Frequently asked questions
Installation AND Costs
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Some lightweight stick-on acoustic panels can be installed as a DIY project, particularly on small walls or home offices. However, professional installation is recommended for ceiling systems, large-scale projects, or any space requiring safe access equipment. Improper fixing can compromise both acoustic performance and safety.
If you’re considering installing panels yourself, contact Ultraviolet — we’re happy to offer guidance on suitable products and installation best practices.
At Ultraviolet, we provide a complete supply-and-fit service across London and the UK, carried out by qualified acoustic installers. Our teams ensure full compliance with building, fire, and safety regulations, and every installation is guaranteed for quality and performance — peace of mind that DIY simply can’t offer.
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At Ultraviolet, we offer visual inspections and light cleaning as part of our aftercare, but you can rest assured that our supplied materials are chosen for durability, performance, and low maintenance.
Maintenance for acoustic panels is minimal but recommended to preserve their acoustic effectiveness and appearance. Most panels — such as those made from PET felt or fabric-wrapped glass wool — are durable and stain-resistant. Regular gentle cleaning is sufficient.
Recommended cleaning practices
Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove surface dust and debris on a periodic basis.
For spot cleaning, use a damp cloth and a mild detergent (if necessary) — avoid over‑wetting the panel, as excess moisture can degrade the material.
Panels should not be painted or coated, as this can block the panel’s pores and reduce sound absorption capacity (EN ISO 11654:1997 – Sound absorbers for use in buildings).
Durability & replacement
Panels are designed for longevity — particularly PET felt versions, which retain their acoustic performance for many years, even in commercial settings (ISO 354:2003 – Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room).
If a panel becomes damaged (e.g., torn fabric or impact marks), it can typically be replaced individually without affecting the surrounding system.Environmental & usage considerations
Avoid exposing panels to high humidity, direct water, or abrasive chemicals, as moisture and harsh cleaners can reduce performance and degrade materials (BS 8233:2014 – Guidance on sound insulation and noise control for buildings). -
Most acoustic‑panel jobs are completed within one to two days, depending on size and complexity. A small meeting room may be finished in just a few hours, while a large office floor, school hall, or commercial space could take several days. The timeline depends on factors such as the number of panels, site access, and available working hours.
We carefully schedule our installations to minimise disruption — often performing work out of hours or in phased segments for larger sites. Our pre‑work CAD designs and detailed planning guarantee a smooth process, with clear time‑frames provided in advance.
According to industry best‑practice guides, correct site conditions and installation methodology are key to performance: for example, minimum ambient temperatures and humidity levels must be met during installation to avoid material movement and performance loss. Acoustic Products Many installation step‑by‑step guides show that accurate fixing, correct spacing and fastening are critical to ensure acoustic and fire‑safety performance. WoodUpp UK
At Ultraviolet, we supply and install acoustic panels across London and the UK using qualified installers who follow all relevant regulatory and technical requirements — so you get reliable timescales and compliance built‑in.
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Prices vary depending on size, material, and finish, but as a very rough guide:
Wall panels: from £70–£300 each
Ceiling rafts: from £120–£600 each
Baffles: from £50–£180 each
Installation costs are additional and depend on project complexity. The best way to get an accurate price is through our free site survey and quotation.
While acoustic treatment is an investment, it quickly pays back in improved productivity, wellbeing, and customer satisfaction. In offices, better acoustics reduce distractions and boost concentration. In restaurants, they improve ambience and encourage repeat visits.
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Poor acoustics can have a significant impact on productivity, wellbeing, and customer experience. Studies show that noisy work environments lead to lower focus, increased stress, and reduced learning outcomes, while in commercial settings such as restaurants or hotels, excessive noise negatively affects customer satisfaction and repeat business. (Hodgson et al., 2017, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America)
Investing in sound control and acoustic treatment improves speech clarity, reduces distractions, and enhances overall comfort and morale. In workplaces, the financial cost of poor acoustics — including lost productivity, absenteeism, and staff turnover — often exceeds the investment required for effective solutions. (BS EN ISO 3382-3:2012 – Acoustics: Measurement of Room Acoustic Parameters)
In hospitality, retail, or public spaces, proper acoustic paneling and soundproofing provides a measurable return on investment, improving both staff performance and the customer experience.
At Ultraviolet, we deliver tailored acoustic solutions across London and the UK, ensuring environments are both productive and enjoyable.
Check out our articles on The Benefits Of Acoustic Treatment for more details.
Call us on 07923 132 796 or request a quote below and we will contact you to arrange a site visit.
ACOUSTICS BASICS
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Acoustic panels are highly effective at absorbing sound energy, reducing echo, and controlling reverberation in any space. Without proper acoustic treatment, sound bounces off hard surfaces like glass, plaster, concrete, or wood, creating noisy and fatiguing environments.
Made from sound‑absorbent materials, acoustic panels trap and dissipate sound energy, resulting in improved speech clarity, lower background noise, and a calmer, more productive atmosphere. Tests performed in accordance with ISO 354:2003 (Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room) and rated via EN ISO 11654:1997 (Sound absorbers for use in buildings – Rating of sound absorption) ensure reliable performance. iso.org
At Ultraviolet, we use only independently tested acoustic panels with certified, measurable performance. Many of our panels are classified under absorption classes A–E, as defined in EN ISO 11654, making it easy to compare like‑for‑like. ecophon.com
These transformative solutions are tried and tested for offices, schools, restaurants, studios, and community spaces, delivering superior comfort, clarity, and sound quality for every environment.”
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These terms are often confused, but they serve very different purposes.
Soundproofing prevents sound from entering or leaving a room. Achieving this requires dense, heavy construction methods, such as insulated walls, double glazing, or specialist membranes. It’s essential for privacy between rooms or reducing noise from external sources (BS EN ISO 16283-1:2014 – Field measurement of sound insulation in buildings) and (BS EN ISO 12354-1:2017 – Estimation of acoustic performance of buildings).
Sound absorption (acoustic treatment), on the other hand, improves the quality of sound within a room. Acoustic panels, baffles, and ceiling rafts reduce echo, control reverberation, and enhance speech clarity and comfort (ISO 354:2003 – Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room) and (ISO 3382-2:2008 – Measurement of room acoustic parameters). Unlike soundproofing, these solutions don’t block noise from leaving or entering, they manage it internally.
The most effective acoustic designs often combine soundproofing and sound absorption, tailored to the space and its intended use. Whether you’re upgrading a London office, restaurant, or studio, the right mix ensures privacy, comfort, and optimal sound quality (BS 8233:2014 – Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings).
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Almost any space can benefit from professional acoustic solutions. We supply and install acoustic panels, baffles, and rafts in a wide range of environments, including:
Offices and boardrooms
Classrooms and lecture halls
Restaurants and cafés
Village halls and community centres
Recording studios and performance spaces
Homes and residential developments
Swimming pools
Any area with hard, reflective surfaces can experience echo, reverberation, or poor speech clarity — and we can help. Our experience has proven that no environment is too challenging for effective acoustic treatment.
Whether you’re a London-based office, school, or commercial space, we deliver tailored solutions that improve sound quality, comfort, and usability.
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It’s a common misconception that more acoustic panels automatically mean better soundproofing. In reality, effective acoustic design is about strategic placement, not complete coverage. The aim is to control reverberation and echo—once optimal levels are reached, adding extra panels won’t improve performance and can even make a space sound “dead.”
Our acoustic consultants calculate precisely how much treatment your room requires based on its size, materials, and intended use. Typically, covering 15–25% of wall and ceiling surfaces is sufficient. This approach ensures you achieve ideal acoustics while maintaining aesthetics, allowing panels to double as design features, artwork, or ceiling elements.
With this method, your London office, restaurant, or commercial space can enjoy superior speech clarity, comfort, and sound quality without unnecessary panels.
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The ideal placement of acoustic panels depends on the room’s purpose:
Offices & Meeting Rooms: Focus on first reflection points — side walls and the ceiling above desks. Installing panels on two perpendicular walls helps reduce flutter echo and improves speech clarity.
Restaurants & Classrooms: Spread panels evenly across walls and ceilings to eliminate “hot spots.” Covering around 50% of the ceiling with Class A acoustic panels is recommended for best results.
Recording & Performance Studios: Treat direct reflection points behind and beside speakers or microphones to ensure accurate sound reproduction.
Ceilings are often the most effective surface for acoustic treatment because they are large, open, and unobstructed. Our free quotations provide detailed layouts showing exact panel placement, ensuring maximum performance and optimal sound quality for your London workspace, studio, or commercial environment.
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Reverberation time, commonly known as RT60, measures how long sound lingers in a room after it’s produced. For instance, a hand clap in a large church creates a long echo due to high reverberation. In offices, classrooms, restaurants, or other commercial spaces, excessive reverberation makes speech difficult to understand and can make environments uncomfortable.
The optimal reverberation time varies depending on the type of space:
Offices & classrooms: 0.4–0.8 seconds
Restaurants & meeting rooms: 0.6–1.0 seconds
Auditoriums & performance spaces: 1.0–2.0 seconds
At Ultraviolet, our acoustic surveys include detailed reverberation analysis to measure existing RT60 levels and design tailored solutions. By installing high-quality acoustic panels and implementing effective soundproofing, we can reduce reverberation, improving speech clarity, comfort, and overall wellbeing for everyone using the space.
PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS
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Acoustic panels absorb unwanted sound energy that would otherwise bounce off hard surfaces and create echo or reverberation. Their porous, fibre-based structure allows sound waves to enter and become trapped, converting the energy into a small amount of heat instead of reflecting it back into the room.
These panels are especially effective at controlling mid to high-frequency sounds such as speech — making them ideal for offices, classrooms, restaurants, and other busy environments where clear communication is essential.
Most modern acoustic panels are lightweight, non-toxic, and low-VOC, ensuring safe installation in workplaces, schools, and homes. Many are also made from recycled PET materials, making them a highly sustainable and environmentally responsible acoustic solution.
At Ultraviolet, we design and install certified acoustic panels across London and the UK, delivering improved clarity, comfort, and sound quality in every space.
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Acoustic rafts are horizontal sound-absorbing panels suspended below the ceiling, acting as floating “acoustic islands”. They absorb sound that would normally reflect upward or bounce back from the soffit, dramatically reducing echo and improving clarity.
Rafts are ideal for offices, classrooms, meeting rooms, and open-plan spaces where wall area is limited but ceiling space is available. Because they cover a large surface area, they deliver excellent acoustic performance and often offer the best value for money.
Available in square, circular, or custom shapes, rafts can be finished in a wide range of colours and materials to coordinate with lighting, HVAC systems, and interior design schemes.
At Ultraviolet, we supply and install acoustic ceiling rafts across London and the UK, combining high sound absorption with a clean, contemporary aesthetic — one reason they remain one of our most popular acoustic solutions.
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Acoustic baffles are vertical sound-absorbing panels suspended from the ceiling. Because they’re exposed on both sides, they absorb sound across a much larger surface area than traditional wall panels — making them extremely effective at reducing noise and reverberation in large, open spaces such as offices, atriums, sports halls, and restaurants.
Their open-sided design allows airflow, lighting, and sprinkler systems to pass between panels, ensuring full acoustic performance without disrupting building services.
Baffles can be installed in rows, clusters, or striking architectural patterns, and are available in a wide choice of colours, fabrics, and finishes to complement any modern interior.
At Ultraviolet, we design, supply, and install acoustic ceiling baffles across London and the UK, offering a stylish, high-performance solution for noise control in busy environments.
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Absolutely. All acoustic panels we supply and install are independently tested to meet strict international fire safety standards. Most are certified to EN 13501-1 +A1:2009 (Class B-s1,d0) or an equivalent rating — ensuring they do not contribute to flame spread or excessive smoke production.
In addition, we only partner with manufacturers that uphold the highest levels of safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility. As a result the panels we typically use at Ultraviolet are low-VOC, non-toxic, and safe for use in schools, healthcare facilities, offices, and homes, giving you peace of mind along with superior acoustic performance
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Yes — printed acoustic panels can also be customised with your company logo, branding, graphics, or artwork, transforming functional sound absorbers into striking design features. This option is especially popular in London offices, schools, and creative environments, where aesthetics are just as important as acoustic performance.
We also supply shaped and cut acoustic panels for bespoke interior design projects. These panels provide exceptional sound absorption while serving as distinctive architectural or decorative elements, allowing you to enhance both the look and sound quality of your space.
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PET acoustic panels are made from recycled plastic bottles (polyethylene terephthalate), transformed into a dense, durable felt-like material that provides excellent sound absorption. These panels are a sustainable, lightweight, and versatile solution for controlling echo and improving sound quality in offices, schools, restaurants, and commercial interiors.
Available in a wide range of colours, textures, and finishes, PET panels can be cut into custom shapes, printed with graphics, or integrated into wall and ceiling designs — offering both acoustic performance and visual impact.
At Ultraviolet, we supply and install PET acoustic panels across London and the UK, partnering with leading global manufacturers such as Autex and Baux. This ensures every product we use is independently tested, high-performance, and environmentally responsible — combining style, sustainability, and sound control.
Check out our article on Sustainability for more details.
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The exact number of panels depends on the room’s size, shape, surfaces and how it will be used. A small meeting room may only require 6–8 wall panels on key reflection points, while a large open-plan office could need dozens of ceiling baffles or rafts to achieve the desired result. The objective is to reduce reverberation time to a comfortable level — not to cover every surface.
Typical guidance and good practice
Walls: Treat the first-reflection surfaces — typically two perpendicular walls from skirting to ceiling — to reduce flutter echo and improve speech clarity. Acoustic Bulletin
Ceilings: Under BS ISO 22955:2021, the ceiling is treated as the most important acoustic surface for open-plan offices. The standard recommends roughly 50–60% Class A coverage of the ceiling area in many open-plan scenarios to control reverberation effectively.
At Ultraviolet we provide a free acoustic survey and CAD layout to calculate exactly how many panels you need and where they should be placed. That way you only invest in the treatment required to deliver measurable improvements in clarity, comfort, and speech
Call us on 07923 132 796 or request a quote below and we will contact you to arrange a site visit.
SOUND MASKING
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Unlike installing traditional absorptive materials, sound masking works by covering the distraction, delivering a high level of speech privacy privacy.
A typical sound masking system for an open‑plan office in London or the UK will cost around £15–£25 per square metre installed. For many projects this means a total budget of £3,000–£15,000, depending on size, coverage area, and extras such as paging or background music.
Factors that influence cost:
Coverage area and ceiling/floor plan complexity
Whether the system includes paging, BGM (background music), or zoned control
Type of emitters, cabling, calibration and zoning required Sound of Silence
Integration with building services (HVAC, lighting) and building standards compliance
Regulatory & standards context:
The WELL Building Standard (Feature 79 – Sound Masking) specifically addresses the importance of sound masking in offices to improve speech privacy and acoustic comfort. Well Certified
Guidance on correct system commissioning stresses that uniform coverage and proper emitter placement are key for performance — which means professional design pays off. Tau
What we include in our service:
At Ultraviolet we provide a detailed cost breakdown and a CAD‑layout showing emitter zones, control modules and integration points — you’ll see what you’re paying for, and how the system meets the standards above.
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Sound masking is designed to blend seamlessly into the background. It produces a low-level, unobtrusive sound, often described as a gentle airflow, which reduces speech intelligibility and helps conversations fade into the background. Most people stop noticing it after a few minutes. (WELL Building Standard, Feature 79 – Sound Masking)
Modern systems are carefully tuned to the frequencies of human speech, unlike older white-noise machines, making them both effective and comfortable for office environments. Properly designed sound masking improves privacy, concentration, and overall acoustic comfort, particularly in open-plan offices, call centres, and shared workspaces. (sosacoustics.co.uk – Sound Masking FAQ)
At Ultraviolet, our sound masking solutions are professionally designed and installed across London and the UK, ensuring optimal coverage, compliance with standards, and minimal disruption to your workspace.
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Most sound masking emitters are small and discreet, typically installed above ceiling tiles or in concealed mounting positions. Once the system is in place, it is virtually invisible, blending seamlessly into the workspace without affecting aesthetics.
Professional installation ensures that coverage and performance are maintained while remaining unobtrusive. According to the WELL Building Standard (Feature 79 – Sound Masking), proper emitter placement above ceilings or within plenum spaces is standard practice to maintain both effectiveness and invisibility. (WELL Building Standard)
At Ultraviolet, we design and install sound masking systems across London and the UK so that employees enjoy privacy, focus, and comfort, with no visible disruption to their workspace.
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Yes — most modern sound masking systems include smartphone apps or wall-mounted controllers, allowing you to adjust volume, configure zones, and even integrate with paging or background music systems. (WELL Building Standard, Feature 79 – Sound Masking)
At Ultraviolet, we install systems from leading manufacturers such as Cambridge and Soft dB, providing flexible, user-friendly control options. These systems are professionally calibrated during installation to ensure optimal performance while giving you the ability to fine-tune the acoustic environment as your workspace needs change.
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Professional design, calibration, and tuning are recommended to ensure the system is both effective and comfortable. Incorrect installation or calibration can result in masking that is too loud, uneven, or ineffective, reducing speech privacy and acoustic comfort.
At Ultraviolet, we provide a complete design, supply, installation, and tuning service in line with industry standards. Our expert engineers ensure that every system achieves optimal coverage, compliance, and performance, so your London office or commercial space benefits fully from sound masking without compromise.
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Not exactly. White noise is a random signal that contains all frequencies equally, which can sound harsh or distracting. In contrast, sound masking uses a carefully tuned, engineered spectrum that targets the frequencies of human speech.
This targeted approach makes sound masking effective at reducing distractions and improving speech privacy, while remaining comfortable to listen to throughout the day. (Modulation of Auditory signal-to-noise ratios by efferent stimulation)
At Ultraviolet, our professionally installed systems across London and the UK are tuned precisely to achieve this balance, ensuring maximum comfort, privacy, and acoustic performance in offices, call centres, and commercial spaces.
TECHNICAL AND COMPLIANCE
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Yes. Our proposals include predicted reverberation times (RT60) based on room dimensions, surface materials, and usage patterns. Post-installation, we can conduct acoustic testing to verify that the space meets the intended performance targets. (ISO 3382-2:2008 – Measurement of room acoustic parameters)
All panels we use come with manufacturer test certificates, including sound absorption coefficients measured according to ISO 354:2003 and rated under EN ISO 11654:1997, ensuring reliable, comparable performance metrics. (ISO 354:2003 – Acoustics: Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room)
At Ultraviolet, our approach guarantees measurable, certified acoustic results, giving you confidence that your office, school, restaurant, or studio achieves optimal clarity, comfort, and sound quality.
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Yes — acoustic panels can improve speech privacy within a room by absorbing sound and reducing how far it travels. This helps lower background noise and minimizes distractions, particularly in offices, classrooms, and open-plan environments. (ISO 3382-3:2021 – Measurement of room acoustic parameters in open-plan spaces)
However, for true privacy between rooms, additional measures such as soundproofing (structural isolation) or sound masking are usually required. Many of our installations combine both acoustic absorption and sound masking, achieving optimal privacy, clarity, and comfort. (WELL Building Standard, Feature 79 – Sound Masking)
At Ultraviolet, we design solutions that balance absorption, masking, and architectural considerations to provide measurable improvements in privacy without compromising room aesthetics or functionality.
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When properly designed, acoustic panels do not interfere with ventilation, lighting, or sprinkler systems. Ceiling rafts and baffles are typically suspended with enough clearance to allow unobstructed airflow and access to building services. (CIBSE Guide B – Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration)
During the design phase, we coordinate with Mechanical and Electrical consultants to ensure full compliance with building regulations, fire safety, and lighting requirements. Proper integration guarantees both acoustic performance and system functionality without compromising aesthetics or safety. (BS EN 12464‑1:2011 – Lighting of indoor workplaces)
At Ultraviolet, we design and install panels that enhance sound quality while maintaining the efficiency of your ventilation, lighting, and fire safety systems, providing a fully compliant and comfortable environment.
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Absolutely. All acoustic panels we supply and install are independently tested to meet strict international fire safety standards. Most are certified to EN 13501-1 +A1:2009 (Class B-s1,d0) or an equivalent rating — ensuring they do not contribute to flame spread or excessive smoke production.
In addition, many of our panels are low-VOC, non-toxic, and safe for use in schools, healthcare facilities, offices, and homes. At Ultraviolet, we only partner with manufacturers that uphold the highest levels of safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility, giving you peace of mind along with superior acoustic performance.
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Yes. Many of our acoustic panels are made from recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate), often sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles, and are fully 100% recyclable at the end of their life. (European PET Bottle Platform – Sustainability)
We also work with suppliers committed to sustainable manufacturing practices, low-VOC materials, and long product lifespans, ensuring minimal environmental impact. PET panels not only reduce landfill waste but also deliver excellent acoustic performance, including high sound absorption and long-term durability. (ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems)
At Ultraviolet, choosing sustainable acoustic solutions allows you to improve room comfort, speech clarity, and privacy while supporting eco-friendly building practices across offices, schools, restaurants, and community spaces in London and the UK.
Call us on 07923 132 796 or request a quote below and we will contact you to arrange a site visit.
Need EXPERT ADVICE?
Call us on 07923 132 796 or request a quote below and we will contact you to arrange a site visit.