Spunbonded polyester landscaping fabric as a low-cost treatment dressing?
Posted: Wed, 2021-Dec-29, 11:23
[NOTE: subsequent testing in my workshop showed that the product linked here *will* readily ignite if exposed to open flame]
Many if not most acoustic panel designs require a fabric dressing to constrain loose insulation and provide a more aesthetic look than bare insulation.
One option seems to be burlap (hessian) which is inexpensive ($0.11/sf CAD) but rather flammable. Also, the inexpensive burlap sold at local hardware outlets is meant for protecting plants in cold weather. It has a very loose weave and would not visually obscure insulation.
Speaker grill cloth passing UL 1492 102 Tablet Flammability Test is available locally in a variety of colours, but is rather expensive at $0.94/sf CAD. My understanding is that it's made of woven polyester and that any polyester will melt before it burns, and give off toxic fumes once it burns. It's thus not suitable for clothing firefighters, but is widely used in other applications. [Edit: I don't have the expertise to speculate about what a fabric will or won't do in a fire sitution]
I was wondering about the use of polyester landscaping fabric such as this: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/landmaster-spunbonded-polyester-6-x-100/1001318518. It does not look quite as nice as dyed speaker cloth, but it's ok and cheap at $0.11/sf CAD. I also happen to have a large quantity left over from building a shed with a green roof last summer. The material I have on hand is very easy to blow through, and the manufacturer describes the "spunbonded" polyester as being more air-permeable than their woven polyester products. I can not find a flammability rating for this product, which is intended for outdoor use.
I am very tempted to use the landscaping fabric I have on hand in the upcoming treatment of my room, but would be grateful for feedback from the experienced members of the forum. Are there any tests I can do to see if this material is too reflective? Are there guidelines on fire safety for room elements that are outside the scope of local building codes?
Many if not most acoustic panel designs require a fabric dressing to constrain loose insulation and provide a more aesthetic look than bare insulation.
One option seems to be burlap (hessian) which is inexpensive ($0.11/sf CAD) but rather flammable. Also, the inexpensive burlap sold at local hardware outlets is meant for protecting plants in cold weather. It has a very loose weave and would not visually obscure insulation.
Speaker grill cloth passing UL 1492 102 Tablet Flammability Test is available locally in a variety of colours, but is rather expensive at $0.94/sf CAD. My understanding is that it's made of woven polyester and that any polyester will melt before it burns, and give off toxic fumes once it burns. It's thus not suitable for clothing firefighters, but is widely used in other applications. [Edit: I don't have the expertise to speculate about what a fabric will or won't do in a fire sitution]
I was wondering about the use of polyester landscaping fabric such as this: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/landmaster-spunbonded-polyester-6-x-100/1001318518. It does not look quite as nice as dyed speaker cloth, but it's ok and cheap at $0.11/sf CAD. I also happen to have a large quantity left over from building a shed with a green roof last summer. The material I have on hand is very easy to blow through, and the manufacturer describes the "spunbonded" polyester as being more air-permeable than their woven polyester products. I can not find a flammability rating for this product, which is intended for outdoor use.
I am very tempted to use the landscaping fabric I have on hand in the upcoming treatment of my room, but would be grateful for feedback from the experienced members of the forum. Are there any tests I can do to see if this material is too reflective? Are there guidelines on fire safety for room elements that are outside the scope of local building codes?