New research predicts a slowdown in the replacement window sector. But pre-finished softwood units are expected to increase market share .
According to the Palmer Market Research‘s “Market for Private Sector Home Improvements to 2007” , which also examines the markets for doors, conservatories and secondary glazing, claims 73% of the stock of owner-occupied houses have now had windows replaced and window replacement has “ceased to be aspirational”. uPVC windows grew to 88% of all installations during 2002 and hardwood increased by 9% to the highest level for 11 years, reflecting a fall in both softwood and aluminum units.
Woodgrained uPVC windows now account for 14% of the market, while in the builder’s sector uPVC and hardwood windows fell by 6% and 14% respectively, with softwood growing by 15%.
