Acoustic Fabric Panels: A Balance of Beauty and Function
by Gerald Hynes Sontext Business ownerA popular option to
fill a theater or a hall is to use acoustic fabric panels. Not only do they
look appealing but contribute to improving the overall sound in a room. There are
certain key factors to consider before choosing the right fabric for your
paneling.
Fabric
Transparency and Functionality
The fabric must not
absorb all sounds completely. It needs to allow sound to pass through directly
into the panel behind it. Acoustically transparent fabric is necessary to
enhance the sound quality in a room. Backed fibers use paper or acrylic liners
and are normally used in direct wall coverings. This can prevent sound transfer
and more importantly they do not stretch well. The best kind of acoustic fabric panel is the ‘unbacked’
one which is both visibly and acoustically transparent. The fabrics chosen
should not have too much of an open weave and must definitely be breathable.
Not all fabrics are conducive to being used for paneling. Polyester works well
on more vertical surfaces while nylon and viscose retain too much moisture. In
humid places, this can cause the fabric panels to sag and lose form. Natural
fibers such as cotton and wool can stretch when moisture content in the air
gets high. Hydrophobic fibers are brilliant because they remain tight and
stable in all conditions.
Fabric Aesthetics and Flammability
With advancements in
technology and research, more and more architects and designers are realizing
the important role of using the right fabric to create a balanced sound. Most acoustic
fabric panels are primarily used to add to the aesthetic design of a room. Not
only do they become the focus of the room interiors but they define the design
feature of any architectural building. They are available in different prints,
colors, designs and thickness. The design is complemented by elegance and a
fine finish. Another important factor that must be considered is flammability.
The fabric must pass certain standard tests to determine how much smoke a
fabric generates when it is burning. The tests also measure the size of the
flames and how quickly the fabric burns. It can be quite dangerous to have
smoke and fire spreading quickly in a room full of people. Most fabric panels
are built to last and to perform with the highest level of acoustic performance.
Acoustic fabric panels are
very popular because they are both decorative and functional. Not only are they
durable, they look fantastic and provide a great noise control solution.
Sponsor Ads
Created on Feb 27th 2019 03:32. Viewed 502 times.