says Mr. Mario Schmidt, Managing Director of Rajasthan-based Lingel Windows Systems and Technical Head at UWDMA.
Emerging trends in the fenestration/window systems; and Lingel's latest offerings:
Fenestration has undergone a drastic revamp all over the world, and the trends are fast catching up in India as well. Apart from wood, doors and windows are now available in alternate technological configurations such as uPVC, aluminium, and in some cases, a blend of these technologies. As far as current status is concerned, the shift from wood to other materials is clearly visible as the share of wood in window systems is limited only to 25% - 30%.
Amidst the options available, uPVC windows and doors are gradually strengthening its foothold in the country because of its unmatched attributes when compared to other available materials. Features like energy-efficiency, fire, wind, and moisture resistance, aesthetics, long lasting, thermally and acoustically insulated, etc are endearing this uPVC not only among the industry stakeholders but also among the end-users. Besides, their being flexible enables customization to meet individual requirements.
As far as ongoing style trend is concerned, casement windows are the highest contributor to Lingel's sale, while windows with large openings of about 10 foot height are slowly catching up among the individual homeowners. Some other styles that Lingel can supply are: fixed window, tilt & turn window, sliding window, bay window, and combination window. With the introduction of windows and doors that perform in all climates, the technology for producing such windows has advanced over the years. India's climate is challenging and our products are guaranteed to be up to the task. We offer single glazed, double glazed, and even triple glazed windows depending on the customers' requirements. For maximum heat deflection, we use E-glass.
Factors restricting uPVC growth and promotional steps:
No doubt that the acceptance of uPVC window systems is attributed to their unmatched insulation properties, and thermal & acoustic features. Due to these properties, uPVC greatly brings air-conditioning costs down and helps in keeping noise out of homes, thereby providing a peaceful atmosphere to occupants. But yes, this material still lacks the growth momentum, which is needed to flourish. One reason may be the emergence of unorganized players who are making inroads by compromising on quality solutions and supplying at a relatively cheaper rate.
For this, we are continuously promoting the cause to both - among the industry stakeholders and the end-customers. As an association, UWDMA (uPVC windows & doors manufacturers' association) is conducting various activities and events to promote uPVC windows, and we are hopeful of a significant return in near future, thereby putting the uPVC window system industry on a growth trajectory.
At UWDMA, we are committed to assist all those engaged in uPVC manufacturing, fabrication and installation, in taking strides to achieve world-class quality systems. Through our support, we hope that both manufacturers and consumers, will be in a condition to maximize the returns on their respective investment. We also let them know as to how uPVC plays a big role in conserving natural resources like wood and energy, besides keeping the buildings free from termites and paint.
UWDMA's Focus is on:
- Making consumers aware of energy performance of windows
- Facilitating direct comparison of energy performance of products from different manufacturers
- Enabling consumers and designers select windows based on energy performance
- Providing tools and methodology throughout the country.
