Architectural Acoustics
Architectural acoustics is the control of reverberation in a room as well as noise insulation and reduction. Reverberation is the persistence of sound in a room resulting from continuous reflections of sound at the walls, floor and ceiling.
When reverberation time is too short, the sound may not be sufficiently loud enough in all portions of the room. Conversely, when reverberation time is too long, echoes will be present.
The optimum reverberation condition is found by comparing the volume of the room to its function. This analysis will prescribe which surfaces are to be sound absorbent or reflective.
Absorption performance of a material is reported in terms of its absorption coefficient. This coefficient is a non-dimensional value between 0-100% (where a value of 0% means no absorption and a value of 100% means total absorption). Generally, absorption performance is reported in terms of an average of absorption values from 200-2000 Hz which is the NRC or Noise Reduction Coefficient.
Gage Corporation does not employ mineral wool for sound absorption but utilizes instead a unique, paper-thin membrane, laminated onto the back of perforated tiles, to replace conventional use of 1 lb. density, 1/2” thick layers of mineral wool.
Featuring a micro perforation pattern and a laminated acoustical membrane, Gage’s flat profile panel has an NRC of 0.75 and its coffered profile is NRC 0.52.
Gage acoustical ceiling tiles achieve a Class 1 fire rating tested in strict accordance with ASTM E-84 (flame spread 15-smoke development 8).
There are no potential health hazards associated with dust or fall-off particles such as those typically found with conventional acoustical materials. Testing under extreme vibration conditions, and evaluation employing X-ray spectral analysis, has demonstrated that Gage ceiling tiles are environmentally safe.
Fire Rating
Fire rating tests made in the U.S., Denmark, Germany and England, show that Gage acoustical ceilings conform with respective Building Requirements: in the United States approved as a Class 1 material in accordance with DS 1065,1; in Germany approved as Class A2 material in accordance with DIN 4102; and in England in conformance with British Building Regulations, 1976-Regulation E15 (1) (e) (ii) for a Class 0 surface.
Improvements
Laminated acoustical membranes offer architects, designers and consulting engineers a new method for creating optimally safe interior environments. Apart from creating a greatly improved working area for installers, an acoustical membrane ensures a heathier working environment with no risk of hazardous fiber dust fall-off which may cause skin irritations and respiratory ailments for room occupants.
Gage acoustical tiles constitute a most ideal ceiling installation for health sensitive environments—hospitals, medical research facilities, clinics, and corporate environments suffering from “sick building syndrome”.
Supporting technical data is available upon request.
Maintenance
Vacuum GAGE ceiling tile surfaces with a soft nozzle brush and wash with a mild liquid detergent solution.