Akouo Acoustics FAQs

  • How much acoustical treatment do I need to achieve optimal acoustic sound?
    Akouo Acoustics can do an acoustical analysis on your space and provide you with the recommended acoustic treatment to optimize the sound quality in your space. Please contact us so we may assist in helping you pick the right product for your application.

    What is NRC?
    NRC stands for Noise Reduction Coefficient and is a standard rating for how well a material absorbs sound. NRC ratings range from 0 to 1. An NRC of 0 means the product absorbs no sound; an NRC of 1 means the product absorbs 100% or all sound. Thickness and density of a product are two factors in calculating NRC.

    What is STC?
    The Sound Transmission Class (STC) is a single number rating of how many decibels of sound are blocked by a panel. A higher STC rating blocks more noise from transmitting through a panel.

    How is NRC different from STC?
    NRC is a measurement of how well a product absorbs sound, while STC measures how well a product blocks sound from escaping the room. If you are in a noisy room like a gymnasium, you want a product with a higher NRC on the walls or ceiling to make the room less noisy. An STC rating is important when you want to limit the transmission of sound through a wall or from one room to another. The higher the STC rating, the less the sound will transmit through a barrier say, from one classroom to another. A good application for a high STC material would be a music room that is adjacent to a classroom. In this application you want as little sound to transfer from the music room to the adjacent classroom.

    What are the lead-times for your products?
    Our lead-times vary depending on which of our Acoustic Product Collections you are considering.
    Please contact us so we may assist you.

    Who is my local contact?
    Please refer to our Rep Locator to find your local Akouo Acoustics sales representative.

    Are product samples available?
    Yes, please email us directly to request product samples.

    What is the warranty for your products?
    GiosFelt Collection: 3-year manufacturer’s defect warranty
    WoodLine Collection: 1-year manufacturer’s defect warranty
    Livello Collection: 1-year manufacturer’s defect warranty

  • Does digital printing decrease the acoustical value of GiosFelt?
    No, the acoustical value remains the same. Digital printing and does not fill in the air gaps in the fibers that allow sound absorption.

    Can GiosFelt panels be digitally printed on both sides?
    Yes, although the digital printing fee would be doubled per panel.

    What is GiosFelt made of?
    9mm GiosFelt is made of 60% recycled PET, which is a combination of regular and low melt polyester fibers, giving it a stiff, board like feel. 12 mm GiosFelt is 100% virgin polyester fiber with no added adhesives in the manufacturing process.

    Is GiosFelt recyclable?
    Yes, GiosFelt is fully recyclable at the end of its cycle. GiosFelt does not give off any VOCs.

    How do I clean GiosFelt?
    Remove spills immediately using damp, clean cloth. Dab GiosFelt with a clean, soft white cloth dampened with a mild solution of liquid detergent and warm water. Repeat using only clean water, then pat dry with a lint free cloth. Avoid using wax polishes, solvents or concentrated abrasives. For more difficult stains, dampen a soft white cloth with a solution of household bleach (10% bleach / 90% water). Dab gently. Repeat using only a clean, water dampened cloth to remove bleach concentration, then pat dry with a lint free cloth. Always test in an inconspicuous area first. If care instructions don't deliver the expected results, cease cleaning method immediately and contact Akouo Acoustics for assistance.

  • How are WoodLine products finished?
    WoodLine products are finished with two coats of clear poly-acrylate UV enhanced lacquer. Other sheens and custom stains are available for an additional charge.

    Is WoodLine a solid wood system or a veneered system?
    All WoodLine products incorporate a class A fire rated, no added urea formaldehyde core, with a finished wood veneer face and a back-balancing veneer.

    What veneer options are available?
    We offer 24 standard veneers, but many exotic or custom species are available as well. Contact your local Akouo Acoustics sales representative to discuss all veneer options.

    Can WoodLine be used in exterior settings?
    Yes, but they need to be used under overhangs and cannot be perforated. A special exterior grade core is used in place of the standard MDF core and additional finishes are added to withstand the exterior environment.

    Is WoodLine recyclable?
    Yes, WoodLine is fully recyclable at the end of its cycle, with no added urea-formaldehyde.

    How do I clean WoodLine?
    Panels should be vacuumed with a non-marring, natural bristle head. Avoid using short or hard bristle heads, as damage can occur. After removing the dust, you should restore the woods beauty by wiping panels with a quality furniture polish such as lemon oil. Do not spray polish directly onto the panel. Instead, apply the polish to a soft, dust free cloth and wipe the panels lightly. Avoid using water or a damp cloth as this may affect the stability of the veneer surface.

    The intervals of cleaning will depend on the conditions of your building. We recommend cleaning the panels at least once a year, but as noted, your building conditions may require more or less frequent cleanings to keep up the natural beauty of the product.

  • What installation method do you recommend?
    There are three methods for wall mounting fabric wrapped panels.

    1) IMPALING CLIP/GLUE METHOD
    This is the quickest and easiest installation method.

    2) Z-CLIP MOUNTING SYSTEM
    This is the most common hardware used for installation as it allows for easy removal, it is similar to hanging artwork.

    3) ROTOFAST SNAP-ON MOUNTING SYSTEM
    This is the most secure method of installation, it is ideal for high-traffic areas like classrooms.

    Can panels be factory cut to accommodate electrical outlets?
    We recommend field cutting for a seamless application. Locate the position of the hole needed on the back of the panel; use a junction box as a template; cut out the fiberglass being careful not to cut through to the fabric. Turn the panel over so the fabric is front facing, then cut the fabric in an X shape. Adhere the fabric you just cut to the cover the exposed edges of the panel. The panel is now ready to be mounted to the wall.

    How do I clean Livello?
    Vacuum the fabric periodically to remove accumulated dirt and dust. Blot fresh spills immediately. Ensure that the fabric is adequately rinsed after cleaning, as residual cleaning agents may accelerate soiling. Have the fabric professionally cleaned whenever large stains or an overall soiled condition occurs.

    For most water-based stains, a clean, absorbent cloth dampened with a detergent solution (e.g. 1 teaspoon laundry detergent/1-pint warm water) should be applied to the stain. Blot the fabric with the treated cloth, working from the outer edge of the stained area, moving inward.

    To effectively draw out the stain, renew the cleaning cloth frequently. Rinse well with clear water and dry the fabric as quickly as practical. Oil-based stains may be treated in a similar manner, substituting a volatile solvent-based cleaner for the detergent solution. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for using such products, and always pretest an inconspicuous area of the fabric for colorfastness to the cleaning agent.