Palmer Market Research’s latest Report on the Market for Windows, Doors and Conservatories in New Housing, says the growth reflected a 79% increase in retro-fitting of wood windows as part of a move to protect the finish and quality of the product.
But despite the success of factory finishing, timber windows’ market share fell in 2005. Only 3% of windows installed by large housebuilders are now softwood, while small builder usage fell from 28% to 23%.
The volume of hardwood windows reduced by 35% to a 2% market share, though about 70% are now fully factory finished.
The value of all installed glazing products in new housing declined by 3.8% in 2005 to £404m, with windows seeing the biggest fall in 10 years. Palmer’s report attributes the figures to the continuing trend towards apartment construction in both private and social housing sectors.
