Opportunities for inline sliding patio doors in 2016

Steve Mines, National Sales Director Sliders UK explains how the second time replacements are generating significant new growth opportunities for inline sliding doors in 2016.

 
The impact second time replacements are having on window sales has been widely discussed but the opportunities generated by the replacement of inline sliding doors has not received anywhere near the same level of attention.
This is an oversight because the market potential, with the right product range, is huge. Older patio doors and PVC-U systems in particular were bulky, sightlines were ugly and they were often insecure – they represent a generation of products which are absolutely ripe for replacement.
According to market research by D&G, more than 1.8 million PVC-U patio doors have been made and fitted in the UK since 1980. The authors of the Window Industry Market Research Report, add “additionally there are many produced in aluminium that could be ready for replacement as the economy recovers”.
The replacement of early generation PVC-U conservatories, which frequently used PVC-U patios as both entrance doors but also room dividers, extends the reach of the potential market for second time replacement inline sliding patio doors still further.
The end user appeal of aluminium inline sliding but also and bi-folding doors, in part driven by the ‘Grand Designs’ effect, is immediately obvious.
Available in up to six panel combinations, Sliders UK’s three chamber Ultimate Aluminium inline sliding door is manufactured in the ALUK system. Configurable to a multiple combination of fixed lights and sliding doors, on single, double or triple tracks. We also offer an easy to use straight slide or ‘lift and slide’ specification.
But while aluminium inline sliding doors are seeing significant growth, there has also been a renaissance in PVC-U products. Slimmer and sleeker sightlines, plus significant innovations in security, coupled with the highest levels of thermal efficiency and low maintenance, mean that PVC patio doors continue to enjoy end-user appeal.
The Kömmerling PremiLine PRO which we launched in January, is a great example of the innovation that’s being delivered inline sliding u-PVC patio door technology.
With a high security locking mechanism operated through patented interlock shootbolt system, it’s PAS24:2012 and Secured by Design accredited. It delivers really strong aesthetics and gives our customers extended reach – as a Part Q but also Part M accredited door, the PremiLine PRO also meets Lifetime Homes.
We offer it in 2, 3 or 4 panel openings. High quality stainless steel tracks guarantee the maximum possible service life and smooth running, while the clean sightlines of the 70mm outer frame are further enhanced through a wide choice of colours and low sightline black or grey gaskets.

 
These innovations are immediately tangible to the homeowner and that equates to opportunity.
According to D&G total patio door sales grew by an estimated 7% to 55,000 in 2014, with further growth predicted last year. Still enjoying sustained appeal in new build, as a space saving but also comparatively low-cost product, investment in new build should also guarantee further growth through to 2018.
But with the majority of the 1.8million early PVC-U doors fitted since 1980 still in use, it’s this second time replacement market that has potential to deliver exceptional growth. This is an opportunity to sell in aluminium and bi-folding but at a more affordable price point, a new generation of highly innovative PVC patio doors.
This is why we have added the PremiLine PRO to our Ultimate Range alongside our offers from Duraflex. They represent cutting-edge products, which in delivering definitive advantages to the end-user, generate definitive opportunities for our customers in the trade.
To find out more about the PremiLine PRO or any of other products please email sales@sliders-uk.com  or call 01772 698222. Alternatively please contact me direct on 07776 230 481 or steve@sliders-uk.com