Clearview National March 2015 - Issue 160 | Page 44
DOORS&WINDOWS
Creating a Demand for
Acoustic Reduction
With demand for noise reducing windows and doors increasing, BM
TRADA Business Development Manager Simon Beer explains how
manufacturers can promote the acoustic capabilities of their products
»»With the density of new-build
developments increasing, the ability for
windows and doors to reduce the amount
of external noise passing into a building is
becoming ever more important. Where a
building is located in a built-up or densely
populated area, or close to a busy road, the
choice of appropriate acoustic windows and
doors can improve both the quality of life
for those occupying the property and the
building’s re-sale value.
With this in mind, you would think that
acoustic or noise reduction performance would
be viewed as a fundamental characteristic of a
modern window or door, yet until recently it
has rarely been considered.
This is changing, however, as specifiers and
purchasers (including consumers) have started
to realise that the noise reduction performance
of different door and window systems can vary
substantially.
44 » M AR 2015 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
Growing demand
A number of large window and door
manufacturers are now starting to
recognise that the market is increasingly
interested in noise reduction and have
therefore begun to promote the benefits
of the noise reducing capabilities of their
products.
In anticipation of the likely growth
in demand for noise-reducing windows
and doors, BM TRADA developed an
acoustics testing laboratory some 3 years
ago and since then has seen a steady
increase in manufacturers wishing to
test their products for noise reduction
performance. During 2014, the number
of manufacturers booking tests increased
dramatically.
All the indications are that it is only a
matter of time before purchasers start to
make the noise reduction performance
of windows and doors a key requirement
when purchasing. So what should be
considered by the manufacturer in order
to prove the acoustic or noise reduction
performance of their window or door?
Where noise reduction is specified as a
performance requirement of the product,
manufacturers will often concentrate on
the glass. Indeed, some manufacturers will
simply provide the acoustic values for the
glass. But whilst the glass is important, it is
vital that all of the window’s components
are taken into account – e.g. the frame,
seals and even the hardware.
Experience has shown that when
comparing different window systems
which incorporate the same glass
specification, the performance
characteristics for the whole window can
vary dramatically. To give a true indication
of performance, the manufacturer should
subject the entire product to an acoustic
test under controlled laboratory conditions
in order to determine the weighted sound
reduction value for the product (Rw).
Test procedures
Testing involves installing a window or
doorset into a partition within the acoustic
laboratory. Noise is generated in the source
room and recorded on the other side of the
partition in the receiving room. BS EN ISO
10140-2: 2010 requires the window or door
to be tested at various frequencies, in order to
determine the average noise reduction, taking
into account various frequencies that the
product is likely to be subjected to. This results
in a weighted sound reduction for the product
(Rw).
By testing specimens of the same size, it
is possible to test a number of products in
one. Specimens can also be re-glazed enabling
manufacturers to achieve results across several
variations of their product relatively easily and
cheaply. Because of this, most manufacturers
test the lowest and the highest performing
products in their range, as well as all the
variations in between, meaning that they are
able to demonstrate the performance of each
of their products to their customers. Those
using the BM TRADA noise reduction rating
label), are able to provide different acoustic
bandings to potential purchasers, giving them
the ability to “upsell” to a higher performance
product.
Having achieved the desired test result, it
has up until recently, been difficult to clearly
demonstrate the acoustic performance of
the product to the market. However, the
recently launched Q-Mark Acoustic Window
and Door scheme is designed to clearly
demonstrate the noise reduction performance
of a window or door, with a clear A-G rating
label making comparisons between different
products a simple process.
The BM TRADA Noise Reduction Rating
Label clearly outlines the acoustic performance
of the door or window system. The label is
available to manufacturers who are certified
under the Q-Mark Acoustic Window or Door
Scheme and can only be applied to products
covered under the scope of certification.