Acoustical Ceiling Tile Types

Acoustical Ceiling Tiles

• Acoustical ceiling tiles are used to reduce the echo or sound within a room and between adjoining rooms. The tiles are available in a wide range of color and texture options, with the most common being white textured tiles. Fiberglass, mineral fiber, melamine acoustical foam and wood fiber tiles are available, as well.

Uses

• Acoustical tile ceilings are used in commercial locations and educational settings to reduce noise, improve the occupants’ ability to hear clearly and create a more comfortable environment. The tiles are also used in residential locations for home offices, home theaters, basements or to insulate against the noise of budding teen musicians. Ceiling tiles used in basements reduce the amount of noise that makes its way to the floor above. In homes with high, vaulted ceilings and lots of hard surfaces, acoustical tiles help to reduce the echo in the space. If using tiles in areas of high humidity, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms or basements, vinyl-laminated or melamine foam tiles are suitable choices.

Suspended Ceilings

• Acoustical tiles are often fitted into a suspended grid, forming a dropped ceiling. The grid consists of metal frames with channels to accommodate the chosen tiles. The suspended ceiling conceals ductwork and wiring. In rooms requiring good sound insulation, sound batts are available to install above the tiles for added insulation. Metal frames made up of grids to accommodate the tiles are available in brass, chrome, wood grain or white, with white frames being the most common. If overhead lighting is needed, lighting panels are available to fit into the grids, as well.

Fixed Tiles

• Fixed tiles are fitted directly to the ceiling. Only ceilings that have a solid, level surface with few cracks are suitable for fixed tiles. The tiles are stapled or glued to the ceiling. Some tiles have protruding edges that increase the surface area, providing high sound absorption. Fixed tiles in conjunction with acoustical wall panels give good noise insulation with improved sound quality for home theaters.