Why PVC-U is having its moment

Laura Richardson, director at TWR Group, discusses the recent surge in demand for PVC-U over aluminium, what’s driving it, and how TWR’s factory move is supporting installers.

For years, aluminium has been the darling of the trade; sleek, strong, and endlessly versatile. But in the last few months, we’ve seen a clear shift at TWR Group and PVC-U is firmly back in the spotlight, with demand having overtaken aluminium.

We’re in the fortunate position of fabricating both PVC-U and aluminium, so when one side of the business quietens, the other often flourishes. But this current surge in PVC-U has been particularly striking. Why? In my view, several factors are the reason.

Firstly, the new-build market is booming again across our region, and most of those homes are being fitted with PVC-U windows and doors. It’s a practical choice and is cost-effective and energy efficient. Homeowners and developers alike are prioritising value and performance, and modern PVC-U delivers both without compromise.

Secondly, the race to the bottom on aluminium pricing has had a knock-on effect. We’ve seen some suppliers chasing the cheapest prices, and as tempting as it can be, it’s just not sustainable. Quality inevitably suffers, and when it does, installers feel it first. Many trade customers who left in search of lower prices have since returned to us because they value quality and reliability over short-term savings.

Our recent move into a larger factory has also been key in helping us meet this PVC-U demand. Bringing everything under one roof has made us more efficient, flexible, and resilient. We can move skilled staff between PVC-U and aluminium production as needed, maintaining steady output.

It’s streamlined operations and strengthened our ability to respond quickly to shifts in market demand.

And, of course, our position as a genuine one-stop shop makes life easier for installers. Why juggle multiple suppliers and delivery schedules when you can get your PVC-U and aluminium products from one trusted manufacturer?

The balance between PVC-U and aluminium will always fluctuate, but at TWR Group, we’re equipped to handle both. Right now, PVC-U may be leading the way, and with our experience, infrastructure, and commitment to quality, we’re ready to help installers make the most of this opportunity.