless appearance of the ceiling. A drawback to interlocking ceiling tiles is that once they are up, it is tough to restore the previous ceiling surface. Future ceiling style changes will also be tough, while if using a suspended grid, this is not the case. If it is time to repair a suspended grid, just remove the old tiles and install a new ceiling. Whatever type of acoustic ceiling you decide to install. Just know that the most important thing is to do your homework; research your plan.