Committee accepts new acoustic panels but declines cosmetic caulking

Committee members heard that wall panels are installed and that the ceiling baffle structure is in place, with one ceiling baffle damaged in transit and a replacement expected in early August. Aya told the committee: “All the materials, including the ceiling baffles, have been delivered to the site,” and said the manufacturer gave an August 6–7 delivery window for a damaged unit while the installer is pushing for August 3.

The committee brought the acoustician on-site to confirm acoustic performance for panels that were customized to fit existing wall conditions; the acoustician reported no concerns and indicated any performance change would be negligible. The installer suggested caulking joints to create a more uniform look, estimating a change order at roughly $7,000–$10,000. Multiple members pushed back on a cosmetic change that could need future maintenance. S5 (the acoustician, Chris) said the seams are “not going to affect the acoustic performance” and several members said the seams were not visible from the floor. By consensus the committee directed the contractor not to apply silicone or caulk to the panel faces and to install panels with a small separation (about 0.25–0.5 inch) so they can self-adjust; a small bead of silicone at the top unit-strut only was left as an option to reduce sliding.