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

1. The specification
2. Design Considerations
3. Performance
4. Acoustics
5. Other material characteristics
6. Sustainability
7. Conformity marks
8. Material types
9. Ceiling Systems
10. Installation Considerations
11. 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

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