Question 1

What is the difference between an acoustic raft and an acoustic baffle?

Accepted Answer

A raft is a flat panel hung horizontally below the structural ceiling. A baffle hangs vertically, often in a repeated row. Both add sound-absorbing surface without enclosing the entire ceiling. The useful choice depends on room height, where sound is generated, available fixing points, service routes and the visual effect the designer wants. Some rooms use more than one treatment.

Question 2

How much of the ceiling needs to be covered?

Accepted Answer

There is no safe universal percentage. Coverage is calculated from room volume, existing surface finishes, occupancy, the target reverberation time, panel performance and mounting height. A manufacturer's absorption data is a starting point, not a promise of a particular result in every room. The acoustic designer should calculate the required area and confirm the layout before an order is placed.

Question 3

Will rafts or baffles stop noise travelling between rooms?

Accepted Answer

They primarily reduce reverberation inside the room where they are installed. They do not replace a properly detailed separating wall, door or floor when the aim is to stop sound passing between rooms. If privacy or sound insulation is the main concern, an acoustic partition and flanking-path review may be needed alongside room absorption.

Question 4

How are rafts and baffles fixed to the building?

Accepted Answer

Approved suspension wires, brackets or carrier systems connect the panels to suitable structure above. Fixing type, spacing, load capacity and any secondary support follow the chosen manufacturer's installation guidance and the structural design. The existing slab, beams, services and fire strategy must be checked before drilling or setting out suspension points.

Question 5

Can acoustic baffles share space with lights, sprinklers and ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but their positions must be coordinated. Panels must not obstruct sprinklers, access panels, smoke detection, luminaires or the designed airflow. We review the reflected ceiling plan and services drawings with the relevant designers and trades, then agree clearances and hanger positions before installation.

Question 6

Are acoustic rafts and baffles fire rated?

Accepted Answer

Reaction-to-fire classification depends on the particular panel, finish and suspension assembly. A product's acoustic class does not establish its fire classification or make an existing ceiling fire resistant. The specifier must check the current test evidence, project fire strategy and any requirements for the complete assembly before selecting a product.

Question 7

Can they be cleaned or replaced later?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning and replacement methods depend on the surface and manufacturer. Some products permit careful vacuuming or wiping while others require specialist care. Access to the suspended panels and services above should be planned into the layout, and the operations manual should identify the installed system and its maintenance instructions.

Question 8

Can you install them in a listed or occupied building?

Accepted Answer

Potentially. In a listed building, fixing into protected fabric needs consent and a project-specific conservation approach; a suspended solution is not automatically non-invasive. In occupied buildings we plan access equipment, noise, dust and safe work zones around users. Final methods depend on the building survey and the agreed programme.

Question 9

What drives the cost and lead time?

Accepted Answer

Panel area, shape, finish, suspension height, structural access, working hours and coordination with other trades all affect cost. Standard products and made-to-order colours or shapes have different lead times. We price against the design and current supplier availability rather than quoting a single rate per square metre or promising a fixed delivery date without a specification.

Question 10

What information do you need to prepare a proposal?

Accepted Answer

Send a room plan and sections, photographs, the intended use and occupancy, any reverberation target or acoustic consultant's report, and the reflected ceiling and services drawings if available. We can then discuss product options, access constraints, sequencing and which performance decisions still need to be made by the designer.

Acoustic Rafts & Baffles in Sheffield

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Our acoustic rafts & baffles portfolio

Aston Students' Union: Acoustic Rafts and Timber Ceiling Refurbishment

Barnsley College: full refurbishment across four levels

Glenair Mansfield: Office Fit-Out and Factory Acoustic Strategy

Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery: Acoustic Rafts and Ceiling Works

Peterborough College: Acoustic Rafts and Suspended Ceilings

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