Aluminium thermal break solutions will be the next thing trending.

Alex Dantziguian, Managing Director - MEIA, Technoform Bautec Holding GMBH

How is the market for doors and windows evolving in the country?

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable building materials in India, driven by factors such as increasing urbanization, rising energy costs, and a growing awareness of environmental concerns. This has led to a greater emphasis on energy-efficient construction practices and the adoption of green building standards.

As a result, the market for thermal break doors and windows in India has been gradually evolving. Many fabricators, extruders and system suppliers are now offering thermal break systems as part of their product portfolios. The demand for these products is particularly high in villas, hotels, hospitals, and commercial building.

Additionally, government initiatives and regulations promoting energy efficiency in buildings have further stimulated the market for thermal break doors and windows. For instance, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in India has implemented energy conservation building codes that encourage the use of energy-efficient materials and technologies. These codes have pushed builders and developers to consider incorporating thermal break systems into their projects.

What are the growth opportunities for the products? What are the demand drivers?

Thermal break doors and windows offer many growth opportunities in India due to the country's growing emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability agendas. Some growth opportunities are:

• Focus on energy efficiency by architects, consultants, and government departments.

• New standards and regulations by government

• Increasing importance of Green Building Standards in India

• Increasing consumer awareness about product and the benefits

• Rapid growth of construction industry and urbanization

• Technological advancements, product innovation, and international exposure

• Government initiatives to Make in India, where aluminium extrusions and thermal break assembling lines in factories are available.

These factors indicate a positive outlook for the adoption of thermal break windows in the Indian market.

The demand for thermal break windows in India is driven by the need for energy efficiency, climate considerations, environmental consciousness, noise reduction, occupant comfort, green building certifications, and government regulations. These factors align with the growing focus on sustainable and energy-efficient construction practices in the country and a Make in India mindset.

What kind of design innovations are trending in doors and windows?

As we have seen in last couple of years, slim line windows are trending not only in India but across the world. Along with these windows following design innovations are trending in thermal break doors and windows in India.

More enhanced insulation materials being used for energy efficiency which includes polyamide thermal break, warm edge spacers, high performance glass and peripheral sealing materials.

System designers are designing multi-chamber profiles in thermal break doors and windows. These profiles consist of multiple air chambers, which help improve insulation by reducing heat transfer.

Improved gaskets and sealing systems enhancing the sealing mechanisms to minimize air leakage and ensure better insulation. This includes using weather stripping, gaskets, and other sealing materials.

For exports and extreme requirements, triple glazing is gaining attention in India. It involves using three layers of glass with two air gaps with warm edge glass spacers to provide even better insulation and noise reduction compared to double glazing.

Consumers are increasingly seeking personalized designs for their thermal break doors, windows, and facades. Suppliers are offering a wide range of customization options in terms of bi-colour finishes, window coloured warm edge spacers and better hardware for architectural aesthetics.

How are various materials showing their importance in the current market scenario?

In the current market scenario in India, aluminium is the most used frame material for doors, windows and facades and thermal break solutions are rapidly increasing. Various door window materials are showcasing their importance based on factors such as durability, energy efficiency, aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

Aluminium frames are structurally strong yet lightweight and require low maintenance, making them a popular choice. They offer good thermal insulation when combined with thermal breaks and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Aluminium is also recyclable, promoting sustainability.

uPVC doors and windows have gained significant popularity in India during introduction of material as frame due to their excellent insulation properties. They offer thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption and providing cost savings on heating and cooling. However, uPVC windows have shortcomings, such as not structurally strong and therefore with limited height, requiring steel tube inserts which do not work well. In case of fire, they also cause the release of chloride, a poisonous gas.

Traditional wooden doors and windows are still used due to their timeless appeal and natural beauty. Wood provides excellent insulation and acoustic properties, and it can be customized in various designs. However, wood requires regular maintenance, including painting and varnishing, to protect it from weathering and insect damage.

Steel doors and windows are valued for their strength, security, and fire resistance. They offer high structural strength but require maintenance to avoid corrosion. Steel frames can be sleek, fitting different architectural styles. However, steel is a good conductor of heat, so additional insulation measures may be necessary for energy efficiency.

In the Indian market, aluminium and uPVC have gained significant popularity due to their energy efficiency, low maintenance requirements, and durability. However, traditional materials like wood still hold importance for their aesthetic appeal in villas and small towns.

What are the latest products and solutions offered by the company in doors and windows?

We have different product offering for different situation but mainly in thermal break, insulation solution and warm edge spacers as edge bound solutions. We mainly focus on thermal break solution and warm edge spacers which make bigger percentage of our business. Besides these two products in building and construction, we are also supplying specialised plastic extrusions in many industries like automobile, aviation, chemical, water, HVAC, marine, railways, etc.

How do you look at the future demand trend for doors and windows?

As construction and urbanization is growing in India, the doors, windows, and facades are in huge demand. The increasing project size and project values are inviting bigger national and international players in the business thus pushing the industry to an organised sector from an unorganised industry a decade back.

With involvement of bigger players, the products are also rapidly changing to adapt features for energy efficiency, sustainability, recyclability, aesthetic appearance, durability and optimism utilization of resources.

It is very clear that with government involvement, green building requirements, and need to address weather conditions, aluminium thermal break solutions will be the next thing trending. To my estimate, it will not be surprised if thermally broken systems grow at 50-70% year-on-year for next decade in India.

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