What acoustic rating can be achieved with aluminum ceilings?

The acoustic rating achievable with aluminum ceilings depends entirely on whether the panels are solid or perforated, and if perforated, what type of acoustic backing is used. Solid, non-perforated aluminum panels are highly reflective of sound and offer very little sound absorption – their Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) is typically very low, often below 0.10.

However, perforated aluminum ceiling panels, when installed with a sound-absorptive backing material, can achieve excellent acoustic ratings. The perforations (holes) allow sound waves to pass through the metal panel into the plenum space above. An acoustic infill material, such as a non-woven black acoustic fleece bonded to the back of the panel or encapsulated mineral wool pads placed on top of the panels, absorbs the sound energy that enters the plenum.

The achievable NRC rating depends on:

Perforation Pattern: The size, shape, and percentage of open area of the perforations influence how easily sound enters the panel.

Acoustic Backing: The type, thickness, and density of the sound-absorbing material behind the panel are critical. Thicker mineral wool pads generally provide higher absorption, especially at lower frequencies, compared to thin fleeces.

With the right combination of perforation pattern and acoustic backing (typically 1-2 inches of mineral wool or a dedicated acoustic fleece), our perforated aluminum ceiling systems can achieve NRC ratings ranging from 0.60 to 0.95 or even higher. This makes them highly effective for controlling reverberation and improving acoustic comfort in various commercial and institutional spaces.