INDIAN DOORS SECTOR IN 20 YEARS

- Saket Jain

Business Head, Fenesta Building Systems

In the past two decades, Indian fenestration products have moved primarily from wooden windows and doors to more sustainable, long-lasting and eco-friendly materials such as uPVC and aluminium.

During the early years of the new millennium when wood was the dominant material, customers had to face numerous hassles in getting wooden doors and windows made. The multiple challenges included, getting the right quality, ensuring good finish, maintaining uniformity of colours, the lack of any insect-proofing, bloating and warping of the material as well as seepage of rainwater. That wasn't all. Customers also had to contend with the problem of dealing with multiple vendors, choosing the right kind of wood and its quality, installation issues and worrying about the outcome. To make matters worse, manual work done by carpenters meant there was no dimensional accuracy, leading to an uneven finish in the end product. Thereafter, as one began using the product, one could never be too sure about its durability and overall quality.

Wooden, Hybrid & Designer Doors

The entry of branded fenestration products completely transformed the landscape in what was till then a largely unorganised industry. Branded products saw the advent of solid panel doors such as engineered wooden doors, hybrid material doors and designer doors. Since the engineered wooden doors are factory-made and completely customisable, they stay perfect for both internal and external applications.

Even as they blend modern innovations, such doors are based on conventional designs. The 100% factory-made products ensure superior finish as well as absolute precision, quality and zero onsite mess. Best of all, the machine polish imparts uniformity and longevity so that no re-polishing is required for at least 10 years.

Moreover, branded wooden fenestration solutions are only made from the best hardwood such as teak and steam beech, known for inherent qualities of strength, texture, durability and more. As a result, easy maintenance is facilitated while providing higher fire resistance than softwood. Also, the timber is put through best-in-class moisture treatment for 45 days, making certain it does not undergo any behavioural changes.

Branded internal doors are also made of special, eco-friendly, hybrid material. Curated by using wood fibre and thermoplastics, it provides the perfect solution for room and washroom needs. Besides being resistant to termites, water, moisture, fire as well as wear and tear, these doors help transform the aesthetics of any interior.

Next, there are designer doors that are used for entrances, rooms, bathrooms, kitchens or other areas. Since the core is filled with foam and metal sheets, it enhances sound and thermal insulation as well as weather resistance. Designer doors are embellished with the shoot bolt and hock-lock system. By adding a layer of uPVC, the aesthetics are enhanced further. 

Transition to Green Products - uPVC and Aluminium

In the last decade, there has been a huge shift towards sustainable uPVC and Aluminium windows and doors. In these materials, slider doors are preferred for their sleek looks and slim design while offering the best views and great ventilation. Slider doors feature horizontal sashes fitted with rollers at the bottom. Thereby, these doors optimise space with swift sideways movement. Easy to open and shut, slider doors ensure the best ventilation and views. Consumers are increasingly understanding the benefits and opting for uPVC and aluminium casement doors and windows. Ranked among the most popular door designs, casement imparts a classic look even in the most modern settings. Designed to swing outwards or inwards with the simple twist of a handle, casement doors provide clear views of the other side. What makes them the preferred choice of many is their picturesque profile.

For people living in contemporary homes, the 90-degree corner slider system is perfect for the corners of balconies, façades and garden spaces. The lift & slide doors can also be considered that let residents enjoy vast panoramic views through glass panes without dividers that offer superior insulation and improved security. With just a feather touch, the lift & slide technology allows occupants inside to connect with the outside world.

Likewise, the aluminium slim-line sliding doors provide minimally visible aluminium sight lines that maximise the view of occupants. While providing a tremendous balance of style and functionality, the doors impart exquisiteness to the façades they are used within.

As India is well into the third decade of the current millennium, wooden fenestration products are losing their popularity because of the attached disadvantages and are further fuelled by rising environmental consciousness at large. The uPVC and aluminium windows and doors because of the inherent advantages have emerged as the top options because of their high sustainability quotient and low maintenance requirements.

Ultimately, given their greater energy efficiency and relatively lower carbon trail, green fenestration solutions are poised for a long reign in Indian homes and establishments. This is thanks also to their allied advantages of durability, recyclability, quality, aesthetics, convenience, performance and more.

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