Class B

Sound absorption classes

Sound absorption is classified according to the international standard EN ISO 11654. Classifications range from class A to class E, where class A has the highest sound absorption and class E has the lowest. When testing a suspended ceiling to the ISO standard, the depth of construction must also be recorded. A ceiling or product that is close to the soffit will have a lower sound absorption value than one that is installed further away. Without this value, the claimed classification is inconclusive.

Class B sound absorption

Class B materials are very good, having a weighted sound absorption coefficient value (a_w) from 0.80 to 0.89. Notably, they reduce noise levels, sound reflection and echoes within a room or space. But, class B absorbers are fairly low-density products which can be soft and fragile. Therefore, when accessing services above the ceiling, they may damage when handled frequently. However, OWA mineral tiles are rigid and durable. Our ceiling tiles are denser and firmer than equivalent glass wool products. Plus, our cut edges do not need resealing.

Why is sound absorption important

If an interior has minimal soft, absorbent materials, i.e. carpets, curtains and soft furnishings, the sound waves bounce off the hard surfaces and reverberate around the room. Resulting in an unpleasant acoustic environment. Thus, speech intelligibility is affected, and the room comfort is compromised. This will influence productivity, learning and relaxation. Therefore, adding a suspended ceiling, floating canopies, rafts or wall absorbers will help to reduce unwanted noise and sound within an interior. Because acoustics is an important subject, the UK building regulations created ‘Approved Document E: Resistance to the passage of sound’. This sets out the standards for walls, floors, doors and ceilings.

Benefits of class B absorbers

According to ADE, entrance halls, corridors and hallways should have a ceiling area equivalent to the floor area, offering minimum class C sound absorption. Therefore, a class B ceiling will be an excellent solution for maintaining the acoustics in such spaces. The ceiling will absorb more sound than necessary, ensuring disruption in these potentially noisy and echo-prone areas is minimal. Offices, classrooms, hospitals, retail and leisure facilities will all benefit acoustically from installing absorbent solutions.