Silent partner

Deceuninck is the first of the major industry brands to sign up to BFRC’s new noise reduction rating scheme, which was launched in August 2020.

The scheme enables window and door systems houses and manufacturers the opportunity to demonstrate the acoustic performance of their products, much in the same way that BFRC’s Energy Ratings Scheme allows easy comparison for thermal performance.

With homes increasingly becoming the focus of people’s social, entertainment and working lives, noise reduction is becoming an ever more important factor in their wellbeing. Windows can play a vital part in reducing the level of noise entering the home, particularly for homes close to roads, railways or impacted by air traffic noise.

The independently verified BFRC Noise Reduction Scheme will therefore be a selling point for manufacturers, who will be able to show their customers how their windows and doors compare to the competition. The labels provide an easy-to-understand system for homeowners, and in turn show a commitment to customer satisfaction, guaranteeing the quality of their product and ensuring they stand out from competitors, BFRC said.

Deceuninck’s managing director Rob McGlennon said: “Noise pollution is a growing problem. There is mounting medical evidence of the severe impact of prolonged noise on people’s health, with higher instances of dementia, heart disease and strokes. In lockdown there was a huge reduction in road traffic and it reminded us how peaceful life is without excess noise.

“But with the right tools and technical innovations the window industry can improve people’s homes and wellbeing. BFRC’s Noise Reduction Rating scheme is an important development in helping to cut the impact of noise pollution, and we are delighted to be the first systems company to join this scheme.”

Lis Clarke, operations director for BFRC, said: “In discussions with Deceuninck it became clear early on that they had been looking for a system that would measure the acoustic performance of their windows. When we presented the details to Rob and his team they did not hesitate in signing up to ensure their products were the first to be able to demonstrate this increasingly important performance criterion for homeowners. For many homeowners, noise reduction is as important as energy performance.”

Products from a number of other companies are in the process of being tested and will be announced as they become certified.