The world of flooring is vast and complicated, but picking out the right acoustical ceiling tiles can also be very confusing. It helps to have someone on the scene who knows what they are talking about. The professionals here at Ozburn-Hessey are happy to step in.
How to Choose Acoustical Ceiling
What Are Acoustic Ceilings, and Why Should You Use Them?
Acoustic ceilings refer to the ceiling panelling or tiling used to either muffle or absorb sound coming from below. The use of acoustic ceiling tiles is pretty standard practice in office buildings, schools, and (since this is Nashville) recording studios and music venues. These tiles are used in order to control the amount of sound in a room, as well as how much sound gets out to other rooms.
When you’re looking to install acoustical ceiling tiles, there are two things to pay attention to: the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC), which is a measurement of how much sound the ceiling tile will absorb; and the Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC), which tracks how much sound passes through the ceiling into the spaces around it. If you want the room to be quiet and still, then you want something with a high NRC rating. If you are looking to stop the sound from escaping the room, then you are looking for something with a higher CAC number. Knowing exactly what you want your ceiling to do will make picking out the right material easier. Additionally, ceiling tiles can be used to hide pipes, wiring and other unattractive utilities that still need to be accessible.
What Are Acoustic Ceiling Tiles Made From?
As with most things building related, there are a variety of materials to choose from when it comes to acoustical ceiling tiles. The classic image most people think of is the popcorn-style ceiling that probably has asbestos in it and isn’t really used that much anymore. Currently, the most common materials used for acoustical ceiling tiles are tin, cork, fiberglass, or even traditional hardwood. Picking out the right material isn’t only a question of functionality; now you have the option of picking a material that looks nice and will help keep the sound at your desired level.
How Much Does Installing an Acoustical Ceiling Cost?
The most important question on a lot of people’s minds is the cost. After all, it’s no good to find a ceiling material that works for your needs but is out of your budget. There are several factors that will impact the cost and the best way to measure these factors is to visit a retailer. Generally, the average cost for ceiling tiles on the lower end of the price scale runs about $2-5 per square foot just for the tiles themselves. The track systems used to install the individual tiles cost a bit more, around $75. Materials on the higher end, usually the ones made of hardwoods, are closer to $10-12 per square foot.
If your home or office is just too noisy, an acoustic ceiling installation is really the only answer. The professionals at Ozburn-Hessey are knowledgeable about every aspect of acoustical ceilings and skilled in installation. When you come to us, you’re in good hands.
