Finishes and Interiors Sector launches Specifiers’ Guide to Ceilings and Acoustic Absorbers

The document was 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. It’s intended to serve as a guide for architects, designers and installers when it comes to the criteria involved 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 effects and adhering to safety.

Commenting on the guide, Iain McIlwee (CEO of the FIS) said: “This guide brings together decades of experience from specification managers who almost instinctively know the questions on all of the aspects involved from performance, material characteristics, sustainability and environmental issues through to conformity marking, installation, maintenance and end of life.”

The guide addresses what a good specification looks like and how it should be structured. The Top Ten Tips for producing a specification are outlined. The guide also 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.

“In total, there are 36 parameters to consider in order to ensure a safe, compliant and complete specification,” concluded McIlwee. “These parameters are crucial if the specification is not to be misinterpreted and also in relation to any alternatives being assessed and checked as equal prior to approval.”

*Interested parties can download copies of the Specifiers’ Guide to Ceilings and Acoustic Absorbers by clicking here