The four German industry associations VFF (Verband Fenster + Fassade), BF (German Federal Flat Glass Association), FVSB (Fachverband Schloss und Beschlag) and pro-K (Industrieverband Halbzeuge und Konsumprodukte aus Kunststoff) presented their new window market figures with forecasts for 2021 and 2022 on 19 October. To say it in advance: The figures turn out better than predicted in the spring. According to these figures, the window market will grow by 2.3 % to 15.8 million window units this year. At the beginning of the year, it was still assumed that the market would take a breather after 2020, the first year with pandemic conditions, had seen a strong growth spurt of 3.5 %.
Growth in 2021 a surprising development
VFF Managing Director Frank Lange in the press conference on the occasion of the VFF Statistics and Market Conference in Frankfurt: "I was somewhat surprised by the growth this year. The problems with the supply of raw materials and vendor parts are obviously not having their full effect after all. The further outlook is also encouraging: The study forecasts growth of a further 1.9 % to 16.1 million VU in 2022.
[Seven answers for safety and security glass]
It was made clear at the presentation that residential construction alone is responsible for the growth, while non-residential construction is stagnating - in 2022 a decline of over one cent is actually forecast in this area.
Tilt&turn windows dominate
The current window and exterior door market figures were presented by Christian Blanke and Jörg Flasdieck from Heinze GmbH. The new, qualitatively expanded study format of the window market figures was presented.
For example, statements were now collected on the type of window hardware with the result: the tilt and turn window is - and this is hardly surprising - clearly dominant with 80 %. The fixed window has a share of just under 18 % and the "sliding system window" has a share of just under 3 %.
[Burglary resistant window up to RC 2 even if tilted]
As far as the choice of colours for windows is concerned, white still predominates with 60%, followed by elements in anthracite or grey frame colour (25%). And other dark frame colours still account for more than 10 %.
Security windows more than 50 per cent
Statements are now also being asked about security features: windows with increased security now account for a share of 51%. The lion's share is installed in new buildings.
In this context, the associations also make statements about the front door market, which, as experience shows, always correlates closely with the window market forecasts. Growth in front doors is quite homogeneous for 2021 and 2022: This year the number will probably increase by 2.5 % to 1.39 million units. In 2022, the market is expected to grow by another 2.6 %. Here, too, the growth will come from residential construction. The front door market in non-residential construction will actually experience a decline in 2022.
