Clearview National June 2015 - Issue 163 | Page 24

INDUSTRYNEWS

UK Market for ReplacementWindows
and Doors Returns to Growth
The UK market for replacement domestic doors and windows is a substantial
but mature sector. Volumes have been in steady underlying decline, but .....
»»... the market returned to
value growth in 2014, partly reflecting the
release of pent-up demand due to rising
consumer confidence and an improving
housing market.
The dominant position of PVCu, especially
in the windows and patio door sector, is a key
feature with the PVCu dominated direct sell
route to market particularly strong in these
product sectors. Aluminium and timber also
retain shares, though aluminium is largely
restricted to specific applications or products.
Composite doors have gained significant
market share and have grown rapidly in
popularity in recent years.
Some major restructuring has been seen in
the sector in the last two years, with further
rationalisation anticipated at all levels of the
supply chain. In particular, the composite
door sector has seen significant change in
terms of acquisitions and companies exiting
the market in 2013/14.
AMA’s forecast for the development of the
door and window replacement market for
2015 is for further good growth in the region
of 5%, given continued growth in the general
economy, strong consumer confidence and a

24 » JUN 2015 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M

good housing market. For the longer term,
forecasts are for steady recovery of around
2-3% growth, reflecting market maturity and
a steadily rising economy – though growth
rates are unlikely to be buoyant on a sustained
basis.

‘the market will be
primarily driven by demand
from the private rather
than public sector, because
of the impact of cuts in
government spending’
“We anticipate that, certainly in the short
term, the market will be primarily driven
by demand from the private rather than
public sector, because of the impact of cuts in
government spending for the forecast period,”
said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA
Research. “However, a return to the volumes
seen in the 1990s is not likely. Increases in the
market will be limited by a number of factors
including the maturity of the market, high

household penetration levels, and the extended
lifespan of door and window products.”
New legislation may encourage replacement
of windows and doors to some extent,
as regulations for thermal efficiency, etc
become stricter over time, while security and
appearance will also drive second/third-time
replacement. New niche sectors also continue
to offer opportunities – bifold doors have
been a recent example as homeowners look to
open up access to their garden areas with large,
flexible glazed areas.
By 2019, it is expected that the market for
domestic replacement windows and doors
will reach a value of around £2.5bn at retail
selling prices. In the longer term, the UK
replacement door and window market is likely
to see further consolidation at all levels.
The ‘Domestic Replacement Door and
Window Market Report – UK 2015-2019
Analysis’ report is published by AMA
Research, a leading provider of market
research and consultancy services within the
construction and home improvement markets.
The report is available now and can be ordered
online atwww.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling
01242 235724.