Bquiet Window We live close to a busy street. This installation is for a home and not for a Condo.Since I work nights, and had to sleep in the daytime - we decided to install the "Bquiet Windows” produced by Encore. After much thought, we decided to install the windows in the bedroom and ensuite bathroom facing the street. We were advised by Mike to change both the windows to have the "best sound reduction” by Mark. We signed a contract with Encore with 2 conditions - one to have at least 50% reduction in the noise (though the website claims up to 90% reduction) and the other was to measure the noise before and after installation. The installer was rude at the time of installation as he didn't have some tools with him. After the windows were installed, the installer was asked to measure the noise level. He didn't come forward to do the sound measurement. There was hardly any difference in the sound measurement except for 1 or 2 decibel change in the sound meter. We were obviously disappointed with the result as we paid around $3800 for the 2 windows. When we expressed our disappointment with Mike, we had the sound engineer from Encore to measure the sound. The sound engineer measured the sound across the bedroom window and was surprised to see hardly any difference in the sound level with opening and closing the “Bquiet” window. He was so confident that the second window in the bathroom must be left open. But to his surprise, the second window wasn't left open. He was simply stunned and had no answer to explain for the measurements he did. So the second measurement using the sound meter by the company's sound engineer also proved that the "Bquiet windows" only reduced the noise by 1-2 decibel. Spending around $3800 to have this little change is simply not worth the hype about the “Bquiet window”and the company is misleading public about this product. It is important to note that most reviews on this forum are for condos. The reason for my reluctance to go with this window in the first place was that none of the window company in Niagara knows about this product. We contacted Mike and his partner to explain about such a poor result. They came with a lame excuse. The company initially said they don't know the reason for this poor result. Later they came up with the excuse that the result was due to the design of the house and the sound 'leaks' through the skylight which is at least 4 feet from the bedroom and the sound also leaks through the floor. It is important to note that there was no difference in noise when measurements were done after closing the bedroom door. This is to say that the "Bquiet windows" would only work with some home designs is ridiculous. It is also sad that we have been after this company for 4 months to find a reasonable answer for this poor result. But there has been no reasonable response yet. The company would not tell how to proceed with a complaint against this product or won’t come forward to help write a review about this product in the home star website. So if you are thinking about sound proofing - don't be fooled by this company's website. The results are appalling especially for homes and are not worth the huge price you pay for this product. The name "Bquiet” window is very misleading. Ask for sound measurements before and after installation and insist for at least a 50 % reduction in your invoice. I suggest you with-hold a part of the invoice pending satisfactory results. It is also important to note that as this product is fixed in the inside frame, it is very difficult to have drapery once this window is placed and there is a problem of condensation between the installed window and the original window. It is important to note that none of the affiliations the company claims in their website is marked on the window. I have found out recently that the Encore windows are not CSA certified but they claim they are CSA certified on their website. CSA Group does not certify windows for noise reduction. My strong advice is –don’t get fooled by the claims and it certainly doesn’t work in detached homes.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $4,000.00
- Company Response
At Encore we work tirelessly to make sure each and every customer is satisfied. We are always looking for opportunities to improve but the odd time we all run into someone who cannot be reasoned with. After completion of our installation we asked for no payment, we even offered a six month deferment at no cost. The customer willingly paid us a few days after installation after first testing our product. Several days later he contacted us requesting we do his other windows at no charge because he felt he overpaid for the first windows. Upon our refusal he began to express concern. On several occasions our service people drove from Markham to Niagara to offer our service and try to assess and improve the sound reduction. Although we had an appointment Senthil was not present. We recorded an improvement of a 10-15 decibels reduction not 1 or 2 as claimed. Our windows can only reduce the noise passing through the window. In some cases such as this one, there is a lot of ambient noise penetrating through his poorly insulated walls, vents, skylight etc. We clearly discussed this before and after the installation. We even recommended getting a second opinion from a third party acoustical engineering firm which he surprisingly refused. In many cases, during a consultation we offer customers alternative solutions if we assess that our window is not the right solution.
We have thousands of satisfied customers, several who have written glowing reviews including doctors and other health professionals. Our window was also featured on CityLine with amazing success. We continue to guarantee all our bquiet windows for 20 years.