Acoustical Ceiling Tiles
Sound Absorption and Fireproofing in Acoustic Solutions
Reducing our exposure to noise is important in various environments, and it’s an absolute necessity in others. In order to keep noise under control and improve acoustics in indoor spaces, we turn to sound absorbing materials. In cases where fire retardancy is of utmost importance, fire-resistant or fireproof sound absorbing materials are our best options.
Public and high-occupancy spaces require sound absorption for comfort, but the need for fireproof building materials for safety in these types of spaces is crucial. For this reason, sound absorbing materials with exceptional fire safety ratings are an attractive option.
What are Fireproof Sound Absorbing Materials?
Sound absorption products that are designed with fire-resistant materials are considered fire-resistant or fireproof sound absorbing materials. The materials at their core can withstand high amounts of heat and reduce the rate at which fires spread.
Fireproof sound insulation is often required in high-occupancy structures for the comfort and safety of all occupants. In order to understand which types of solutions are right for your project, it is helpful to know a little bit about fire ratings and acoustic standards.
Understanding Fire Ratings and Acoustic Standards
Both fire-resistant and acoustic materials undergo standard testing to determine how well the materials perform for their intended use. Fire ratings evaluate a material’s ability to withstand fire and prevent its spread. Acoustic performance metrics evaluate how materials and systems affect sound transmission and absorption.
Fire Ratings
There are a number of different standard fire rating systems used for evaluating the fire resistance of materials in the United States, and each has applications in different industries. Today, we will focus on the ASTM E84 test and the fire rating classes determined by this test.
ASTM E84
The ASTM E84 fire rating test is known as the “Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials”. It is a fire test that is used to measure a material’s ability to resist fire spread and identify the amount of smoke it produces when exposed to fire, and is an essential part of fire safety in the world of construction and building materials.
Fire Rating Classes
Tested materials are divided by fire rating class, indicating the amount of resistance they offer to flames and heat. This chart illustrates the fire resistance of each class. It also outlines the types of materials that generally fall into those classes and their common uses.
| Class | Fire Resistance | Materials | Common Uses |
| Class A | Highest Resistance – Materials can resist flames and heat for at least 1-2 hours | Non-combustible materials (e.g., concrete, steel, gypsum) | Commercial buildings, high-rise buildings, fireproofing |
| Class B | Moderate Resistance – Materials that can resist flames and heat for up to 1 hour | Materials that can withstand moderate fire exposure (e.g., wood treated with fire retardants, some types of asphalt | Residential buildings, office buildings, schools |
| Class C | Lowest Resistance – Materials that offer little to no fire resistance | Combustible materials (e.g., untreated wood, some plastics) | Low-risk areas, older buildings, homes in non-fire-prone areas |
Acoustic Performance Metrics
The ability of a material to absorb sound waves or reduce its transmission across barriers is determined through acoustic performance metrics. Like fire ratings, there are several different testing procedures, but we will focus on those related to acoustical treatment materials.
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)
One of the most commonly used metrics in determining the amount of sound a material absorbs is the Noise Reduction Coefficient. The NRC of any material is denoted by a decimal between 0.0 and 1.0, with 0.0 indicating materials that absorb no sound and 1.0 indicating materials that absorb all sound.
The NRC rating of any material will tell you how well it absorbs sound in your space. Designing spaces with a mix of materials that fall on either end of this spectrum typically results in natural sounding rooms that are not too loud or quiet.
Sound Absorption Average (SAA)
Similar to the Noise Reduction Coefficient, the Sound Absorption Average tells us how much sound a material absorbs, but uses a much broader frequency spectrum in its testing. This gives us a much clearer understanding of how well the material will perform under different circumstances. It is especially helpful in spaces that require very precise control over acoustics.
Balancing Fireproofing and Acoustic Metrics
When designing spaces that require both fireproofing and acoustic performance, we must take both fire ratings and acoustic performance metrics into account. Most safe soundproofing materials will list each in their product pages, and it is important to find materials that meet your needs in both areas. Luckily, there are a wide range of acoustic materials to choose from, and one or more of them will likely meet your requirements for both in any project.
Fire-Resistant Acoustic Products and Their Applications
At Acoustical Surfaces, we take pride in offering acoustical products for every application. Below is a list of materials that we carry, which offer both exceptional fire ratings and acoustical performance. If you need expert guidance on choosing the right materials for your project, reach out and we can help point you in the right direction.
Echo Eliminator™ Panels
The most cost-effective acoustical absorbing material for echo reduction in our line of offerings is the Echo Eliminator™ Bonded Acoustical Cotton Panel. It is made from recycled cotton and boasts a Class A fire rating, which makes it perfect for controlling echo and reverberation in homes, offices, and public spaces.
Echo Eliminator™ hung above the bar wall at the Badger Taproom in Shakopee, MN
FABRISORB™ Decorative Panels
If you’re looking for something with more aesthetic appeal in your sound control products, FABRISORB™ Decorative Panels offer both high acoustical performance and a Class A fire rating in an attractive, fabric-wrapped panel. They are perfect for use in offices, meeting rooms, hotels, recording studios and more.
Sound Silencer™ Panels
Made from Rigid Porous ARPRO Acoustical (P.E.P.P.), Sound Silencer™ Panels are Class A fire-rated panels, providing both STC and NRC performance. They are also resistant to moisture, impact, bacteria and fungi, making them ideal for gymnasiums, ice rinks, swimming pools, food prep areas, and other high humidity environments.
CFAB™ Cellulose Panels
An environmentally friendly and budget-conscious sound control option, CFAB™ Cellulose Acoustical Panels are crafted from renewable and recycled fibers to provide a Class A fire rating and impressive sound absorption performance. They also produce low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions, so choosing to use them in industrial or mechanical applications may even help you qualify for LEED certifications.
Poly Max™ Ceiling and Wall Panels
Another option with low VOC emissions is the Poly Max™ Polyester Acoustic Ceiling and Wall Panel. Providing both a Class A fire rating and impressive NRC ratings, Poly Max™ panels are non-allergenic and fungal resistant, making them perfect acoustic treatments for public spaces like schools and civic centers, restaurants and bars, sports and entertainment venues, and any other place where both aesthetic and acoustical performance are important.
Silk Metal™ Panels
Our unique Silk Metal™ Ceiling and Wall Panels are state-of-the-art, microperforated aluminum sound absorber panels that reduce echo and sound reflections. These heat-resistant acoustic panels install easily into any standard 15/16” ceiling grid to produce an elegantly smooth appearance with an excellent NRC rating.
Silk Metal™ Ceiling and Wall Panels are available in anodized or custom printing finishes, making them ideal for use in restaurants, night clubs, pro audio studios, home theaters, classrooms, hospitals, and all places where attractive sound absorption is required.
Fire safety rated Silk Metal™ wall panels being used in an office building
Melamine Foam
Melamine Foam panels are made from Class A fire-resistant acoustic foam and offer an excellent option for sound control applications. They are often used in recording studios, home theaters, offices, schools, and industrial applications that require a high performance product with a dramatic visual effect.
Benefits of Combining Sound Absorption and Fireproofing
There are some great reasons to choose fireproof sound insulation for your most-used spaces. Not only do they improve the environment acoustically, but they contribute to enhanced safety and help keep up with regulatory compliance.
Enhanced Safety
Fire-rated acoustic solutions are ideal options for enhancing fire safety and preventing the physical and mental health effects of noise exposure. Much of the unwanted noise we experience in our day-to-day lives is found in spaces where building fire safety codes require Class A solutions. Fireproof sound deadening panels effectively enhance occupant safety in these spaces.
Improved Acoustics
The reason we use high-performance acoustic materials in any space is to improve the acoustics and reduce noise exposure. Chronic exposure to noise can lead to increased stress levels, which make us less productive and can contribute to negative mental and physical effects. Improving acoustics in indoor spaces reduces noise exposure to improve speech intelligibility, provide privacy, and contribute to better overall sound.
Regulatory Compliance
As mentioned briefly before, regulatory compliance is another important reason to choose fire-resistant soundproofing solutions. Not only may your structure be subject to local fire codes, but your project may be required to adhere to the International Building Code (IBC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards, or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Fire Safety Standards. Choosing Class A rated panels can help you get there.
The Future of Safe, Sound Spaces
Acoustic safety solutions like fireproof sound deadening panels are increasingly used by companies and property owners that value the health and safety of their occupants. This trend is only expected to continue. The more we understand about the dangers of chronic noise exposure, the more we will see acoustical treatments in the spaces where we spend the bulk of our hours.
Acoustical Surfaces is dedicated to remaining on the forefront of innovations and carrying the most effective products on the planet. If you would like to learn more about your acoustic fireproofing options, reach out for a consultation.
