Are Acoustic Panels Effective?

Sound management is very critical in commercial spaces since the environment has to promote productivity, comfort, and a positive experience for the customer. Generally, acoustic panels have turned out to be an increasingly popular means for managing noise. However, the question remains: How effective are they? This article shows their benefits, effectiveness, and drawbacks to help you make your decision on whether the investment is worthwhile for your commercial space.

Are Acoustic Sound Panels Worth It?

Sound travels in 3 different ways, direct path (from source to listener), diffracted path (moving around an obstruction from source to listener), and reflected path (bounces around the hard surfaces in the room from source to listener). Due to this, it is recommended that sound treatments utilize a multi-pronged approach to tackle each sound path-- ABC's of acoustics (absorb, block, cover).

With today's design choices leaning towards hard surfaces as both an aesthetic and functional choice for commercial use and efficient cleaning, most shared spaces tend to have an abundance of reverberated sound/echoes. This provides a chaotic auditory environment where it becomes difficult to maintain conversations, concentrate on tasks, and have private conversations without straining one's ears.

Acoustic panels absorb reflected sound waves, reducing reverberation and echo within the space. This allows for a quieter, more comfortable space to work and concentrate in an office or a softer auditory environment that elevates the restaurant experience. Healthcare facilities also benefit from including acoustic panels by creating a more subtle and soft auditory environment for patients to relax and recover.

Given these advantages, acoustic panels can prove to be a good investment for businesses looking to improve their spaces.

What Are the Disadvantages of Acoustic Panels?

High-quality acoustic panels can be quite an investment, especially those meant for commercial spaces. There are various options with a wide-range of prices to choose from however most highly absorptive products require some sacrifice in aesthetic. While in most instances the long-term advantages generally offset this cost, businesses on very tight budgets might not be able to afford them. 

Sound absorption is also highly dependent on the type of acoustic material, available surface area, and the type of installation to provide the best results. Sometimes the best solution to a reverberation issue requires a lot more material than what is available to install onto, or a more complicated install process in order to meet the needs of the space.

Moreover, acoustic panels do an excellent job of absorbing reflected sounds within an enclosed space but they do not function as barriers to block outgoing or incoming sounds. On the other hand, when there is a real need for actual soundproofing, one might realize that acoustic panels alone cannot replace specific constructions or installations of barriers or even an upgrade in insulation.

How Well Do Acoustic Panels Work?

The effectiveness of acoustic panels mainly depends on the type of acoustic material, how much of that material is added into the space, and the placement of those panels.

Acoustic panels work best in spaces with hard surfaces—glass, concrete, and tile—all of which reflect sound waves and feed sound problems. Adding acoustical material into the space treats the reverberations at different frequencies and allows for a more targeted approach depending on the specifications of the acoustical material.

In most cases, adding any acoustically transparent product can help absorb most reverberations/echoes in a space. If specific frequencies need to be met to enhance the sound and extent of that sound (for example: a concert hall, a stage, a recording studio/hall), we recommend consulting with an Acoustical Engineer to get a better idea on what material is best, how much of it is needed, and where best to install them.

How Much Sound Do Acoustic Panels Absorb?

Acoustic panels can absorb a big portion of the sound, especially within the middle and high-frequency ranges. This includes all kinds of sounds, such as human speech and average office or restaurant noise. The noise reduction coefficient rating of a panel will define how much sound it can absorb. The coefficient is measured from 0, where no absorption occurs, to 1, where complete absorption of sound happens.

For this, an acoustic panel of very good quality would be one that has an NRC rating of 0.7 or above; in other words, the panel absorbs 70% or more of the sound hitting it. This type of absorption might significantly reduce reverberation in a room and present much quieter, more controlled acoustic space.

The actual sound absorption effectiveness, however, is predicated on variables such as the size and shape of the room, the number of panels installed, and the place of installation. Strategic placement at walls, ceilings, and all other reflective places ensures maximal effectiveness.

Do acoustic panels block incoming sound?

There is a common misconception that acoustic panels block incoming sound. The truth of the matter is that acoustic panels absorb sound in a space rather than blocking it from entering or leaving a room. A space with panels reduces echo and reverberation but doesn't provide soundproofing.

If soundproofing is desired not to allow noise to penetrate an office or a meeting room, then additional measures will have to be carried out to prevent this from happening. This could be by putting barriers for soundproofing, improving insulation in the walls, floors, and ceilings, or putting up acoustic doors and windows designed against the transmission of sound.

In summary, acoustic panels are not an absolute blockade of sound. In managing and controlling the sound environment inside a commercial space, however, they prove fantastically effective; and they offer any business an invaluably valuable tool in its acoustic management strategy.

Improve Your Business Environment with Acoustic Panels

Improve Your Business Environment with Acoustic Panels. Are you thinking of installing acoustic panels in your commercial space? Let our experts guide you through the need assessment and selection of products. We are a call away from you to make things clear, with reduced disturbances, so that our concentration stays on the business only. Get in Touch to learn more about our products and how they can benefit your space.