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Acoustic Tile Fixing Guide

SoundSorb Fixing Guide – Versare New Zealand

Product Scope

This guide covers fixing methods for SoundSorb PET acoustic felt panels and tiles to painted plasterboard installed over timber or steel framing. SoundSorb is supplied as a DIY-friendly alternative to more complex architectural acoustic solutions.

Material
PET Acoustic Felt
Thickness
18 mm
Tiles (max)
500 × 500 mm
Panels (max)
800 × 2440 mm
Substrate
Painted Plasterboard
Framing
Timber or Steel

Acoustic Starting Point

Versare recommends a practical starting coverage for most rooms. Final results will vary depending on room size, ceiling height, furnishings, and how the space is used.

25%

of total wall area — reliable starting point for most rooms

Suitable for: Offices, classrooms, and meeting rooms in the majority of situations.

It is generally better to start at 25% and add panels later if required, rather than over-treating a room and reducing acoustic comfort.

Fixing Methods

Choose the right fixing method based on panel size, substrate, and whether the installation needs to be removable or permanent.

Panel Pin Mounts

Recommended for Tiles

Screwed to the wall with acoustic tiles pressed onto them — fixings stay hidden behind the tile for a clean finish. Fast, easy to install and reposition. Panel Pin Mounts are supplied with the tiles.

★ Best for Tiles
Tiles (up to 500×500): 2–3 pin mounts
Large panels (800×2440): 5–6 pin mounts + adhesive
Screws: 6g × 25mm coarse-thread plasterboard
Tighten until seated — do not overtighten

Button Fix System

Mechanical Fixing

Mechanical button fix mounted to both wall and panel. Provides consistent load control and repeatable positioning.

★ Best Practice for Large Panels
Ideal for 800×2440mm panels
Recommended for ceiling installations
Best where panels may need to be removed or reconfigured
More precise — slightly more time to install

Wire Hanging Kits

Ceiling Panels Only

Wire kits supplied with larger ceiling panels for suspended or canopy installations.

Installation by a competent installer required
Ceiling structure must be verified before installation
Fixings must engage framing or rated anchors — not plasterboard alone
Must comply with relevant building and safety requirements

Peel and Stick Backing

Decorative Use Only

Pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. Quick to install but difficult to reposition.

Adhesion depends on paint quality, not wall structure
Not recommended for panels larger than 500×500mm
Not suitable for ceilings
Likely to damage paint or plasterboard on removal

Direct Screw Through PET

Limited Use

Panels fixed directly through the PET into the wall. Creates a more industrial appearance — use finishing washers or screw caps to prevent pull-through.

Use finishing washers or screw caps to prevent pull-through
Lower long-term load capacity
Not recommended for 800×2440mm panels
Best suited to small tiles or supplementary fixing

Avoid

Bugle head screws
Fine-thread metal stud screws
Aggressive timber screws
Countersinking into PET

Adhesive Guidance

Adhesive can be used alone for small tiles, or combined with mechanical fixings for larger panels. Always apply in vertical beads rather than full coverage.

Recommended Product Use Case
Sika Sikaflex®-118 Extreme Grab Tiles or as supplementary fixing for large panels
Bostik Seal 'n' Flex One Tiles or as supplementary fixing for large panels

Key note: Adhesive alone is suitable only for small tiles. For 800×2440mm panels, adhesive should be supplementary — not the primary fixing. Removal is likely to damage paint or plasterboard.

Products to Avoid

Solvent-based contact adhesives — may affect PET material over time
Low-strength silicone sealants — insufficient long-term shear strength
PVA or craft adhesives — not suitable for structural use
Hot glue — lacks long-term performance

Important Information

SoundSorb is supplied as a DIY-friendly product. Installation responsibility sits with the installer.

Versare NZ does not provide installation services or acoustic consulting
Wall and ceiling substrates vary — assess before selecting fixings
Ceiling installations must comply with relevant building and safety requirements
Acoustic performance varies with room geometry, finishes, furnishings, and use
Start at 25% wall coverage and add panels later if required
Ceiling fixings must engage framing or rated anchors — not plasterboard alone

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