Fighting back against a challenging market

Richard Hall, Managing Director of Reynaers Aluminium, explores the challenges, trends and changes expected for the windows and doors sector in 2025. 

While there is no doubt the past couple of years have been tough for the construction industry, growth is being tentatively forecast across trade and retail and commercial sectors for 2025. With the latest Glenigan Report predicting an average 8% rise in project starts, this could see confidence return and, in turn, renewed investment in commercial and residential markets, which would be welcome news.   

However, mixed messages remain around exactly what economic outlook to expect. Homeowners are still feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis and the Construction Products Association (CPA) has predicted growth will be slower than initially anticipated. We are also still navigating a complex landscape in terms of new and updated legislation with the introduction of the Building Safety Act, and question marks remaining over Parts L, F and O of the Building Regulations. Furthermore, project starts have been impacted by delays at the new Gateway 2. 

Despite the economic challenges to date, companies that have continued to invest in systems and products to help meet the need for best practice in safety, performance and sustainability will be well placed to move forwards.  

In addition, the need to demonstrate – and action – a commitment to sustainability is resulting in a magnifying glass being put against ESG policies to ensure this is supported throughout the supply chain. 

Building Safety Act 

Demonstrating the ability to support the golden thread and meet the requirements of the Building Safety Act will be non-negotiable in the coming years, and this move should be embraced. 

While short-term delays, and a residual level of confusion of how this will work in practice currently remain, comprehensive performance testing, expert technical support and accessible data will be vital to supporting the industry through the changes. 

Reynaers Aluminium has invested heavily in creating tailor-made systems that deliver up-to-date sustainability and performance data, with product passports now accessible via Reynaers’ bespoke DigiTrace system. These cover the materials used, end of life/recycling information, performance data and installation requirements – along with the capacity to demonstrate competent installation by uploading images to support the golden thread. Reynaers believes it is up to manufacturers to support stakeholders in meeting legislative requirements – and to provide the reassurance specifiers need when working with systems.  

Supporting a sustainable future 

Changes to Part L have long been mooted for 2025, however there is as yet no clear outline as to what changes the industry can expect. While a consultation has taken place into the Future Homes Standard, at the time of writing the industry still awaits the response.  

Reynaers has adopted sustainability as a key pillar of its strategy. New products such as MasterLine 8 and 10 have built-in low U-values for better thermal efficiency, with a comprehensive offering across all product ranges that can meet the current Part L values, as well as products that provide Passive House performance levels. Whether U-values remain at 2022 levels or move towards 0.8 W/m2K, Reynaers can support its customers and the industry’s demands.  

Retrofit 

Within the demand for a sustainable economy, retrofit projects will be a major industry focus. Bringing buildings into line with new environmental requirements, enabling change of use and optimising grey and brownfield sites will see a shift in thinking. Building simplicity into systems to support this will be important as the demands of retrofit differ to newbuild. Reynaers’ SlimLine 68 window, for example, is designed specifically to make it easy to use in like-for-like replacements through its 68mm frame, which meets many standard designs.  

 In looking at both cost and carbon efficiencies, a compelling case also remains for modular and volumetric construction. While the UK has been cautious of adopting this approach, the results speak for themselves with projects such as the College Road Tower, Croydon, estimating a 40-50% cut in carbon emissions thanks to offsite methods. The market has demonstrated the demand for volumetric efficiency and there may also be increased interest in exploring this option.  

www.reynaers.co.uk