Specification Guide to Ceilings and Acoustic Absorbers
Specifiers’ Guide - Ceilings and Acoustic Absorbers was published by the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) in 2021.
It was written and produced by the FIS Ceilings and Absorbers working group which comprises representation from manufacturers, suppliers and contractors involved in the design, supply and construction of ceiling systems
The aim of the guide is to help architects, designers and installers through the criteria in selecting and specifying a suspended ceiling and acoustic absorber that will satisfy the performance needs of an internal space while providing the desired visual effect.
The guide addresses what a good specification looks like and how it should be structured – it even includes 10 top tips to producing a specification. It then breaks down the key performance issues around fire and acoustics and the other issues of volatile organic compounds, light reflectance, impact resistance, air permeability, wind loading, sustainability and conformity marking.
Iain McIlwee, FIS Chief Executive said: “This guide, written by industry specialists, pulls together decades of experience from specification managers who almost instinctively know the questions on all aspects – from performance, material characteristics, sustainability and environmental, conformity marking, installation, maintenance and end of life. In total, there are 36 parameters to consider to ensure a safe, compliant and complete specification. This is crucial if the specification is not to be misinterpreted and any alternatives assessed and checked as equal before approving them.”
The contents of the guide are:
- Foreword
- Introduction
- Scope
- The specification
- Design Considerations
- Performance
- Acoustics
- Other material characteristics
- Sustainability
- Conformity marks
- Material types
- Ceiling Systems
- Installation Considerations
- Top 10 reasons why ceilings fail
- Appendix: regulation and guidance documents, standards
You can download the Specifiers’ Guide - Ceilings and Acoustic Absorbers here.
For further information or for any questions please contact FIS at [email protected] or contact construction marketing communications agency Fabrick.
--FIS
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Acoustic consultant.
- Acoustic design for health and wellbeing.
- Airborne sound.
- Approved Document E.
- Ash deafening.
- Audio frequency.
- Building Bulletin 93: acoustic design of schools.
- Building regulations.
- Ceiling tiles.
- Decibel.
- Flanking sound.
- Impact sound.
- Metamaterials.
- Noise nuisance.
- Pre-completion sound testing.
- Reverberation.
- Robust details certification scheme.
- Room acoustics.
- Sound absorption.
- Sound insulation.
- Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 1: An introduction (GG 83-1).
- Sound reduction index (SRI).
- Sound v noise.
- Structure-borne sound.
- Suitable insulation can help preserve the golden sound of silence.
- Suitably Qualified Acoustician.
Featured articles and news
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.