Sustainable Fenestration solutions

The fenestration market in India is gradually evolving from its traditional concept to a varied approach in terms of materials, design & aesthetics, environment and safety. Construction Times explores the evolving trends in doors and windows.

Fenestration products play the primary role of protecting us and our home from wind, water and air. The function of a door is to give access to building and to different parts of the building and to deny the access whenever necessary. Different types of doors are in use according to the basis of arrangement of shuttears, method of constructions, principles of working operations and materials used. Windows provide passage of light and air in a structure. The concept of windows has seen significant changes according to the needs of the changing concepts.

Fenestration transformation

When it comes to doors and windows, wood is the material that most people in India would go for. Historically, wood is the material that has been used and carpenters/contractors always recommend wood. There is very little awareness of materials other than wood apart from MDF, HDPE or PVC which are mostly used for internal doors and for doors of bathrooms and kitchens.

However, the market has moved beyond basic needs to other materials that suit the changing needs of the market. They seek solutions that can increase or decrease the ambient light as per their needs, reduce noise levels, curb the heat or cold and keep out pollution. Additionally, they look for doors and windows that are easy to operate and long-lasting.

Aluminium products continue to dominate the fenestration market because of their low cost and availability in varied versions. The warm weather condition in the country almost throughout the year has influenced to some extent, the preference for aluminium doors and windows. Aluminium is extremely light compared with steel. For extra strength and durability, aluminium alloy can be fortified by adding magnesium, silicon and lithium, almost like steel.

Chandan Agrawal, CEO, Eternia, a business unit of Hindalco Industries, is of the view, “Aluminium is a material of choice for fenestration (doors and windows) products and now emerging as a leader in other home products due to its design adaptability, lightweight yet strong and recycling properties.” According to him, more consumers and even industry players who were only using other materials are now shifting to aluminium fenestration - again a clear secular trend that favours aluminium as the preferred material of choice suited for our country's climate and weather conditions.

Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC) fenestration products are also gaining popularity across the country. uPVC has been attracting increasing attention in Tier 2 cities and beyond. It has emerged as the material of choice for door and window profiles because of high energy efficiency, low maintenance as well as better sound and thermal insulation, among others. The material also protects against UV rays and rain, can be recycled while also being impact resistant and having resistance to saltwater.

Rising urbanisation and environmental consciousness among individuals are fostering demand for sustainable fenestration solutions that are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, recyclable, durable, low on maintenance and, high on aesthetics.

As India's real estate market bounces back, uPVC and aluminium have kept gaining traction from large sections of the customer base and are highly preferred materials in the commercial and residential space owing to numerous advantages.

With people spending more time at home and with an increase in health awareness, there is a sharp rise in the demand for larger windows for more natural light and ventilation. People are replacing old smaller wooden and steel windows with high-performance double glazing windows with advanced insulation solutions and higher security.

Susmita Nag, CMO, Fenesta, says, “Nowadays, people prefer uPVC, aluminium and hybrid polymer doors and windows, which block outside noise and disturbances and, in turn, create a noise-free environment to work peacefully at home.”

Due to the increasing demand for weather-proof, energy-efficient fenestration products, the sector is now turning towards innovative materials such as uPVC and aluminium, which have insulation and resistance properties, along with energy-saving qualities.

When we consider steel as a material, it is the most recycled material in the world. All types of steel can be recycled back into new steel of various grades, keeping their inherent material properties intact. Doors and windows made from steel are better in safety compared to other materials. Since steel is a strong material, steel doors and windows don't need much maintenance. They aren't vulnerable to cracking, bowing, and rust. Steel doors come in various degrees of fire-resistance.

Tata Pravesh is a pioneer brand of doors & windows from Tata Steel. Animesh Roy, Chief Services & Solutions (Tata Pravesh), Tata Steel, says, “Made in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities from high grade steel, Tata Pravesh products are engineered to perfection and conform to the highest quality standards. Unlike wooden wall opening solutions, Tata Pravesh has unmatched strength, is termite and fire resistant, weatherproof and maintenance-free. While no wood is used in its manufacturing, it has the best of both - the strength of steel and the elegance of wood.”

Future outlook

The growing urbanization and momentum in sales is pushing the boundaries of modern fenestration products and solutions. Manish Bansal, Director, Window Magic, observes, “Strong outlook in residential as well as commercial sectors including new constructions and renovation projects will drive the demand for windows and doors. Increasing construction accompanied by economic growth particularly will support the fenestration demand.” With the doors and windows market evolving further, strength, durability and sustainability will hold the future.

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