a. Construction:

Ceiling panels or tiles should be of wet felted starch bonded mineral fibre construction containing not less than 82% spun mineral wool fibres and 1.5% moisture proofing agent distributed evenly throughout the tile substance. Tiles should have zero asbestos content.

Individual panels or tiles should not rely on any type of superficial applied surface coatings to improve the acoustical performance, increase density or to imporve tile sag resistance. Ceiling panels or tiles should be constructed to a density not less than 390 kg/m3 with the face fine sanded to a uniform thickness of 15mm.

Products which include heavy fillers to increase mass at the expense of % mineral fibre content should not be considered.

b. Acoustical Performance:

NRC shall be in accordance with Australian Standards and fit the range of .72 with an STC of 21 (40-44) Room to Room Method.

c. Airborne Sound Attenuation:

(Two Room Method) AS.2499 - 1981. Ceiling Attenuation Class will be not less than 43 (CAC 43).

d. Fire Hazard Performance:

In accordance with AS.1530, part 3, 1976 tests for flame spread, ignitability, heat evolved and smoke development and shall conform to the following minimum requirements.

FLAME SPREAD IGNITABILITY HEAT EVOLVED SMOKE DEVELOPMENT 0 0 0 2

e. Light Reflectance:

Paint finish should be durable vinyl emulsion providing light reflectance grade 1 (LR.1) having an 82 - 87%

f. Stability and Resistance To Sag:

Performance should be within 1/240th of the panel or tile short side dimension in a controlled environment wherein the relative humidity does not exceed 80% with a maximum temperature of 30 degrees C.

g. Fixing Provisions:

Ceiling tiles to be supplied with accurately and clean cut edges to all sides as per detailed profile required. Tight tolerances combined with proper density will avoid lipping and the like.

h. Packaging and Storage:

Tiles are to be provided in sealed cartons. Cartons are to provide full all round protection against reasonable damage and eliminate moisture entry. Store cartons prior to delivery in a clean moisture free area having continuous atmospheric conditions similar to those expected to prevail in the finished works.

2. GENERAL: Some important questions to ask before commitment:

i. Does the product conform to Australian Standards?

(Beware of products which are unable to support their compliance with Australian Test Data).

ii. Has the product been used in Western Australia, where and by who?

(It does pay to view installations and check with the installers and building owners as to any problems encountered with the product).

iii. Is the product a 'special' by way of pattern, size or detail etc.?

(If the product is special in any way, it is imperative to make a 'very generous' spare tile allowance for hand over to the building owner on completion and to gain assurance of further supply if necessary).

iv. If product is required extra over the original supply, what minimum quantity, time frame and price structure is applicable?

(All too often the real answers to these questions are at least, 'frightening'. Even if the product is presented as stock standard, it is strongly recommended that a generous quantity of spares be specified).

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v. Is there any price, time or other premium to pay for any specific pattern etc. selected from the product range?

(Some products within a range are more standard than others which often attract extra cost, more time to supply and require more spares to be specified).

vi. What lead time is required to effect delivery?

(Location of production plant, proximity to Western Australia and frequency of shipping are some factors which determine delivery capability).

vii. What limitations apply to the product?

(Manufacturers supply literature in varying formats detailing product limitations. It's prudent to ask the supplier to confirm in writing his products limitations and in particular, the fact that his product is suitable for the proposed installation and under what conditions. Only accept Australian Test Data).

viii What meaningful warranties apply to the product?

(Some products perform considerably better than others and are consequently supported by meaningful warranties. Seek written warranties confirming compliance with structual and performance specifications, suitability in the proposed works etc).

3. SOURCE AND QUALIFICATION:

The brief guides and comments contained herein have been compiled by 'Acoustic & System Sales' and reflect extensive practical experience, observation and research. The sources of information are varied and include data extracted from Europe, U.K., Japan, U.S.A. and Australia. No warranty or guarantee, either expressed or implied is herein made. By providing these guides and comments, we hope to assist the Industry to maintain a good level of quality and integrity.

4. Draft Specifications:

Draft specfications covering complete installations, suspensions, standards, procedures and the like are available for most mineral fibre ceiling systems.

For copies of 'Keypoint' or 'Full' draft specifications, phone 'Acoustics' on 9370 2440 or fax 9272 8799.