Fire safety is as critical as sound performance when selecting an acoustic wall covering. While
most residential applications do not require fire rated materials, many building codes do mandate the use of fire-resistant materials in construction. For public spaces and commercial applications, fire-resistant products are generally required; they also can be a responsible idea for any occupied space. Look for Class A fire-rated materials when you need fire resistant acoustic wall treatments.
The Class A fire rating means that the materials used in the acoustic wall treatments have received the highest rating possible under the ASTM E-84, a test that measures the burning characteristics of building materials.
Class A fire-rated fabric (from Guilford of Main and CF Stinson) and eco-C-tex (our Class A-rated cotton and cellulose absorption material) are standard features of Audimute’s acoustic panels and bass traps. We take your safety seriously, and each product is designed to offer a long-lasting and safe acoustic wall covering solution in any room.
The Class A or Class One–rated designation is given only to materials that show exceptionally low surface flame spread, smoke, and heat when exposed to fire. This does not mean that the materials are completely fireproof. However, no fabric or absorption material does more than Class A-rated materials to reduce the risk of “flashover,” an instance where material exposed to high heat ignites contributing to the spread of a fire.
Class A–rated materials have been made fire resistant through changes in the material’s chemical makeup or with the application of a flame-retardant chemical.
To increase the level of fire resistance of Audimute’s portable and more economical acoustic wall treatments—sound absorption sheets and wall coverings (which are not manufactured with Class A–rated fabric), customers may treat them with a fire-retardant spray. These sprays are widely available (FireBlock and No-Burn are two examples) and generally do not affect the look (test a small, inconspicuous area first) or acoustic performance of the fabrics we use. Many of these spray-on treatments have passed the same ASTM E-84 testing as our fire-rated fabrics and eco-C-tex.
Please consult with a professional and with local authorities before installing any acoustic wall covering, to ensure compliance with the building codes and safety requirements in your area.