Clear Evidence of Replacing the Replacements as Demand Rises for Improved Window Aesthetics and Security

There is clear evidence from the UK marketplace that even in these difficult economic times, UK homeowners are replacing their replacement windows and doors. There is no more conspicuous place to demonstrate this than at the recycling area at trade PVC-U window and door fabricator, Lister Trade Frames. The company has been offering its trade customers a free collection of all post-consumer PVC-U windows and doors and it now reports a staggering increase in the popularity of the service. Over the last six months, Listers have returned 34 tonnes of waste PVC-U and 12 tonnes of PVC-U frames to its re-cycler, and the company is set to beat this achievement over the next six months. Apart from saving trade installer customers money, the service helps to protect the environment by not involving a landfill operation, a definite plus-point welcomed by homeowners who choose a Lister’s installer.

A visit to the area designated for re-cycling at Lister’s factory in Stoke-on-Trent is a fascinating experience. No doubt you would expect to see piles of ageing PVC-U frames dating back to the 1980s and early ’90s, but the scene is surprising to say the least. Piled high are modern chamfered frames featuring shoot bolts – some only a few years old; others among the mass of frames are slightly older, but painted over or have had DIY security features added. This is all extremely encouraging for Mark Warren the Managing Director of Lister Trade Frames: “Over the last few years I have read much about the market for ‘replacing the replacements’ and had hoped it would become a market characteristic in the not too distant future. However, the evidence in our recycling area shows that it’s very much a current characteristic. This is a tremendous boost for the window industry and proves that the significant innovations made in PVC-U windows are persuading consumers to upgrade their windows. Aesthetics and security are still key drivers in the minds of the consumers purchasing windows.”

Installers should be encouraged by this news and not rule out potential customers whom they would previously have overlooked due to fact they had PVC-U frames fitted within the last 10 years. Homeowners are now looking to improve the aesthetics and security of their homes, and if you need any evidence, a trip to Lister’s recycling zone should just do the trick.