by Brianna Crandall — November 3, 2017 — Advanced acoustic ceilings provider Rockfon, part of the ROCKWOOL Group, recently introduced its new Plenum Barrier Board, created to improve sound isolation and privacy between rooms in commercial interiors. Combining plenum barriers with the proven performance of Rockfon ceiling systems, high sound isolation — tested up to STC 52 — can be achieved between adjacent rooms without needing to build bulkheads above demountable partition systems or extend the walls to full height, says the company.
Rockfon Plenum Barrier Board’s lightweight, foil-faced, stone wool barrier installs quickly above interior partitions. It is placed vertically in the plenum above the suspended ceiling along interior walls that stop at ceiling height. Click on image to enlarge.
Gary Madaras, Ph.D., Assoc. AIA, Rockfon’s acoustics specialist, stated:
Rockfon Plenum Barrier Board helps modern buildings comply with more stringent sound isolation requirements in acoustic standards. Using ceilings alone with an open plenum above to block sound no longer meets occupants’ expectations and does not comply with performance requirements in most U.S. and Canadian acoustic standards.
CSI’s The Construction Specifier magazine’s May 31st article “Using plenum barriers to comply with sound isolation requirements” sheds some light on the subject of using these barriers for compliance purposes.
Used in either new construction or post-occupancy remediation, Rockfon Plenum Barrier Board is well suited for:
- Corporate settings between private offices and meeting rooms
- Schools and universities between classrooms
- Health-care facilities between patient, exam and treatment rooms
Rockfon Plenum Barrier Board’s foil-faced, stone wool barrier installs quickly above interior partitions. It is placed vertically in the plenum above the suspended ceiling along interior walls that stop at ceiling height. The lightweight material is said to be easy to cut and lift into position. It conforms without gaps into tight spaces around pipes and ducts, and expands and contracts with deflection. The fiber-reinforced aluminum foil facing that is applied to one side increases its sound blocking performance.
In addition to its acoustic qualities, stone wool resists humidity, fire and water, points out the company. It has no nutritional value, and therefore it provides no sustenance to harmful microorganisms or mold. These attributes and the advantages offered by Rockfon complete ceiling systems contribute to safe, healthy, sustainable, comfortable and beautiful buildings.
To learn more about Rockfon Plenum Barrier Board, acoustic stone wool ceiling products, metal ceilings and suspension systems, visit the Rockfon Web site. To learn more about optimized acoustics, see Rockfon’s brochure.
