Acoustic tiles ideal for decoration and less noise

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33263, 28 June 1973, Page 10

Acoustic tiles ideal for decoration and less noise

Tiles Acoustic tiles are designed for use in rooms where noise is a problem or when an attractive, decorative effect is required. These requirements can cover a very wide range of buildings, and include private homes, schools offices, factories, theatres and assembly halls. In all of these,' Acoustic tiles have been used with great success and with a marked reduction in sound level.

In many cases they are used purely for decoration. Two types of ceiling pattern are shown on this page. Working qualities

While there is a slight amount of expansion and contraction with Acoustic Tiles, there is no need to make special provision for it.

Firstly each tile is comparatively small in area, and secondly because they are tongue and grooved any slight movement will not be seen.

Acoustic tiles are light in weight and very easy to handle and although most often used .as illustrated, they can also be used to advantage. In conjunction with sheets of insulating board and in conjunction with panels. These are also tongue and grooved and are available pre-fin-

ished to blend or contrast with acoustic tiles.

It is important where any wall or ceiling is entirely covered with acoustic tiles, that the timber used in the erection should be perfectly dry and ventilated, otherwise conditions may be set up that may cause considerable deterioration in the general appearance of the finished wall or ceiling.

Tiles should not be erected under “wet” conditions, i.e. where the building is not closed in, or where timber is wet, or where green concrete, fresh laid brickwork or wet plaster work is present . Erection The tiles are fixed on to 2in.xlin. batterns. which are fixed at 12in. centres, across the ceiling joists, or to solid nogging cut between purlins, joists or studs. Where the spacing of the joists, studs, etc., exceeds 20in. heavier battening should be used.

Cross battening is not necessary. Stapling is done every 4 to 5 inches, through the flange edge, which runs parallel to the battens. When fixing battens allow for cutting (if required) of first and last rows of tiles, so that there is an even margin, Start the first row against the wall to a line and complete each row before start-

ing the next. Cut first and last tiles (if required) to even the margin. Work from right to left along the row, with the flange of the 12in. width on the left. Put one staple through this flange into the preceding batten. The scotia or cornice will hold the edges of tiles butting against the walls. Use 9/16in. staples for 'Jin. tiles and jin. staples for 4in. tiles.

Fit firmly hand tight only. “Starkie” metal clips are held against the flange, with the tile in position, and tin. flat-headed galvanised wallboard nails are driven through the holes provided into the battern or timber work. The tiles can be fixed to solid plaster with a good mastic, provided that the ceiling or wall is true and free from loose paint or plaster. Follow maker’s instructions regarding use of mastics or adhesives. On brick or concrete construction, walls and ceilings

should be plugged and battened as above. Tiles are conditioned when manufactured and can be erected straight from cartons without any further conditioning.

With normal painting (under coat then finishing coat) it will be necessary to seal the surface first with Plastiseal or some similar product. The simplest treatment, however, is to use a resin emulsion or plastic paint. With this finish it is not necessarv to size or seal the board first. A pamphlet is available containing the recommendations of the major paint manufacturers in respect to the painting of wallboards. This is readily available from all Wallboard stockists. There are no jointing problems with acoustic tiles. All joints are completely concealed and no time-wast-ing filling, stopping or plastering is involved.