Aluminium must now conquer new build sector says specialist fabricator
Posted on 21/08/2015
Aluminium must next conquer the new build sector if it is to dramatically increase its market share and continue its renaissance in the domestic sector.
This is the view of Mike Davis, who is Operations Director at CDW Systems - one of the UK’s leading specialist aluminium fabricators.
His comments follow the growing popularity of aluminium windows and doors in the residential sector in the UK, and a softening in the market for demand for PVC-u home improvement products.
The latest Palmer Market Report, which is a yearly look at the domestic glazing market, revealed an increase in aluminium from 5% to 8% in the last couple of years.
Aluminium holds a string of benefits - the material is naturally strong and the slimmer frames provide improved sightlines and allow more light to flood into a property. Advancements in thermal technology also ensure modern aluminium windows can easily achieve the same levels of energy efficiency as PVC-u.
As a result aluminium is experiencing a revival in the replacement domestic market. But Mike believes that for aluminium to kick on further and take significant market share, it will need to gain traction in the mass new-build market.
He comments: “The next step for aluminium is to develop a cost-effective window system which can price compete with PVC-u and offer the same, if not better, levels of performance and have mass appeal in the new-build sector.
“We all know that we need to build more houses in the UK and there is no reason why aluminium windows and doors can’t be part of future developments.”
Mike says CDW Systems will continue to champion aluminium to help installations become more widespread.
He comments: “There is a need for constant development and promotion of high-performance products to ensure aluminium remains in demand. We encourage everyone in the industry to look towards the next big thing in aluminium, and have put in place our own initiatives to raise awareness.”
CDW Systems has been at the forefront of the aluminium market for over 20 years, and works with some of the leading aluminium systems companies to research, design and bring a new product to market every year.
CDW manufacture a range of products including windows, doors, conservatory roofs, curtain walling and shop fronts and supplies these for domestic and commercial projects across the UK.
