3/16/2023
Do Acoustic Ceiling Baffles Really Work?
Do Cloud-Lite® Acoustical Baffles work?
Yes, they do! These acoustic treatments effectively solve noise problems in any large cubic volume space, making it easier for folks to converse in a loud environment.
What are Cloud-Lite Baffles?
Cloud-Lite Baffles are geometrically-shaped pads with a soft and flexible fiberglass core wrapped in fabric or film for durability and visual impact. Pioneers in the industry, MBI Products, Inc. developed the original Cloud-Lite Acoustical Baffle over 50 years ago in response to the industrial demand for versatile noise control in big spaces.
Such spaces typically have high ceilings made from hard, non-porous materials without sound absorption. This results in reverberation, a notorious factor that can impact the human auditory experience by causing strain and stress on the ears and brain. This aggravating reverberation hampers speech intelligibility and causes headaches and fatigue.
Fortunately, we can change this aspect of large interiors with a simple remediation solution using Cloud Lite Baffles. Doing so dramatically improves the acoustic quality and integrity of the space, as the baffles’ sound-absorbing core traps and ceases reverberation. Depending on room size and reflection points, this treatment vastly improves the atmosphere. Along with the input of an acoustical engineer and a thoughtful design scheme, you can’t beat this easy-to-install corrective noise cure.
How are Cloud-Lite Baffles installed?
The installation process is not complicated. Because the Cloud-Lite system involves vertical panels, integration with many lighting and HVAC fixtures is baked into the total solution. Regardless of ceiling style, Cloud Lite Baffles hang between and amongst existing structural features such as sprinkler systems, pendant lights, catwalks, and ducts. We systematically assess to ensure that the hanging panels do not interfere in the space, but rather enhance its overall potential for practical use.
What do Cloud-Lite Baffles look like?
Every installation is unique. When planning a Cloud-Lite project, suspension height is one of the first aspects to consider. The exact elevation depends on the intended visual statement and the purpose of the space. The baffles often create an artful accent designed to enhance an overarching color or architectural scheme. A hanging series of panels, sometimes in coordinating colors and rows, can be arranged to create effects, with the help of experienced installers. On the other hand, some projects require a nearly invisible installation. The panel installation requires relatively simple hardware to connect the panels to a suspension system, such as grommets, stiffeners, eyehooks, coated wire, or grid clips.
We carefully plan the appearance of Cloud-Lite baffles, but our primary goal is to reduce unwanted noise. The sound-absorbing quality of the baffles provides measurable results across various applications; they facilitate better focus in the office, more learning in the classroom, and deeper introspection at church.
This acoustic treatment solution looks good and sounds even better in use cases that include natatoriums, gymnasiums, and multi-purpose rooms in churches and schools. These spaces are typically designed and constructed without much attention to acoustics, but a retrofitted solution works beautifully and effectively, especially when entrusted to the right partner.
Why choose MBI Products?
Candidly, the MBI team is easy to work with. Our customers receive a high level of service; on-time delivery, loyalty, and accountability remain our consistent priorities regardless of project size. And proactive thinking helps us solve problems before they ever even occur.
We take our customers’ needs very seriously, but we are a fun, informal bunch. We rely on a brain trust of experts with sophisticated knowledge and experience on large-scale jobs, but we still operate with midwestern friendliness and sincerity.