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.

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. 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.

Full range

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.

And for the installer, the pre-inserted gasket allows them to glaze a sash in just a matter of minutes.

Internal partitioning

Window installers are seeing the opportunity in offering internal partitioning. 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.

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.

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.