The past few years have seen considerable change for the fenestration industry - tighter regulations , economic uncertainty , and supply chain challenges . As we venture into 2024 , the situation continues to be unpredictable with high interest rates and further increases in the cost of living continuing to impact investment in projects . However , opportunities in aluminium remain – new regulations are imminent , and digitalisation can provide customers an even greater service . According to the latest Construction Industry Forecast from Glenigan , commercial project starts are expected to see an increase of approximately 8 % in the next 12 months , and then a further 7 % in 2025 . The Glenigan report also suggests a 4 % increase in private housing project starts in 2024 and an 11 % increase in 2025 . Whilst we ’ d all like to see growth in both commercial projects and private housing developments , the latest Construction Products Association ( CPA ) forecast suggests a marginal fall of -0.3 % in construction output in 2024 , which includes no growth in private housing for either new build or repair , maintenance and improvement .
In addition , the latest Insight Data report shows a concerning decline in the overall number of fabricators and installers over the past five years . However , the demand for aluminium windows and doors looks set to continue , with the number of aluminium
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fabricators continuing to increase , standing at 921 in 2023 . This is a good sign for the aluminium windows and doors supply chain .
Whilst the economic backdrop is one of further uncertainty , Reynaers will once again rise to the challenge as we embark on 2024 , developing innovative solutions to support the growth of our customer base .
Future Homes Standard Great strides have been made in increasing the thermal efficiency of window and door systems to cut energy use and support global efforts to reach net zero . Aluminium is already playing a key role , due to its durability and the fact that it is infinitely recyclable .
While the recent release of the Part L consultation suggests any changes expected in the Future Homes Standard will now be pushed further down the line , here at Reynaers we will continue to innovate our aluminium solutions so they are fit for a better future , and already have doors , windows and curtain walling systems with U-values as low as 0.8 W / m ² K without compromising on aesthetics , functionality and performance . Sustainability remains a key commitment for us .
Achieving the level of thermal efficiency that will be needed to support net zero in the years ahead will remain a challenge for the industry , but it is one we can meet . The driver is to maintain the slimline aesthetics of aluminium doors and windows while
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incorporating the thermal breaks needed to increase efficiency . However , with doors and windows already available that meet Passive House levels of thermal efficiency , this is already in reach .
Reynaers ’ sliding door system MasterPatio is a great example of this . It is Cradle to Cradle certified , made with recycled materials and achieves U-values of 0.8 W / m ² K . Having products like this that are market-ready is vital in giving customers confidence that products are built to last and built for the future .
The industry is urged to continue to keep an eye on the future , taking a progressive stance on energy efficiency and developing and testing new solutions to support better natural ventilation and increased thermal efficiency to meet increasing demand for sustainability in the residential and commercial sectors . When upgraded U-values are eventually announced the industry will need to have the foundations in place to embrace necessary change .
To support sustainable
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building design , Reynaers remains committed to meeting the future needs of customers in planning ahead with quality products that can be trusted through rigorous testing and research . As such , we will introduce a number of new and updated products throughout 2024 and beyond , which will provide further improvement in the thermal efficiency and sustainability credentials of our windows , doors and curtain walling . All of which will be thoroughly tested and certified to increasingly stringent standards .
Building Safety Act
The introduction of the Building Safety Act will have a significant impact on the construction industry as a whole , driving up standards in manufacturing , specification and installation to support improved safety and accountability .
Proof of testing , certification and an accessible trail of traceable information will be essential for any parties involved in building projects to evidence the golden thread
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24 JANUARY 2024 |
CLEARVIEW-UK . COM |