Acoustical Ceilings Substrates 101

USG has a catalog of acoustical ceiling panels suited for a wide range of applications and performance requirements. Each product was designed to achieve balanced aesthetics and acoustics, elevating design while ensuring noise control in any environment.

There are five types of substrates offered by USG, each with its own unique makeup and benefits. Considering the array of acoustical panel options available through USG, it’s best to understand the substrate composition and ideal applications of each type of panel.

The substrates featured in USG’s acoustic panels are as follows:

Cast Mineral Fiber Panels

Construction

• Formed and baked solid in molds to create a long-lasting, abuse-resistant surface in various textures
• The substrate is color-coordinated to match the surface to mask nicks and scratches
• Orients fibers for excellent sound absorption and high noise reduction coefficients (NRC).
• Composition enhances sound blocking (CAC) and resists air passing through panel so the surface stays cleaner, longer
• Surface cleans easily with a soft brush or vacuum

Applications

• Open-plan areas with frequent plenum access that require strong NRC and CAC performance
• Enclosed areas requiring speech privacy
• Ceilings requiring long-lasting panels
• High-visibility areas that require color and/or texture options

X-Technology Mineral Fiber

Construction

• Smooth surface with high noise absorption and blocking
• Dimensionally stable with superior sag resistance
• Surface cleans easily with a soft brush or vacuum

Applications

• Open-plan areas that require strong sound absorption and sound blocking performance
• Ceilings that require a level of dimensional stability beyond that of standard water-felted mineral-fiber panels
• Designs that require a ceiling with a smooth appearance that can be cleaned easily with a soft brush or vacuum

Water-Felted Mineral Fiber

Construction

• Surface perforations aid sound absorption
• Creates a variety of surface textures
• Surface cleans easily with a soft brush or vacuum
• Lowest initial cost

Applications

• General-use areas requiring a balance of acoustical control and economy
• High ceilings out of the way of activity below with infrequent plenum access

Fiberglass Laminate

Construction

• Vinyl- and fabric-surfaced fiberglass provides superior sound absorption
• Lightweight
• Washable surface

Applications

• Open-plan areas where sound absorption is critical
• Ceilings that require a very lightweight panel
• Installations that may benefit from a washable vinyl surface

Gypsum Panel

Construction

• Face-laminated gypsum panels provide dimensional stability and sound blocking
• Vinyl face and back with sealed edges to meet federal standards for clean rooms
  • Clean Room™ Acoustical Panels can also meet USDA/FSIS requirements for food processing areas

Applications

• Regulated environments that require highly cleanable surfaces that resist the absorption of chemicals and odors
• Demanding applications subject to moisture exposure, temperature swings, and exposure to dirt and grime