In an earlier era, most windows and doors were primarily made of wood or, to a lesser extent, steel. In the new millennium, however, particularly in the post-pandemic period, fenestration solutions have moved beyond basic needs.
Today, people seek solutions that can increase or decrease the ambient light as per their need, reduce noise levels, curb the heat or cold and keep out pollution. Additionally, they expect their doors and windows are easy to operate and long-lasting.
Multiple Advantages of uPVC
Considering the plethora of needs, uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) fenestration products are gradually gaining popularity across the country. What increases the appeal of these doors and windows is that they are also available in white & wooden finishes such as Mahogany, Walnut Light Oak, etc.
Unlike previously when the main demand came from the metros, uPVC is attracting increasing attention in tier 2 cities and beyond. Besides, as cost efficiencies come into play due to market conditions, many developers have launched projects in suburban and hinterland areas. As connectivity to outlying towns/cities improves, it facilitates the expansion of modern fenestration players to these regions.
Increasing urbanization and rising middle-class numbers have further fuelled the pan-India growth of the fenestration market. Another driver has been the mounting demand for office and commercial space as well as green-certified buildings, all of which require the right fenestration solutions along with high-performance potential.
In the case of uPVC, it has emerged as the material of choice for door and window profiles because of its numerous features. These include high energy efficiency, low maintenance as well as better sound and thermal insulation, among others. For example, double-glazed windows having uPVC frames can minimise a building’s greenhouse gas emissions by 50%. Similarly, properly fabricated uPVC windows offer high sound insulation. The material also protects against UV rays and rain, can be recycled while also being impact resistant and having resistance to saltwater. Unlike PVC, uPVC doesn’t require added additive materials during its production, resulting in less energy usage. All these factors enhance its appeal in commercial, industrial and residential applications.
As per Ken Research, in the coming decade, the uPVC market is expected to increase its growth by more than 30% in terms of both replacement and new sales,[1] mainly driven by high rise apartment complexes in urban regions.
Aluminium: Green and Everlasting
Meanwhile, even as uPVC is catching up, aluminium products continue to dominate the fenestration market because of their low cost and availability in varied versions. According to some estimates, the market share of aluminium currently stands at 50%. To some extent, the preference for aluminium doors and windows is because the country has warm weather for a major part of the year.
Apart from resisting corrosion, aluminium has stiffness and density that is one-third of steel despite being extremely light, which gives it superior longevity. If extra strength and durability are essential, aluminium alloy can be fortified by adding magnesium, silicon and lithium, making it almost like steel. Given these qualities, high-strength aluminium is used in some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.
Moreover, aluminium can be completely recycled without any quality deterioration or destruction of its unique properties. Significantly, the recycling of aluminium only requires 5% of the energy needed for extraction from its ore. Its recycling property means aluminium is eternally renewable, which explains why it is also called a ‘green’ metal.
Additional Demand Drivers
Like aluminium, India’s uPVC fenestration market has also witnessed an upward growth trajectory. As the country’s commercial and residential markets bounced back, uPVC products have kept gaining traction.
Other demand drivers include the burgeoning working-class cohorts in cities, a rise in disposable incomes and the steady growth in residential projects. The pan-India shortage of 18 million residential units, the national mission of Housing for All and the construction of smart cities are all expected to give more momentum to quality fenestration materials such as uPVC and aluminium. Finally, as space and land constraints lead to the growth of more high rises across India, products made from uPVC and aluminium are bound to reach greater heights of glory in the fenestration