Whether your construction project is an industrial project, medical facility, restaurant, or arts-related venue, a total acoustic ceiling is likely the best choice for you. Acoustic ceilings are becoming more and more popular in all types of spaces because they are both affordable and practical. However, before choosing an acoustic ceiling for your construction project, it’s a good idea to understand what you’ll be getting. Today, at Architectural Interior Restorations Inc., we’re discussing sound absorption (NRC) and sound blocking (CAC), and how they work together to provide total acoustics.

Total Acoustic Ceilings

NRC

A noise reduction coefficient, or NRC, is an average rating of how much sound an acoustic product can absorb. Like a sponge absorbs water, an acoustic product absorbs sound, so the NRC represents how much a product can absorb. At AIR, if a product has a rating of 0.50 or below, it is considering a low-performing product; and if the rating is 0.70 or above, it is high-performing.

CAC

The ceiling attenuation class, or CAC, is another way to rate acoustic ceiling products. However, the CAC measures how efficiently a product stops sound from transmitting between adjacent spaces. A high-performing acoustic ceiling should not only absorb sound, but also act as a barrier from outside sound coming in. A rating of 25 or lower is considered to be low-performing while a rating of 35 or higher is considered to be high-performing.

Total Acoustic Ceilings

Total acoustic ceilings that provide total acoustics combine the benefits of both NRC and CAC performances to create a ceiling that is flexible enough for today’s workspaces and effective in many different industries and environments. When it comes to noise control and creating the ideal indoor acoustic environment, absorption and noise blocking must work together because alone, they are not enough.

Is a total acoustic ceiling right for you? Contact Architectural Interior Restorations Inc. today at (216) 241-2255 or request a quote online. We have the experience to work with project managers and general contractors in all phases of construction in all industries, in the Cleveland and Akron areas.