Disruptors: Five Trends That Will Transform the Window and Door Industry

Posted by West Country Windows on July 20th, 2019

Disruptors are new companies or entrepreneurs driving a product line that permanently changes the way a particular industry operates by shaking its fundamentals. For example, Apple’s iPod replaced the Walkman and Minidisc players, Android beat Symbian, Skype hurt the telecoms operators and Uber and Lyft have the traditional taxi industry running scared. The UK window and door industry is not immune to a serious challenge from its own disruptors. New products and services will inevitably alter the way our industry goes about its business in the short, medium and long term.

Here are five of the disrupting factors taking place right now in the industry:

Flush sash windows

This is where the future of uPVC doors and windows is destined to remain, for the most part. There has been such a remarkable growth in sales of flush sash windows in recent times that it appears highly likely that they will surpass the popularity of casement windows in due course. The appeal to home owners is clear – a pleasant, flat surfaced front to their windows. The flush fit means you benefit from equal sight lines. All fixed sections come with dummy sashes. An impressive range of wood grains or bespoke colours are available and they are easily retro-fittable with 70mm systems.

Timber-effect joints

The entire point of a flush window is to appear wooden. Therefore when you study old wooden windows, it should make sense that they were not welded at 45 degrees. Timber-effect joints add a touch of flair over a standard flush window. There are a few methods for attaining timber look joints (welded or mechanically jointed), each with their own advantages. Home owners are showing increased interest in this slightly more expensive (not to mention harder to fabricate) but overall better looking option.

Specialised hardware suppliers

Hardware in this case means door and window handles, letter boxes, door knockers, the use of UK-made solid cast material and more. Traditional Window Fittings and From the Anvil are creating contemporary and traditional furniture that is transforming how we dress and style our windows and doors. For instance, a composite door can be sold with standard lever/lever handles - but why not exchange that for a Pewter Monkey Tail door handle, an old-fashioned iron mongered push-in style letter box, or a Tear Drop door knocker?!

Smarter technology

You only need to reference the auto sector, the internet of things (IoT), home AI devices, or even modern fridges, washing machines and door bells to gauge the extent to which ‘smart’ technology is becoming integrated into our day-to-day routine. So far the window and door industry has lagged behind, but it seems likely that we are about to turn a corner. Manufacturers are beginning to put their own smart products out there. Yale offer their Conexis and smart home system and ERA has launched a similar range. Smart Ready could break the mould for windows. But reliability is key.

Recycling

West Country Windows recognises that we should strive to become much more sustainable as an industry - or we run the risk of the current anti-plastic narrative taking over and harming the PVCu part of our market. Belgium is leading this area with cutting edge recycling facilities at Deceuninck. The objective is to achieve a 100% fully closed loop or cycle. That essentially means that virgin uPVC will end up being recycled into brand new windows and doors, without any of the material having to be transported to waste or landfill.

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