When dealing with noise and echo issues, most people will look up “soundproofing” and “sound-absorbing.” Though they may seem similar, these terms aren’t synonymous, they refer to two different noise control issues. The particular sound issue that needs to be resolved will influence the acoustic treatment and correct materials to be used.
- Soundproofing This involves blocking sound from entering or leaving a room or area. It requires very dense, air-tight materials installed inside of the walls, ceilings, and floors that will reflect sound back at the source, and prevent their vibrations from penetrating the room.Some commonly used materials for soundproofing include:
- Vibration-dampening compounds like polyester batting.
- High-density barriers like Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV).
- Specialized drywall like GypSorb Perforated Acoustic Panels.
- Resilient sound isolation clips and channeling.
- Sound absorption – This method improves the sound quality inside a room by reducing echoes or reverberations by limiting them from bouncing around from hard surface to hard surface. Soft, lightweight polyester materials are applied to the surfaces of walls, ceilings, and floors that absorb those sound waves.
The materials often used for sound absorption are:- Acoustical panels made by PolySorb.
- Innovative wood wool and rock wool materials.
- Fabric acoustic panels made by SnapTex.
- Traditional acoustic foam panels or stretchable systems made by SnapTex.
Both soundproofing and sound absorption play important roles in improving a room’s acoustic environment. Selecting the appropriate materials and techniques depend on the specific requirements, a room’s function, and the types of sound that needs to be managed.
When sound waves freely bounce around an untreated room, the space winds up with echo and reverb distortion. These sound waves keep bouncing off the surfaces while colliding and mixing, to add further audio distortion and annoyance to the space.
In any space, controlling noise doesn’t have to be a complex calculation. Simply factor the room size, shape, surfaces, and the points of reflection. However, the larger the room is, the more important and extensive sound control becomes.
A preliminary way of reducing common issues with echo and reverb is to hang soundproofing polyester acoustic wall panels. These soft polyester panels can be strategically placed on walls and ceilings to trap echo and reverb.
Polyester acoustic panels enhance noise in a space in two ways:
- By absorbing sound waves – The primary acoustic purpose for polyester panels is to absorb most of the sound wave’s energy before it has a chance to bounce around. The porous construction of polyesters panel allows sound waves to enter the absorbing face and prevent them from returning back into the room.
- Scattering sound waves – A major source of unwanted noise is from sound waves reflecting back to their source, called reverb. Our PolySorb polyester acoustic panels can have complex curved surfaces or simple flat surfaces offered in varying depths, so you can absorb and diffuse unwanted sound waves around the room.
Polyester acoustic panels have become very popular and evolved over recent years. Sound engineers, architects and interior designers have developed innovative material installations and designs to address various room acoustic challenges. Polyester acoustic materials have gained prominence in sound control paneling.
Polyester is a synthetic fiber derivative from coal, air, water, and petroleum. In the manufacturing of our PolySorb acoustic panels, recycled polyester products, like beverage bottles, are used to create lightweight, versatile, and highly effective sound absorbing construction materials.
- Superior sound absorption – PolySorb polyester acoustic panels have a wide and varying range of frequencies, providing superior performance properties, especially at the low and high frequency ranges. Some polyester sound absorption panels are used to handle specific frequencies, such as low-frequency bass traps produced in music studios.
- Aesthetic enhancements – PolySorb polyester acoustic panels come in over 60 colors, can be be custom cut shapes, unique designs, your patterns, and multiple thicknesses, offering more versatility when it comes to the interior design of any interior space. You no longer need to sacrifice visual appeal for enhanced acoustic attenuation solutions.
- Smaller and lighter panels – PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are lightweight and easy to install. We even have our own patented PetClips for ease of install. Panels can be cut into various shapes and sizes to fit the room’s specific dimensions and shape. The natural lightweight properties of polyester panels make the building itself lighter while simplifying the construction process.
- Enhanced fire protection – PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are made to comply with national flame retardant and fire safety standards ASTM E84.
- Environmentally friendly – A PolySorb polyester acoustic panels is made of eco-friendly and recyclable materials, making them a more sustainable product than conventional solutions. PolySorb polyester acoustic panels have 100% VOC free emissions.
- User friendly – PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are non-allergenic, non-toxic, and chemical-irritant-free.
- Pleasing tactile quality – PolySorb polyester acoustic panels add a softness and warmth to the room that can be both seen, heard, and felt.
- Cost – A high-quality polyester acoustic panel can be a bit more expensive upfront than other traditional materials, however this can be offset by their durability and lifespan.
- Non-recyclable – Some polyester panels aren’t recyclable, making them a less sustainable end-life product.
There are several factors to consider when determining whether a polyester acoustic panel is of top quality.
Uniformity
Is the first panel just like all the others and, also important, is each individual polyester acoustic panel consistent within itself?
One of the main distinctions of an inconsistent manufacturing process is that one panel may not look exactly like the others. When you are dealing with a large interior project, even minor inconsistency problems can stand out when looking at all of the panels in one section. The nature of the panel manufacturing process makes its impossible for panels to be exactly identical, but the closer they are, the better, and we strive for perfection.
Blending Consistency
The consistency of colors in a panel is one of the first things to obviously stand out. Some panel colors will have a striation of color blending. This is from the process of blending two or more colors together to achieve the full color. There should be no clumps of color and everything should be evenly spread out across the panel face from edge to edge. Add link to PDF
Thickness Consistency
Another noticeable attribute comes when comparing the thickness of multiple panels. When test placing panels next to each other in a line, check to see if the panels are a consistent thickness.
The thickness of each panel is a major driver of its acoustical absorption capability. Thicker is better and we strive to make each panel as close to the other as possible.
Stiffness
Many applications for polyester acoustic panels, such as space dividers, require very rigid panels. Make sure to check if the panel is stiff enough for your proposed use. Is each panel consistent? Test from one corner to another or from one surface side to another. Many manufacturers struggle with getting enough consistent heat all the way through the panels to fully activate the low-melt fibers. This is especially evident on the thicker panels. Often, a competitor’s inferior panel will have a soft center and two harder surface faces when you look at the panel from the side. When this happens, the panels tend to not hold mounting systems or hardware very well and also may collapse and bend easily when held from only one side. This will destroy the panel aesthetics by creating unwanted wrinkles on the surface.
All polyester acoustic panels should have an NRC value, and most brands specifications will.
Different vendors may look the same but could have vastly different ASTM C423 results. Be aware though, there are different variations of the ASTM C423 test. These range from “A” mount where the acoustic panel is placed and sound tested directly on a cement floor. This will have a score a lower NRC number. Then there is the “E” mount where the panel is suspended several inches in the air which will yield a higher NRC number. Reference numbers that make sense to your mounting method.
Either mount method of ASTM C423 testing produces an NRC value average of performance at different frequencies. If you have a specific acoustical profile or sound frequency level that you trying to mitigate, then make sure to review the test charts and compare performance of that specific frequency.
The ASTM E84 certification uses a combination of flame spread and smoke generation tests. Probably the most important certification for applications that are considered “building materials”. Not all applications require this certification, but most suppliers will have their acoustic panels tested to this specification.
There can be several results possible from the flame spread portion of this test. The generally accepted standard is “Class A”. If your application requires this test then be sure to look for this designation.
Not all ASTM E84 tests or the testing labs are equal. Be wary of using unknown foreign laboratory results. There are stories of vendor-provided lab test results looking good but when they’re independently tested the panels fail miserably.
Since there can be heavy legal penalties involved in failing this test, a lot of customers will independently test using a United States certified lab.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels pass ASTM C1338 fungal growth testing. The non-toxic, and non-allergenic PET compositions works great in medical clinics, schools, manufacturing, athletics, pool and marine, and other spaces where air quality and occupant health take priority.
Now that you are aware of the critical parts of a quality polyester acoustical panel, it is easier to identify what to look for in a manufacture and distributor as well. For most buyers, a consistent, high-quality polyester panel is mandatory and enough. Other normal questions to inquire about are minimum order quantities, lead times, and, of course, price. Other factors to consider that not every PET acoustic panel distributors can provide. Like their ability to customize panels, quantities, shipping times, etc. Another important aspect of distributor capability are they someone you can build a lasting relationship with, someone with a history in the market place.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are manufactured using a specialized process that includes sourcing materials, needle punching, then baking the blend of low and high melting-point polyester fibers. This creates a very dense fibrous structure that effectively absorbs sound and reverberation. The PolySorb polyester acoustic panels is available in three main thicknesses – 1/2”, 1”, 2”, and some special 2.75.
When sound waves hit a polyester acoustic panel, the fibers within the panel absorb the waves trapping them so they cannot easily return into the main space. This is known as sound absorption, and it helps to reduce the intensity of the sound waves, making the environment quieter and more comfortable. Polyester acoustic panels are very effective in environments with a lot of hard surfaces, such as windows, walls, floors, and ceilings, where sound can easily bounce and reverberate.
- Improved Sound Quality: PolySorb polyester acoustic panels enhance sound quality by reducing echoes and reverberations
- Noise Reduction: These panels effectively reduce noise levels, making the environment easier to focus in, relax in, and enjoy peace and quiet in.
- Aesthetic Appeal: PolySorb polyester acoustic panels come in a variety of 60 colors, and many sizes and thicknesses, allowing you to choose a standard design or custom cuts that complements your existing decor and enhances the visual appeal of your space.
- Easy Installation: PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are lightweight and easy to install, making it simple to transform any room into a noise-free zone without the need for professional help. Our patented PetClips make it very simple.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are versatile and can be used in a variety of spaces, including residential homes, commercial offices, recording studios, theaters, classrooms, recreation centers, manufacturing plants, and more. Whether you’re looking to create a peaceful bedroom retreat, a productive home office, or a professional recording studio, polyester acoustic panels are the perfect solution for controlling noise levels and improving the overall acoustic environment. They can also be used in covered outdoor environments.
The sound absorbing properties, aesthetic appeal, and easy installing PolySorb polyester acoustic panels, offer simple and effective solutions for controlling noise pollution and creating a more peaceful environment.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are made from porous polyester material. When sound waves enter past the surface of a panel, they travel back inside the material and get trapped inside the porous structure so they cannot rebound back into the room. This absorption reduces the amount of sound that can reflect back into the room, thereby reducing annoying echo and reverberation effects.
The density and thickness of a PolySorb polyester acoustic panel plays an important part in its overall acoustic attenuation performance. Thicker panels absorb lower frequency sounds more effectively, while thinner and denser boards absorb higher and mid frequency sounds better.
Further improving sound absorption and performance can be done by placing an air gap or isolating it from the wall.
Direct to wall mounted panels (A-mount testing) perform differently than panels mounted with an slight air gap behind the panel and wall/ceiling surface. The absorption coefficients listed in the technical specifications reflect direct wall mounting, which represents typical installation conditions in most commercial, offices, medical and studios.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are equally suited for high-humidity, chemically exposed environments like indoor pools and aquatic centers:
- Microbial Resistance: PET is a non-organic, moisture-repellent substrate that resists mold and mildew growth as verified through ASTM C1338-08 fungal resistance testing, PolySorb polyester acoustic panel achieved the highest possible rating of zero fungal growth.
- Chemical Resistance: PET is chemically stable and highly resistant to airborne chloramines and cleaning agents. Unlike metal and organic-based products, like rock wool, it will not corrode, oxidize, or break down over time, ensuring long term performance and maintained visual appeal.
The 2-inch panel absorbs 1.03 to 1.15 coefficient values from 500Hz to 1000Hz, targeting the mid frequency range of music, environmental and crowd sounds, eliminating the harsh reflections that reduce vocal intelligibility and causes muddy music.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels contain 65% post consumer recycled polyester fiber and 35% PET virgin fiber. No binding agents, no formaldehyde, no chemical irritants. PolySorb polyester acoustic panel passes VOC emissions testing per CDPH Standard Method v1.2. and are 100% recyclable after they are done being used.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panel passes ASTM C1338-08 fungal growth testing. The non-toxic, non-allergenic composition works in medical clinics, schools, and other spaces where air quality and occupant health take priority.
The semi-rigid fibrous surface accepts pushpins/tacks without compromising PolySorb polyester panel acoustic performance, and allowing attachment of papers, artwork, or changing displays in offices, classrooms manufacturing floors.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels balance affordability, architectural appeal and customization options that support progressive designed interiors and LEED support:
- Available in over 60 colors, plus custom-printed graphics or photo-quality imagery on a custom order basis
- Tackable surface ideal for workspaces, event centers, restaurants, classrooms, etc.
- Engravable for added visual texture, branding, or artwork integration
Why is this a value?
The value of PolySorb polyester acoustic panels varies based on several key factors. These include the following points:
● Affordability: If you’ve been looking for an affordable PET acoustic material, a PolySorb polyester acoustic panel is great. Its value for money helps keep the overall cost of your new acoustic panels down, providing an excellent option for large and small-scale projects alike.
● Excellent for high, mid and low frequency sounds: While every material is unique, PolySorb polyester acoustic panel are ideal options to consider for use with all frequency sound absorption. Pick the right thickness for your environment based on lab tests.
● Stunning aesthetics: if style and aesthetic appeal are important to your build project, PolySorb polyester acoustic panels will be an excellent solution. PolySorb polyester acoustic panels look amazing as is, or provide a great canvas on which to decorate. Custom cuts and configurations available.
Absolutely! Our acoustic panels absolutely work as tested and when used as directed. Acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound waves, which in turn reduces echo, reverb, and unwanted rebounded noise in a room. Less boom in the room and reduces noise mess makes for more comfortable and productive work and play environments.
Whether you’re treating a residence, apartment, home or commercial theater, or office space, PolySorb polyester acoustic panels will make a noticeable difference in speech and music clarity, mix accuracy, and overall listening quality.
Yes, we ship PolySorb polyester acoustic panel samples as well as fabric color swatches from our sister company SnapTex.com. Please go to https://www.polysorb.com/order-samples/ to order the colors you would like. Verifiable persons can order our swatch box with all 60 colors.
Absolutely! PolySorb polyester acoustic panel are commonly used in offices, conference rooms, medical facilities, board rooms, restaurants, recreation and community centers, classrooms and more to reduce echo and improve speech intelligibility by absorbing excess environmental and mechanical sound and reverb, PolySorb polyester acoustic panels make it easier to hear and understand spoken words and music, even at lower volumes.
Acoustic panels don’t block sound, they absorb it to keep it from bouncing around a room. PolySorb polyester acoustic panels reduce echo and reverb inside a room but are note intended to keep sound from entering. For soundproofing, you’ll need materials designed to block sound transmission like mass loaded vinyl, or decoupled wall systems. Call us for a consultation on your specific needs. We have answers and referrals.
The best placement depends on your room size, use of the space and outcome goals. For general noise reduction and greater comfort, a minimum 20–30% covering of your wall and/or ceiling will dramatically improve your space. For greater intent areas like recording studios, home theaters, class rooms, hospital rooms community center and houses of worship, focus placement on:
- Front wall behind speakers and lecture podiums.
- Back wall behind the audience listening position.
- Side wall reflection points and near windows.
- Ceiling above your desk or restaurant seating areas.
- Diffusers, like ceiling baffles, at key reflection points for natural clean sound.
Most definitely! We distribute to customers across every industry — on the residential level up to grand concert halls.
To get the best sound performance, we use acoustically transparent fabrics and materials that lets sound pass through easily so that the core PET panel do its work.
If you are looking for a fabric wrapped solution, our professional-grade acoustical fabric system is handled through our sister company SnapTex.com.
In addition to our standard 4’ x 9’ panel sizes, we offer larger and custom-sized acoustic panels for unique spaces, specialty builds, and large-scale projects with MOQ. Contact us with your custom dimensions and design request. We are creative and experts in the field.
We have over 60 standard colors to choose from. But you are not seeing what you want, just reach out and let us know what you need and we can create a custom color and sizes with MOQ.
Our light weight and rigid panels are acoustic foam, there are several easy mounting options, including double-sided adhesive squares, spray adhesive, and our patented PETClips. It depends on how long you want the panels to remain installed as to what method to use.
Most acoustic panels are easy to install with basic tools and a little DIY experience. For more complex systems with very high ceilings and wall runs, a professional is advised as they know how to get up to those heights and manage the panels. The panels can be custom cut to shape too, but a skilled installer is highly recommended.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are very low-maintenance and built to last many years with proper care. Click here for cleaning PDF.
Here are some general tips:
- Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Try not to push dirt into the panel surface
- Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to gently pull dirt away
- Clean gently with compressed air at an angle so you are not pushing dirt into the panel
- Spot clean with minimal moisture and dry immediately so new dirt doesn’t stick
We specify custom PolySorb polyester acoustic panels tailored to your exact dimensions, layout, colors and design vision. Custom shaped and angled walls and ceilings, a unique room layout, a specific aesthetic, or an effective baffle and cloud system, we can create panels that fit perfectly and enhance the architectural forms.
Choose from over 60 colors and 4 thicknesses to compliment your space without sacrificing performance.
Some panel face patterns are directional and may look different when rotated and in different lighting. Always check to make sure you have the correct side facing out and check pattern orientation before installation. Consult with our PolySorb team for more assistance and explanations.
Complete our website contact form https://www.polysorb.com/contact/ and our customer support team will answer your questions and walk you through options. Refer to our sister company SnapTex for this type of PolySorb polyester acoustic panels.
Straight generic impaling clips can be used with panels of any size, but can only be used on the thicker panels so the tip doesn’t come out of the front panel face. Standard impaling clips should also use a Loctite type of adhesive for a more permanent install. If you think you may be removing or repositioning the panels later, do not glue them. Screws, adhesive and clips are sold separately. Angled impaling clips do not require adhesive and screws are included.
Both standard and angled impaling clips are designed for vertical wall mounting applications. For ceilings and non-vertical mounting applications, please use our patented PETClip™ anchor system.
If you are unsure of how many panels, baffles or clouds are needed, we recommended you fill out our online quote request form.
Provide use with the dimensions of the room (length, width, and height) and the materials used in your room (drywall, concrete, wood, etc). Providing a couple of photos and your plan set will also be helpful.
You sure can if you are using the right tools and follow the measure twice, cut once rule. The panels are light weight and easy to work with, but the material is heat sensitive and will melt under excessive heat created by blade friction. Best way to cut them is with very sharp and thin blades.
Our PolySorb polyester acoustic panels can be cut to fit in an existing ceiling grid. Call us for a consultation on this to be sure your system will work before you order panels.
Panels are shipped to our Seattle Warehouse. Call for deliver and pick up options.
We offer our panels, clouds and panel kits in 1/2”, 1”, 2” and some 2.75” thicknesses.
- 1/2” thickness is ideal for spaces with minimal people and low noise emission. It is a great thickness for partitions and simple applications.
- 1”, 2” and 2.75” thickness is suited to commercial spaces such as restaurants, offices, houses of worship and auditoriums. Ideal for maximum absorption per square foot of space.
You will receive an order confirmation email once you place your order. Once your order ships from our warehouse, you will receive another email with tracking information.
Soundproofing aims to prevent sound from entering a room, like blocking noise from neighbors. However, PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are not intended to be sound proofing panels. They will muffle sound and also help to keep your noise lower and less transmittable.
1. Airborne Noise travels through the air, like conversations, TV sounds, sirens, tools etc. When sound waves hit a structure, they cause vibrations that transmit through the structure.
2. Impact Noise results from physical impacts on buildings, like footsteps, slamming doors, moving furniture, dropping weights. Impact noise can be harder to isolate, as these heavier vibrations are stronger and travel further through dense materials.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are the best choice of sound mediation soft materials for clinics, hospitals, concert halls, schools, offices, community spaces and any commercial interiors. They are safe and offer long-term durability that matters as much as their acoustical performance. Polyester (PET) acoustic panels have become a trusted option because they are safe to handle, resistant to wear, and manufactured with strong sustainability benefits.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are manufactured from compressed polyester fibers that when heated form a simple bonded, non-irritant surface. They do not shed particles and do not require protective clothing or special handling to install or remove. They are the perfect VOC free panel for environments where safety and comfort are essential. For architects, sound engineers and builders, this assures that the material meets modern building and indoor-air-quality expectations.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are extremely shelf and install stable and resist the common issues found in some other building materials. They do not warp, crack or degrade, and they maintain their shape long after installation. This reliability makes PolySorb polyester acoustic panels ideal for high-use, noisy areas such as gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms, hospitals, offices and community facilities.
- Moisture resistant – maintains shape in humid conditions. Even outdoors but not in direct rain locations.
- Impact resistant – suitable for schools and public spaces like parking garages.
- Low maintenance – easy to clean and does not require repainting and can be cleaned with a low pressure hose outdoors or in a garage type situation.
With a long lifespan and minimal upkeep required, PolySorb polyester acoustic panels provide strong value over the life of a building for better ROI.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are manufactured from recycled PET fibers, turning recovered materials, like beverage bottles, into long-lasting acoustic remediation solutions. And at the end of their service life, they can simply be recycled again, supporting circular-economy healthy earth practices.
Where PolySorb polyester acoustic panels Are Most Useful
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are versatile and suitable for:
- All ages of classrooms and higher learning facilities.
- Open plan offices with meeting rooms, think tanks, concentration areas.
- Houses of Worship, community halls and multipurpose venues.
- Hospitality interiors, restaurants and cafés
- Studios, rehearsal rooms, concert halls, museums and training facilities.
Their durability and safe surface make them ideal for everyday environments with constant activity.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels provide a combination of safety, stability and sustainability to suit today’s architectural, sound mediation and environmental standards. Whether used on walls, ceilings, baffles or clouds, they offer long-term performance with minimal maintenance and help get your LEED Certificate.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are zero-VOC, non-irritant and have a bonded surface that will not slough off material, making them suitable for schools, offices and public spaces the same.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels quality PET are manufactured and tested to meet all relevant and current fire-safety standards.
PolySorb polyester acoustic panels are shelf and install stable, impact and moisture-resistant, do not warp, crack or crumble, making them suitable for long-term use in most any environments.