Factory partitions vary widely; many leak at the joints and over the top into the ceiling space.
Absorption by the numbers
A demountable and glass office partitions surface absorbs about 5% of the sound that hits it at 500 Hz (coefficient 0.05). A fabric-wrapped 2 in panel absorbs about 100%. Covering even a fifth of the wall with panels changes the room dramatically.
| Surface | Approx. absorption at 500 Hz |
|---|---|
| Demountable and glass office partitions | 0.05 |
| Carpet on pad | 0.30 |
| Heavy curtains | 0.50 |
| 1 in panel | 0.79 |
| 2 in panel | 1.14 |