Deceuninck first to sign up to new BFRC noise reduction ratings

Systems supplier Deceuninck is the first of the major industry brands to sign up to BFRC’s new noise reduction rating scheme, that was launched in August last year. The scheme enables window and door System 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 huge 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. Deceuninck MD Rob McGlennon was quick to spot the benefits of the scheme. He 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. Deceuninck understands the positive impact acoustic windows have on people’s health and overall quality of life, and we’ve invested in systematic acoustic testing of our full product range.

“Much like energy-rated windows, the scheme will let homeowners choose windows that cut noise and improve their home environment. We’re really excited by this chance to make a difference and make it simpler for fabricators and installers to benefit from this huge opportunity.”

Lis Clarke, Operations Director for BFRC, says she is delighted that Deceuninck has chosen to become an early adopter of the Noise Reduction Scheme: “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.”

New labels use BFRC’s highly recognised and trusted ‘rainbow’ system that allows an instantly recognisable comparison against the acoustic performance of another product. Marketing materials have also been designed and will be made available for products that have been tested under the scheme. BFRC say that the products of a number of other companies are in the process of being tested and will be announced as they become certified.