Acoustic Ceilings

Highly light reflective, acoustic tiles let more available light reflect back into the room, and save money in utility costs. The panels come in different levels of humidity resistance, reflectivity and fire resistance.

The system is flexible and can be installed in most rooms. A grid of extruded metal is hung by wire loops from the true ceiling with a panel resting in each rectangle. Fluorescent lighting easily drops into any square since the entire lighting fixture is a single unit. If dust, smoke or soil should mar the finish, the panels are easily cleaned. They are impact resistant and, if they are damaged, can be replaced easily in a matter of minutes.

Some acoustic tiles can even absorb sound. Many times, rooms with hard ceilings have a lot of echoes. This can be muffled by adding an acoustic ceiling.

Acoustic Ceiling Options

Acoustic ceilings come in two basic styles. A dropped or suspended ceiling is more common. It consists of 2 x 2 foot or 2 x 4 foot tiles dropped into an interlocking metal grid suspended from the structural ceiling. Glued ceilings are tiles (usually 1 x 1 foot tiles) glued directly onto the structural ceiling. Both offer sound-proofing qualities and can cover-up existing damage, but only suspended ceilings will hide any exposed ducts, pipes and wires.

For a departure from all-too-familiar white suspended ceilings, check out commercial varieties in checkered, striped, and burlap textures.

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Acoustic Tile Sizes

Most glued tiles are 12 x 12 inches. Suspended ceiling panels usually come in 2 feet x 2 feet or 2 feet x 4 feet panels. The larger panel is less expensive and takes less material to put it up. Installation is generally faster, too.

All styles will conceal a damaged ceiling and reduce noise. The standard color is white or off-white; however, they all come in many designs and patterns. If you want color, you can paint the panels.

A standard ceiling is all white with little or no texture. Most panels and tiles are anywhere from a half an inch thick to 5/8 of an inch. Designer panels come in a wide array of textures and styles, but also only one color: white. (You can paint them if you want color!) Manufacturers create sound absorbing panels by adding holes in them. They also make panels with insulation, which consist of a vinyl surface backed with about a half inch of fiberglass. The insulation is not a lot (only about an R-3), but if you have a drafty attic, it'll help.

Some manufacturers also create fire-rated panels that are treated with a fire retardant. The panels themselves are not fireproof, but they should provide you with about 20 minutes of protection.