7 Fenestration Market Trends to Watch

May 24 2021 Posted By Ontario Window Reviews

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7 Fenestration Market Trends to Watch

If there’s one business sector that’s amazingly surviving, even thriving, in these uncertain times, it’s definitely the fenestration industry, which involves the design, manufacturing, and installation of windows and doors. 

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of the most exciting market trend forecasts to watch out for in the fenestration industry. Let’s delve right in!

1. Higher Demand for Residential Windows and Doors

Despite the overwhelming economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fenestration market remains unfazed and even expects lucrative growth in the coming years.

According to “Doors and Windows Market in North America – Industry Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026,” the fenestration market will see a 4% increase in its compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2021 to 2026. 

The sudden surge in demand for replacement windows and doors is caused mainly by the residential construction buildings and the growing investments in renovation, replacement, retrofit, and home improvement projects, which, based on the report, interests both the millennials and baby boomers demographic.

2. Europe Steps Up Its Energy Efficiency Efforts 

Europe’s fenestration market is expected to be worth over $49.37 billion by 2027. It is one of the first-ever regions globally to spearhead concrete efforts on energy efficiency and sustainability. In the hopes of seeing architectural innovations that support energy efficiency through fenestration products, the European Union has recently issued an updated minimum performance requirement for windows

Ontario, Canada, has taken a similar direction with its Green Energy Act that requires all residential windows to follow energy-efficiency standards, including double-glazing and low-emissivity coating. The province even offers a rebate to encourage homeowners to get a door or window replacement for their outdated fenestration products, the Retail Insider reports.

3. Increase in Fenestration Requirements for Commercial Buildings 

By the end of 2026, North America’s fenestration industry is projected to be worth $39 billion. The commercial windows and doors segment held around 30% of the market share. This trend is predicted to continue to increase for years to come. 

One of the biggest driving factors to the fenestration market’s continuous success is the modern buildings of the IT industry, which are leaning more towards using floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors to achieve a contemporary look and enhance visibility.

High-rise buildings with glass windows

4. Vinyl Windows and Doors Get Preference 

Fenestration products made from UPVC, or Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, will continue to be more in demand over other raw materials. Europe’s market share for vinyl windows and doors is expected to see a 5% growth until 2027. This is not surprising because vinyl has a clean and low-maintenance look and is resistant to fading, warping, rust, and corrosion

5. Aluminum Fenestration for Green Construction 

Exterior doors and windows made from high-quality aluminum will see steady demand in North America’s green construction movement. Some homeowners prefer the industrial aesthetic appeal of aluminum over other types of materials for windows. Furthermore, aluminum is cheaper than steel. 

More property owners will see the benefits of green construction. Experts believe this will trigger a demand for wooden frames, which gives architecture and building companies a negative Global Warming Potential (GWP), earning them tax relief incentives.

As more nations focus on energy efficiency, it only makes sense to see homeowners and builders shifting to multi-glazed fenestration products, such as double-pane and triple-pane windows. 

Are multi-glazed windows worth the investment? Absolutely! They offer better insulation, better noise reduction, and added security, making the home far more comfortable while also reducing power bills. Additionally, with the cost difference between double-glazed and triple-glazed windows just resting at 10 to 15%, many homeowners see that upgrading to a triple-glazed window is well worth it, considering that the thermal resistance increases by 47% more. 

Homeowners can actually take it a step further with quadruple-glazed windows, which unfortunately is not yet gaining much traction in North America’s fenestration market due to its hefty price tag and challenges with window installation due to its weight. As one of the coldest countries in the world, Canadian homes can benefit from quadruple glazing the same way that Nordic countries do.

A serviceman installing windows into a new home

7. The Rise of Smart Windows

By 2022, the smart window market is forecasted to be worth $6.9 billion with a compound annual growth rate of 14.3% from 2016 to 2022. Smart windows, or switchable windows, have advanced smart glass technology that has changeable light transmission properties. One moment they offer clear visibility, and the next thing you know, they’ve turned completely opaque for privacy. 

Currently, there are two types of smart glass windows:

  • Electrochromic (controlled by electricity) 
  • Thermochromic (controlled by external heat)

 Of the two, electrochromic smart window glass can be directly manipulated by the user from an app, making it a viable substitute for window treatments. Meanwhile, thermochromic glass reacts to outside temperatures, allowing for increased energy savings and sun protection. Though still costly at this stage, smart windows will eventually be made more accessible, as with most other innovations in the fenestration industry. 

Have any of these trends given you new insights for your next home update project? If you’re looking for fenestration companies that stay ahead in terms of innovation and product quality, check out our actively updated list of trusted window companies. Stay up to date with what’s happening in the fenestration market by reading our blogs and verified customer reviews

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