Deceuninck Aluminium’s Alex Holbrook looks at where opportunities will come from in 2025.
The market in 2025, particularly the first half, is not expected to favour those businesses geared up to carry out volume work. The consensus is that not enough has been done since the general election in July 2024 to improve confidence among homeowners, and the budget in October ran the risk of forcing up inflation and keeping interest rates high.
On the flip side, fabricators set up to manufacture and supply specialist products should be better positioned to meet the demand for energy efficient high-end windows and doors.
We believe three specific areas are worth highlighting: flush aluminium casement windows, a complementary suite of products, and internal partitioning.
Flush with success
We’ve already seen demand for our Decalu88 Flush Casement increase since it was launched in the first half of 2023, and a key feature is its flexibility in fabrication. Available in a variety of configurations, including side-hung, top-hung, and fixed frames, the system supports multiple project needs without compromising its core performance.
Furthermore, it delivers U-values as low as 0.8W/m²K when triple-glazed, far exceeding regulatory requirements. This is thanks to Deceuninck Aluminium’s ThermoFibra technology and a carefully designed thermal break, which minimises heat loss and maximises energy savings.
It also achieves U-values as low as 1.2W/m2k with a standard unit, which means it meets current newbuild regs without the uplift in cost or complexity of going to triple-glazing, and future-proofs the system in home improvement and retro-fit markets.
And energy efficiency will remain high on the agenda for the foreseeable future as the country aims to decarbonise all sectors of the UK economy by 2050.
And as limitations have been removed on office to residential conversions, the acoustic properties of the Decalu88 Flush Casement will be highly sought after in urban settings.
Full range
For those fabricators who invested in aluminium following Covid, that move is paying dividends. Homeowners who continue to improve their homes are pursuing a modern aesthetic, most easily met by aluminium.
Since this shift to aluminium doesn’t replace the PVC-U market, managing stock and processes can become burdensome and expensive for fabricators, something that Deceuninck Aluminium has considered as part of its product design.
Deceuninck Aluminium Decalu range is modular, requiring just three components rather than up to eight or more with other systems. This is achieved by a single outer frame and sash with identical middle section and slim sightline profiles, fully integrated thermal insulation and the use of co-extruded, pre-inserted gasket.
This modular approach allows for a significant reduction in stock holding, and means that Decalu is up to 40% quicker to manufacturer than some competitor systems.
For the installer, the pre-inserted gasket allows them to glaze a sash in just a matter of minutes. Combined with two, 7mm fully adjustable jams that allow for 14mm of tolerance for out-of-square openings, it makes a huge difference in the amount of time it takes to complete an install.
Decalu also comes in a marine grade finish, with dual colours, as standard. Perfect for those sought-after exposed locations, or those near the coast. This is an initial win during the pitching process, and allows companies to build in extra margin.
Decalu is also supplied in 16 specialist finishes designed to match colour ranges offered by Deceuninck through its PVC-U business, creating further opportunities for installers.
Internal partitioning
Internal partitioning has seen incredible growth over the last couple of years, as homeowners continue to maximise the space in their homes while capitalising on the benefits of natural light.
Specifically, window installers are seeing the opportunity that offering internal partitioning offers. Typically, they are involved in the external works – new windows, bi-folding doors, patio sliders – and don’t want to see internal works go to another contractor.
It also makes sense for window and door fabricators to offer complementary internal products, which maximise these opportunities, and Deceuninck Aluminium’s new Encasa steel-look internal door and partitioning system is well-positioned to meet rising market demands.
Encasa’s introduction comes amid a shift towards self-sufficiency among fabricators, allowing them to manufacture in-house rather than relying on external suppliers. This capability not only retains profit margins but also enhances competitiveness in an ever-evolving market.
Encasa features ultra-slim 34mm sightlines that emulate the classic steel aesthetic while providing the benefits of contemporary design. With maximum heights of 2.5m and the ability to support sash weights of up to 150kg, it can accommodate various architectural needs – from single internal doors to French doors and even heavy-weight pivot doors.
The system also includes an integrated traditional steel-look lock block and plate that doubles as a kick plate, simplifying stockholding and installation.
The manufacturing process for Encasa has been optimised to reduce production time by 25% compared to traditional methods. And installation is equally streamlined, with a 30% reduction in time compared to conventional systems. This efficiency not only saves costs but also accelerates project completion, enhancing the overall user experience.
For both fabricators and customers, this translates to quicker turnaround times and improved satisfaction.
Encasa incorporates several advanced features that elevate its functionality. The sliding door options include soft-close, soft-open, and combined mechanisms that ensure smooth and quiet operation.
And the Decalu88 Internal Pocket Door features a pneumatic push-close/open mechanism, further enhancing the user experience.
2025 may not bring the volume that had originally been hoped for, but those fabricators who invest wisely in their product offering will find fertile ground for opportunities.
And Deceuninck Aluminium’s expanding product range taps into that ongoing demand for high quality, energy efficient and desirable aluminium windows and doors.
We are also excited to announce that we are looking to launch two new products: the Decalu 88 Invisifold system and the Zenova Pull & Slide system, further enhancing our innovative solutions for modern architectural needs.
For more information call 01249 816 969, email info@deceuninck.co.uk or visit www.deceuninckaluminium.co.uk
