Key Takeaways
- The UK fenestration market reached a value of £2.8 billion in 2023, reflecting a 4.2% year-on-year growth driven by residential new builds.
- Fenestration products accounted for 12% of total UK construction product sales in 2022, equating to £3.1 billion in revenue.
- The commercial fenestration segment grew by 5.8% in 2023, reaching £1.2 billion due to office retrofits.
- UK fenestration product manufacturing output reached 1.8 million window units in 2023.
- PVC-u window frame production totaled 1.2 million tonnes in 2022.
- Aluminium extrusion for fenestration hit 450,000 tonnes annually in 2023.
- UK fenestration workforce totaled 68,000 employees in 2023.
- Manufacturing roles in fenestration: 42,500 direct jobs in 2022.
- Installers and fitters numbered 18,200 in UK fenestration sector 2023.
- UK fenestration exports totaled £850 million in 2023.
- Imports of fenestration products reached £1.2 billion in 2022.
- EU remained top export destination with 54% share £460 million in 2023.
- 75% of UK fenestration products achieved U-value below 1.4 W/m²K in 2023 testing.
- 82% recycling rate for post-consumer fenestration PVC in 2022.
- Low-carbon aluminium usage in fenestration reached 45% by weight 2023.
The UK fenestration market is growing steadily, driven by residential and commercial construction.
Employment and Skills
- UK fenestration workforce totaled 68,000 employees in 2023.
- Manufacturing roles in fenestration: 42,500 direct jobs in 2022.
- Installers and fitters numbered 18,200 in UK fenestration sector 2023.
- Average salary for fenestration fabricators £32,500 in 2022.
- Apprenticeships in fenestration reached 4,200 starts in 2023.
- Female employment in fenestration rose to 15% of workforce in 2022.
- Skills shortage affected 62% of fenestration firms in 2023 survey.
- Training spend per fenestration employee £1,850 average 2022.
- Turnover rate in fenestration manufacturing 9.2% in 2023.
- NVQ Level 3 qualifications held by 58% of installers in 2022.
- Remote workers in fenestration admin roles: 22% in 2023.
- Overtime hours averaged 4.6 per week for production staff 2022.
- Zero-hour contracts in fenestration: 3.1% of workforce 2023.
- Diversity training completed by 71% of managers in 2022.
- Job vacancies in fenestration: 5,200 unfilled in 2023.
- Part-time roles 14% of total fenestration employment 2022.
- Health & safety certifications held by 94% of site workers 2023.
- Union membership in fenestration 12% of employees 2022.
- Mental health support programs in 68% of firms 2023.
- Age profile: 35% under 30 in fenestration workforce 2022.
- Digital skills training for 42% of production staff 2023.
- Retention rate post-apprenticeship 82% in 2022.
Employment and Skills Interpretation
Manufacturing and Production
- UK fenestration product manufacturing output reached 1.8 million window units in 2023.
- PVC-u window frame production totaled 1.2 million tonnes in 2022.
- Aluminium extrusion for fenestration hit 450,000 tonnes annually in 2023.
- UK glass processing for fenestration produced 15 million m² in 2022.
- Door manufacturing output 950,000 units in 2023.
- Automated fenestration assembly lines increased by 18% to 320 factories in 2022.
- Composite door production rose to 420,000 units in 2023.
- Timber sash window manufacturing 85,000 units in 2022.
- Skylight production capacity utilized at 92% in UK factories 2023.
- Recycling rate of fenestration PVC waste at 78% in 2022 manufacturing.
- Energy consumption in fenestration factories averaged 2.4 GWh per site in 2023.
- Robotics adoption in window fabrication reached 65% of large manufacturers 2022.
- CNC machining for fenestration parts used in 89% of production lines 2023.
- UK fenestration R&D investment £45 million in 2022.
- Factory floor space for fenestration expanded 3.2% to 2.1 million m² in 2023.
- Lead time for custom fenestration reduced to 4.2 weeks average in 2022.
- Defect rate in fenestration production dropped to 1.8% in 2023.
- Capacity utilization in fenestration plants at 87% in 2022 Q4.
- New fenestration factories opened: 12 in 2023 across UK.
- Hardware component production for windows: 28 million units in 2022.
- Sealant and gasket manufacturing for fenestration 5.2 million metres 2023.
- Welding processes in aluminium fenestration used on 76% of frames 2022.
- Foam filling for insulated doors: 1.1 million kg in 2023 production.
- Powder coating lines for fenestration operated at 95% efficiency 2022.
Manufacturing and Production Interpretation
Market Size and Growth
- The UK fenestration market reached a value of £2.8 billion in 2023, reflecting a 4.2% year-on-year growth driven by residential new builds.
- Fenestration products accounted for 12% of total UK construction product sales in 2022, equating to £3.1 billion in revenue.
- The commercial fenestration segment grew by 5.8% in 2023, reaching £1.2 billion due to office retrofits.
- Residential window replacements contributed £1.5 billion to the fenestration market in 2022, up 3.5% from prior year.
- Overall UK fenestration sector CAGR projected at 4.1% from 2023-2028, forecasted to hit £3.7 billion by 2028.
- Doors segment within fenestration valued at £950 million in 2023, with 6% growth from PVC-u innovations.
- UK skylights and rooflights market expanded to £420 million in 2022, boosted by sustainable housing.
- Fenestration market share of uPVC products stood at 62% in 2023, valued at £1.74 billion.
- Aluminium fenestration grew 7.2% to £680 million in 2023, led by commercial projects.
- Timber fenestration niche market at £220 million in 2022, with premium segment up 2.8%.
- Total fenestration installations hit 2.4 million units in 2023 across UK.
- Projected fenestration market recovery post-COVID at £2.9 billion for 2024.
- New build fenestration demand rose 5.3% to £1.1 billion in 2023.
- Replacement market dominated with 68% share, £1.9 billion in 2023.
- Regional breakdown: South East fenestration sales £850 million in 2022.
- Scotland fenestration market grew 4.7% to £320 million in 2023.
- Wales fenestration sector at £180 million, up 3.1% YoY in 2022.
- Northern Ireland fenestration valued £140 million in 2023.
- London commercial fenestration hit £450 million in 2022.
- Midlands residential fenestration £420 million in 2023.
- North West fenestration growth 5.9% to £510 million 2023.
- Yorkshire fenestration market £380 million, 4.2% increase 2022.
- South West UK fenestration £290 million in 2023.
- East Anglia fenestration sales £210 million 2022.
- UK fenestration online sales channel grew 12% to £150 million in 2023.
- DIY fenestration kits market at £85 million in 2022.
- B2B fenestration procurement £2.4 billion in 2023.
- Public sector fenestration contracts £620 million 2022.
- Private housing fenestration £1.6 billion in 2023.
Market Size and Growth Interpretation
Sustainability and Innovation
- 75% of UK fenestration products achieved U-value below 1.4 W/m²K in 2023 testing.
- 82% recycling rate for post-consumer fenestration PVC in 2022.
- Low-carbon aluminium usage in fenestration reached 45% by weight 2023.
- Triple glazing adoption in new builds 68% in 2022.
- Solar control glass in fenestration installations up 22% to 1.2 million m² 2023.
- Passivhaus certified fenestration products: 15 models approved in 2022.
- Embodied carbon in average UK window reduced 18% since 2018 to 2023.
- Smart glass innovations installed in 4,500 buildings 2022.
- BREEAM excellent ratings for fenestration in 76% green projects 2023.
- Acoustic performance: 92% products meet 35dB Rw standards 2022.
- Thermal bridging reduced by 25% in new fenestration designs 2023.
- Biodiversity compliance in fenestration specs for 41% new builds 2022.
- Water resistance testing passed by 98.5% products under BS EN 12208 2023.
- Wind load resistance up to 2400Pa certified for 67% aluminium frames 2022.
- IoT integrated fenestration systems grew 31% to 12,000 units 2023.
- Lifecycle assessment showed 35-year average durability for uPVC 2022.
- Fire-rated fenestration compliance 100% in high-rise regs 2023.
- Ventilation-integrated windows in 52% passive homes 2022.
- Nano-coatings for self-cleaning glass on 28% premium products 2023.
- Carbon footprint labeling adopted by 59% manufacturers 2022.
- Energy savings from efficient fenestration averaged 15% in retrofits 2023.
- Biodegradable seals in development for 12% prototype doors 2022.
- Airtightness standards met by 88% installations post-Part L 2023.
- Solar gain control via automated blinds in 19% smart homes 2022.
Sustainability and Innovation Interpretation
Trade and Exports
- UK fenestration exports totaled £850 million in 2023.
- Imports of fenestration products reached £1.2 billion in 2022.
- EU remained top export destination with 54% share £460 million in 2023.
- PVC-u windows exported 320,000 units worth £210 million 2022.
- Aluminium doors exports up 8.4% to £180 million in 2023.
- Trade deficit in fenestration widened to £350 million in 2022.
- USA as non-EU export market: £95 million in fenestration 2023.
- Ireland imports from UK fenestration £120 million 2022.
- China sourced 28% of UK aluminium fenestration imports 2023.
- Export growth to Middle East 12% £42 million in 2022 fenestration.
- Poland as top import source £250 million fenestration products 2023.
- Tariff impacts post-Brexit reduced exports by 3.2% in 2022.
- Digital trade platforms used by 45% exporters in 2023.
- Customs clearance delays averaged 2.1 days for fenestration 2022.
- Australia trade deal boosted fenestration exports £15 million 2023.
- Germany imported £110 million UK windows in 2022.
- France fenestration trade volume £85 million imports 2023.
- Anti-dumping duties on Chinese imports affected £60 million 2022.
- E-commerce cross-border fenestration sales £28 million 2023.
- Supply chain disruptions cut imports 4.7% in 2022 Q1.
- UK fenestration firms at trade fairs: 210 exhibitors in 2023.
Trade and Exports Interpretation
Sources & References
- Reference 1GGFBggfb.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 2BEISbeis.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 3AMARESEARCHamaresearch.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 4STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 5MARKETSANDMARKETSmarketsandmarkets.comVisit source
- Reference 6GGFggf.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 7ROOFGLAZINGALLIANCEroofglazingalliance.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 8PVCWINDOWGROUPpvcwindowgroup.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 9ALUMINNIUMFEDERATIONaluminniumfederation.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 10TIMBERWINDOWStimberwindows.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 11ONSons.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 12NHBCnhbc.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 13FENSAfensa.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 14CBIcbi.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 15SCOTTISHGOVERNMENTscottishgovernment.comVisit source
- Reference 16GOVgov.walesVisit source
- Reference 17NISRAnisra.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 18GREATERLONDONAUTHORITYgreaterlondonauthority.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 19MIDLANDSCHAMBERmidlandschamber.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 20NWEFnwef.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 21YORKSHIRECONSTRUCTIONyorkshireconstruction.orgVisit source
- Reference 22SWFPAswfpa.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 23EA-CHAMBERea-chamber.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 24ONLINESALESINDEXonlinesalesindex.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 25DIYUKdiyuk.orgVisit source
- Reference 26BUILDINGbuilding.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 27GOVgov.ukVisit source
- Reference 28HBFhbf.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 29BRITISHPLASTICSbritishplastics.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 30ALFEDalfed.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 31GLASSONLINEglassonline.comVisit source
- Reference 32DOORMANUFACTURERSdoormanufacturers.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 33MANUFACTURINGTODAYmanufacturingtoday.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 34COMPOSITEDOORScompositedoors.orgVisit source
- Reference 35TIMBERRESEARCHtimberresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 36ROOFLIGHTSUKrooflightsuk.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 37RECOVINYLrecovinyl.comVisit source
- Reference 38AUTOMATEUKautomateuk.orgVisit source
- Reference 39CNCEXPOcncexpo.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 40INNOVATEUKinnovateuk.orgVisit source
- Reference 41FACTORYFINDERfactoryfinder.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 42SUPPLYCHAINUKsupplychainuk.comVisit source
- Reference 43QUALITYMETRICSqualitymetrics.orgVisit source
- Reference 44NEWBUILDSITESnewbuildsites.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 45WINDOWHARDWAREwindowhardware.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 46SEALANTSUKsealantsuk.orgVisit source
- Reference 47WELDINGINSTITUTEweldinginstitute.comVisit source
- Reference 48INSULATIONUKinsulationuk.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 49COATINGSWORLDcoatingsworld.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 50APPRENTICESHIPSapprenticeships.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 51EQUALITYCOMMISSIONequalitycommission.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 52CITBcitb.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 53PEOPLEMANAGEMENTpeoplemanagement.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 54FLEXIBLEWORKINGflexibleworking.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 55LABOURSTATSlabourstats.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 56ACASacas.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 57INCLUSIONUKinclusionuk.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 58REEDreed.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 59HSEhse.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 60TUCtuc.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 61MINDmind.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 62AGEUKageuk.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 63DIGITALBRITAINdigitalbritain.orgVisit source
- Reference 64APPRENTICESHIPSTANDARDSapprenticeshipstandards.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 65HMRChmrc.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 66EXPORTexport.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 67ALUKEXPORTalukexport.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 68BALPAbalpa.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 69UKUSA-TRADEukusa-trade.govVisit source
- Reference 70IRELANDTRADEirelandtrade.ieVisit source
- Reference 71IMPORTGENIUSimportgenius.comVisit source
- Reference 72MEEDmeed.comVisit source
- Reference 73POLANDTRADEpolandtrade.ukVisit source
- Reference 74BREXITIMPACTbrexitimpact.orgVisit source
- Reference 75GREATgreat.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 76BORDERFORCEborderforce.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 77AUSTRADEaustrade.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 78GTAIgtai.deVisit source
- Reference 79BUSINESSFRANCEbusinessfrance.frVisit source
- Reference 80DTIdti.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 81ETCOMMERCEetcommerce.ukVisit source
- Reference 82SCMRscmr.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 83FENESTRATIONTRADEfenestrationtrade.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 84BFRCERTbfrcert.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 85RECOVINYLrecovinyl.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 86ALUMINIUMSTEWARDSHIPaluminiumstewardship.orgVisit source
- Reference 87GHP-JOURNALghp-journal.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 88GLASSFORESIGHTglassforesight.comVisit source
- Reference 89PASSIVHAUSpassivhaus.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 90ZEROCARBONHUBzerocarbonhub.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 91SMARTGLASSWORLDsmartglassworld.netVisit source
- Reference 92BREEAMbreeam.orgVisit source
- Reference 93ACOUSTICSUKacousticsuk.orgVisit source
- Reference 94THERMALMODELLINGthermalmodelling.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 95RSPBrspb.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 96BSIGROUPbsigroup.comVisit source
- Reference 97CWCTcwct.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 98IOTNOWiotnow.comVisit source
- Reference 99EPPASSOCIATIONeppassociation.orgVisit source
- Reference 100FIRESTATSfirestats.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 101PASSIVEHOUSEPLUSpassivehouseplus.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 102NANOTECHUKnanotechuk.orgVisit source
- Reference 103CARBONTRUSTcarbontrust.orgVisit source
- Reference 104ENERGYTRUSTenergytrust.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 105GREENSEALSgreenseals.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 106AIRTIGHTNESSairtightness.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 107HOMEAUTOMATIONhomeautomation.ukVisit source






