What does the future of aluminium windows and doors look like in the UK?
Posted on 24/03/2016
To get a feel for what the future of windows and doors looks like in the UK, it is never a bad idea to attend Fensterbau every other year in Germany.
It is the biggest glazing trade show in Europe and as well as the good beer it showcases the next generation of products, some of which will be hitting the UK market sooner rather than later.
CDW Systems’ Jerry Webb says that, as expected, aluminium was heavily featured at this year’s event with an eye-watering number of entrance doors and high-end windows on show.
The domestic aluminium market is growing in the UK, with recent statistics from the Palmer Report showing the market has grown from 5% to 9% in the last year; and in Germany there were a number of aluminium and hybrid doors that gave an insight into what the future might hold for the UK domestic market.
Jerry comments: “Despite its growth aluminium accounts for a tiny fraction of the UK domestic market – with PVC-u way ahead and timber and composite doors not far behind. But the signs are encouraging for aluminium, as more and more homeowners are choosing the material.
“Advances in technology mean that aluminium can now achieve energy ratings on a par with PVC-u, so it is winning this battle – and when it comes to the aesthetics battle there is no competition.”
He continues: “What Fensterbau shows is that aluminium is gaining real traction and whilst not all of the products on show will make it to the UK, some will – and it’s now up to companies like us to showcase them and create demand. It was also interesting to see how automation and motorised products are now part of the mix – certainly something to look out for.”
CDW celebrated a record year in 2015, with demand for its aluminium windows and doors from homeowners helping to spark a significant increase in sales.
Jerry has been a long-time advocate of using aluminium in the domestic market and hopes trade shows like Fensterbau will put this material further in the spotlight; and promote its benefits as a viable alternative to PVCu.
He comments: “The future of the domestic market needs future proof products. Safety, security and quality of windows and doors were a key theme at Fensterbau and aluminium ticks all these boxes and more.
“Fensterbau has given us a glimpse into what the future of the UK market will look like. Increased domestic projects and profitable, high-end products will only serve to encourage others to get involved, which may see aluminium finally have its day in the domestic market.”
CDW Systems has been operating for twenty two years as an aluminium specialist, manufacturing and supplying a wide range of windows, doors, shop and curtain walling, using some of the leading aluminium profile systems on the market today including SAPA, ALUK and Smarts.
