(Valley Forge, Pa.) – Decoustics, the custom acoustic product division of CertainTeed Ceilings, is introducing a groundbreaking solution for creating healthier indoor environments —Decoustics Acoustical Fabric-Wrapped Panels featuring AirRenew®. The wall panels not only offer superior acoustical performance, but also actually improve indoor air quality by removing harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. Consisting of AirRenew fabric stretched or bonded over a fiberglass core, the panels are available in a wide array of colors, shapes and textures, enabling architects to create dynamic interior spaces.

Decoustics acoustical wall panels with AirRenew technology are part of a growing family of interior products that actively improve indoor air quality (IAQ). The AirRenew family includes CertainTeed’s first-of-its-kind AirRenew Gypsum Board, which utilizes a similar VOC-scavenging technology to create healthy indoor environments.

“According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends 90 percent of his or her time indoors, where pollutant levels may be two to five times higher than they are outdoors,” said Dawn Chittick, director of marketing for CertainTeed Ceilings. “By removing many of these harmful elements from indoor air, AirRenew technology helps create a more healthy environment to live, work and play—a game changer for hospitals, schools, and office buildings.” 

When formaldehyde, ammonia and other VOCs come into contact with AirRenew fabric, a unique chemical reaction takes place and the potentially harmful pollutants are rendered harmless, leaving behind clean, fresh air. AirRenew fabric also helps prevent the spread of common germs through an added antimicrobial feature.

During testing, Decoustics fabric wrapped panels with AirRenew dramatically reduced the levels of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and ammonia in the air within minutes of their introduction into the testing environment. Decoustics panels with AirRenew technology meet GREENGUARD® criteria for indoor air quality. 

AirRenew fabric is available in 110 different colors with a variety of textures and can be added to Decoustics’ large range of acoustical wall panels available in a number of sizes, shapes and curves. With a number of mounting options available, including mechanical, adhesive, magnetic or hook-and-loop fastening, AirRenew fabric can be applied to any wall panel without sacrificing design aesthetics.

“The beauty of AirRenew fabric is that it brings innovative indoor air purification technology to a superior acoustical wall panel without sacrificing style or performance,” said Chittick. “In facilities such as schools or hospitals, where indoor air quality is a top priority, noise reduction and privacy are often key concerns as well. With Decoustics panels equipped with AirRenew, facility managers can now achieve two key objectives with one product.”

Decoustics fabric-wrapped wall panels with AirRenew are comprised of 28 to 35 percent post-consumer recycled material, contributing to a building’s overall sustainability. The panels are also designed for fire resistance with Class A flame spread when tested in accordance with ASTM E84.

For more information, visit www.decoustics.com/airrenew.

About CertainTeed

Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed, headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed® is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, gypsum, ceilings and access covers.

A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building products company, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,000 employees and more than 65 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. Recognized as a 2009 and 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CertainTeed earned the 2011 and 2012 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award, the highest level of recognition for outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. The group had total sales of approximately $3.2 billion in 2011. www.certainteed.com.

Contact FacilitiesNet Editorial Staff »   posted on: 5/25/2012