More advanced markets such as North America, Canada, and Holland have already adopted the use of composites as a material of choice for window and door applications.

Here in the UK, composites such as fibreglass make up a much smaller portion of the market than more traditional materials. So, by thinking of composites, you’re already thinking ahead of your competitors.

Why composites, and why now?

Building owners are now better informed than ever, with the ability to research their purchases in more detail. Aluminium and PVC, although popular, just don’t offer the same level of insulation or visual aesthetic that composites can provide. 

And when you consider that composites have low thermal expansion characteristics, high tensile strength, low density, and a long lifecycle; it’s easy to understand why building owners have taken such a shine to composites as a more premium alternative.

So how do composites compare?

Thermal advantages

One of the main drivers behind the growing use of composite materials in construction is changing regulation in the industry.

Energy efficiency is key. Heat loss and heat gain through windows is responsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.

Looking at the bigger picture, it’s been estimated that buildings contribute almost 40% of global carbon emissions. While new and existing homes contribute 20% towards UK carbon emissions. Little wonder that climate change agendas increasingly focus on ensuring new builds are more energy efficient and sustainable.

You’ll likely already be aware of ‘U-value’ – the measure that determines thermal transmittance. The lower the U-value, the greater the energy efficiency.

Fibreglass carries a very low U-value and improves the thermal performance of doors and windows without the need for the additional thermal breaks required by other materials such as aluminium. The result? Better insulated homes and buildings for your customers.

Longer lasting

Thermal insulation helps to reduce the risk of surface condensation by maintaining surfaces above the dew point. This is good news for nations like the UK where buildings need to be heated for long stretches of the year. And it means your customers can be confident that their homes are better protected against mould and damp.

Materials like wood can deteriorate when moist and expand or warp in humidity, and aluminium can corrode. Materials like PVC face other challenges – as they fade and discolour in the sun over time.

By contrast, composite solutions are engineered to resist moisture, corrosion, and rust and will withstand years of UV exposure. So, the installed lifetime maintenance needs are considerably less.

A premium view

Prized for their high tensile strength, composites can hold a large weight of glass with narrower frames and sills. This allows greater glass area in windows and better sightlines for a more modern and attractive appearance.

Composite window and door solutions can also be coated to replicate desired aesthetics, such as the texture of wood, and can be painted in a wide variety of colours.

Take our work with Dutch window and door manufacturer Venster Techniek for example.

Venster Techniek worked with us to target their local market with a replacement solution for thermally inefficient bluestone doorsills. Working together, we developed a composite doorsill which emulated a Belgian blue hardstone look. The venture went so well that Venster Techniek are moving more of their product range to become composite-based.

Let’s think together

So, whatever product development ideas you have in mind, our UK-based team of experts can help your window and door application take shape.

Whether it’s about improving energy efficiency, incorporating stronger, sleeker frame profiles  or maximising aesthetic qualities, we can help you realise your vision.

If you’re interested to find out more, please contact us.