Annual Predictions
Home comfort , sustainability and smart tech in the spotlight
IAN SHORT , MANAGING DIRECTOR
One of the things that stood out during 2024 was an increased understanding amongst homeowners about how their window and door specification can be optimised to make their homes even more energy efficient and comfortable all year round .
The bulk of the market will still account for standard windows and doors featuring compliance-level IGUs , of course . But this greater awareness of products that go beyond the norm could mean we see more customers asking for higher performing glass and integral blinds in
2025 as they look to tailor the environment inside their homes to meet their exact needs .
Hence why we believe there is strong sales potential for our Uni-Blinds ® integral blind units featuring an enhanced performance glass , such as Planitherm One or Saint-Gobain COOL-LITE SKN 176 II .
All Uni-Blinds ® Venetian or pleated blinds are capable of ticking homeowners ’ boxes from an aesthetic , privacy control and shading perspective , but add into the mix a glass with superior solar control or thermal performance , and we think there ’ s a hugely appealing combination for the residential market in 2025 .
Sustainability continues to rise up the priority list of homeowners and there is no reason why that will not continue this year and beyond . With no sign of energy bills reducing any time soon , products which can provide an extra energy efficiency benefit will have widespread appeal . But installers can also boost their sustainability credentials by communicating the other environmentally beneficial steps they are taking as a business , such as using electric vans or recycling their post-consumer IGUs in schemes like ours .
Smart home tech is likely to be another growth area and that could unlock valuable sales opportunities for installers offering Uni-Blinds ® integral blinds . In 2023 , it was estimated that nearly 1 in 5 ( 19.7 %) UK households had smart devices – equivalent to 5.7 million homes – and that is forecast to grow to 50.2 % by 2027 . But today ’ s smart home tech options go way beyond smart speakers and a video doorbell .
We have been offering a smart home compatible motorised integral blind system , the Uni-Blinds MB System , for many years and this is gaining appeal with every year that goes by . It is designed so it can be integrated with leading smart home systems , including Loxone , so homeowners can automate the opening and closing of their blinds .
As the MB System and different glass options illustrate , there is huge potential for homeowners to customise their windows and doors to meet their aims in home improvement projects . So , there has never been a more important time for installers to ensure their product portfolio caters for a wide range of tastes in everything from colours , styles and hardware to integral blinds .
www . morleyglass . co . uk
18 JANUARY 2025 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM