This might be a stupid question but...

[DDev]

My curiosity has got the best of me. I was browsing through some site and noticed a comment that stated that acoustical ceiling tiles are typically made from rockwool, and this got me to wondering what the acoustical properties of these actually are. I haven't been able to find anything out there with any data so I thought I'd ask our distinguished experts on this forum.

My reason for even thinking about this is that I need to do a little bit of spot treatment to tame the brightness of my room (and am currently short on cash). I have access to a bunch of these tiles for free and don't want to go to the effort of installing them if it is pointless.

Thanks,
Darryl.....

[Ethan Winer]

Darryl,

I think most "cheap looking" ceiling tiles are made of shredded paper. You can buy tiles made of rigid fiberglass, and the ones I've seen tend to have a thin white plastic facing. I've bought 1/2 inch thick tiles at Home Depot, and you can get them up to an inch thick elsewhere.

--Ethan

[DDev]

Thanks, Ethan. A question, though. Am I correct in assuming since they are identified as acoustic tiles that the white plastic facing is acoustically transparent? If you double layer them will you get about the same effect as having 1" of rigid fiberglass?

I estimate I would need 8-10 of these to do the treatment I have in mind for my room if I double layer them and probably wrap them inside some kind of fabric that better matches my room.

Thanks,
Darryl.....

[Ethan Winer]

Darryl,

> white plastic facing is acoustically transparent? <

Nothing is full transparent. Most plastic facings have a pattern of holes, and this determines how much the panel reflects at the highest frequencies.

> If you double layer them ... probably wrap them inside some kind of fabric <

Then why pay extra for ceiling tiles? Just get 1-inch 703, which will cost less than tiles.

--Ethan

[DDev]

As far as the comment about double layering goes, I was just trying to determine if it was feasible. I haven't found a local supplier that stocks 703. Several companies can order it for me, but the minimum order is overkill for what I need (5 ea. 2' x 4' pieces). I went by Home Depot this morning to look at these panels and they sell for $3.29 apiece, so I might just pick up some to see what affect they would have in the room before I commit to anything.

Thanks,
Darryl.....

[audio hobbit]

Hey ddev, there are severl places here in Kansas City that stock it IIRC.. not sure what kind of drive that is for ya..

[giles117]

Try Calling Owens Corning, They helped me out by giving me the number to a local rep who fowarded me to a loca supplier who called me up for my order.

Bryan Giles

[DDev]

Audio Hobbit - KC is a 3 hour drive from here. I get up there occasionally to see my in-laws, but not frequently. Just out of curiousity, do you know how much a 2x4 piece of 703 goes for up there? I have a small room that is already partially treated, I just need to tame a couple of things, so I only need about 5 pieces to do what I think I need to do.

Giles - I had picked up some local suppliers from the OC website, but they told me it would have to be ordered as they don't keep it on hand but only acquire it when needed for a specific job.

Thanks guys,
Darryl.....