Versatile and Affordable Semi-Rigid Baffles
Our fiberglass baffles are available with three distinct facing material options—durable PVC in 26 colors, sailcloth in 12 stylish shades, and fabric facings for a softer, designer look. This flexibility allows architects and designers to integrate acoustic performance seamlessly into a wide range of interior environments.
What Are Semi-Rigid Fiberglass Baffles?
Semi-rigid fiberglass baffles are ceiling-hung acoustical treatments constructed with a dense fiberglass core, typically 1.5" to 2" thick, encased in a facing material. These baffles are designed to absorb sound waves that reflect off hard surfaces in large, open areas. By disrupting the path of airborne sound, they significantly reduce reverberation time and echo.
The semi-rigid core maintains its shape while being lightweight and easy to suspend. These baffles are typically installed in rows or clusters and are spaced to maximize absorption based on the size and layout of the room. Their vertical orientation allows sound to strike both sides of the panel, increasing the surface area for sound absorption compared to wall-mounted options.
Facing and Finish Options
DDS offers a variety of finishes to meet aesthetic, performance, and durability needs:
- PVC-Faced Baffles: Our most durable option, ideal for gymnasiums, factories, or areas with high humidity. Available in 26 vibrant colors.
- Sailcloth-Faced Baffles: A more refined, textured look with 12 color options, often selected for multipurpose rooms or open offices.
- Fabric-Faced Baffles: Provide a premium appearance suitable for auditoriums, theaters, and public-facing interiors.
All facing options are resistant to mold, mildew, and dirt, and all baffles are Class A fire-rated.
Installation Methods
Semi-rigid fiberglass baffles are lightweight and easy to install, typically using one of the following methods:
- Cable Suspension: Hung from ceiling joists or structural elements using pre-installed grommets and steel wire or cable.
- T-Bar Grid Clips: Attached directly to standard ceiling grid systems for drop ceilings.
- Chain or Hook Mounts: Used for facilities that require quick install/removal or plan to adjust the layout over time.
Our team provides guidance on layout spacing and hanging methods to optimize acoustic performance and visual alignment.
Benefits of Semi-Rigid Fiberglass Baffles
- High Acoustic Performance: NRC ratings up to 1.20 help reduce reverberation and improve clarity.
- Space-Saving Design: Perfect for spaces with minimal available wall space.
- Aesthetic Versatility: Choose from multiple finishes and colors to complement your design vision.
- Durable and Lightweight: Easy to install and maintain.
- Customizable: Tailored dimensions and finishes ensure a perfect fit for your project.
Specifications
Size: Standard 24" x 48", Custom Lengths up to 120", Heights up to 48"
Thickness: 1.5" or 2"
NRC: Up to 1.20
Mounting: Ceiling suspension system (cable or direct attach)
Fire Rating: Class A per ASTM E84
Composition
Core Material: Fiberglass Board
Facing: PVC, Sailcloth, or Fabric
Common Applications
- Offices
- Churches
- Mills
- Gymnasiums
- Indoor Pickleball
- More
Frequently Asked Questions
A: They are ideal for high-ceiling environments where traditional wall panels are not effective or feasible. Commonly used in gyms, pools, manufacturing areas, auditoriums, and cafeterias, these baffles provide exceptional sound control in spaces that experience high reverberation due to large volume and reflective surfaces. They’re especially effective in reducing echo and enhancing clarity in environments with frequent public address systems, loud machinery, or high occupancy rates.
A: They can be suspended from ceilings using cable, chain, or attached to grid ceilings using clips. Depending on the structure of the ceiling and the aesthetic goals of the space, baffles may be aligned in rows, staggered, or mounted at varying heights for both performance and visual appeal. DDS provides mounting hardware and layout guidance for optimal performance, ensuring that installation is efficient, secure, and acoustically effective.
A: They reduce reverberation and echo rather than blocking sound transmission from room to room. With NRC values between 0.85 and 1.20, they absorb most sound energy that reaches them, significantly improving speech intelligibility and overall acoustic comfort. The double-sided exposure maximizes their absorption area, making them more effective in treating large rooms than single-sided wall panels.
A: Yes. While 2' x 4' is the standard size, we manufacture baffles in a variety of custom lengths and widths to suit your architectural design and acoustic needs. Whether you’re outfitting a unique venue or working around specific obstacles like lighting or HVAC ductwork, custom sizing ensures a seamless fit and optimal noise control.
A: PVC is best for durability and moisture resistance, especially in gyms or industrial settings where durability is a must. Sailcloth offers a clean, modern look and is often selected for multipurpose or commercial environments. Fabric facings deliver a soft, refined aesthetic and are ideal for performance spaces, educational settings, or corporate interiors seeking a more elegant visual integration.
A: Yes. All of our semi-rigid fiberglass baffles meet Class A fire rating standards per ASTM E84, ensuring compliance with most building codes for fire safety. This makes them appropriate for use in a wide range of commercial, institutional, and industrial applications where fire safety is a critical design consideration.
A: Absolutely. They’re a top choice for educational facilities and athletic environments due to their durability, color options, and excellent acoustic performance. They help reduce loud reverberation that can interfere with instruction or concentration and enhance the acoustic quality of physical activity areas, cafeterias, and multipurpose rooms.
A: Minimal. PVC and sailcloth facings can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent, making them easy to maintain in high-traffic or dusty environments. Fabric-facing options may be vacuumed periodically to remove dust or debris. All facings are resistant to mold, mildew, and dirt buildup, and regular inspection will ensure long-lasting performance with minimal upkeep.