Coloured Products

ONLY 58% OF PVCU WINDOWS ARE SMOOTH WHITE

Analysis of over 88,000 PVCu casements quoted by installers via Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® platform in 2021 underscores the decline of the ‘smooth white’ window; only 58% of PVC casements quoted in the year were un-foiled.

Anthracite grey (8%) and White Grain (6%) continued to prove popular colour choices in 2021, but on the whole the Tommy Trinder data paints a picture of a highly fragmented colour pallet with installers presenting a dizzying array of choices to homeowners.

“Long gone are the days when windows were white and handles were gold,” says Tommy Trinder’s CEO Chris Brunsdon. “The activity from Framepoint® users in 2021 suggests we have truly become a rainbow nation when it comes to fenestration; over 1000 different colour combinations were quoted on PVCu Casements during the year.” Traditional woodgrains were largely in decline also. Only Rosewood (4%) and Golden Oak (1%) made it into the top 10 most popular foils. Mahogany, an old favourite, was notable by its absence. And oaks such as Irish Oak, English Oak and Natural Oak whilst trending upwards, also failed to make the top tier. “Such vast choice is wonderful for the homeowner, but it does mean great complexity for the installers,” says Chris. “Framepoint® users tell us that being able to touch and instantly show clients exactly how a window will look in a variety of colourways has become a vital part of their sales process. Modelling a window on the house in full photo-realistic quality, then backing that up with full colour, photo-realistic inside and outside views of the product on quotes and contracts not only wows customers, it also removes any room for error.” The Tommy Trinder survey also highlights the growing popularity of flush casements; In 2021 around a quarter (24%) of PVCu windows quoted by installers had flush sashes, says Chris: “The data from 2021 suggests flush casements are rising in popularity and now play a significant part in an installers product mix. Unsurprisingly in the quest to emulate period features, nearly half (47%) of all flush casements quoted have mechanical joints, compared to just 1% of standard PVCu casements. And when it comes to ironmongery monkey tails and other period handles such as teardrops and pear drops outsell standard fasteners and are vital add-ons.”

Smooth White was even less popular as a finish on PVCu Flush Casements accounting for just 22% of all windows quoted. A quarter of all flush casements were foiled white or cream. And Agate Grey (13%) was almost twice as popular as Anthracite (7%) in the more traditional window form.

Commenting on the scope and accuracy of the data, says Chris: “Use of the app is growing rapidly. We have around 1150 active users of Framepoint® from over 360 window firms so it’s solid representation of the market. However, it’s likely that our typical subscriber’s product mix is somewhat skewed towards the top end. Upselling occurs naturally when it’s quick and easy to show off premium features, such as foils, dual colours, dummy vents, mechanical joints, flush casements, surface mounted bars etc. It stands to reason that Framepoint® users will sell more of these value-added products.” Looking at the Tommy Trinder data, has Chris got any insights to trends tip for 2022?

“That’s easy,” he says. “The future is…Basalt Grey!”

“Framepoint® users tell us that being able to touch and instantly show clients exactly how a window will look in a variety of colourways has become a vital part of their sales process.”

KOLORSEAL ADVISES: KNOW YOUR KOLORS!

For Deborah Hendry, Managing Director at Kolorseal Ltd, the entrance to a home helps to reflect lifestyle choices. It is viewed as the focal point for any property and it is now being used by consumers to reflect lifestyles and individual personalities. Getting the colour right is essential.

“Choosing the right colour is more difficult than people may realise, which is something installers should consider when approaching the end user about door renovation or installation projects. First impressions are absolutely everything when it comes to property, and homeowners have grown bolder in their colour preferences. A beautifully colour coated front door makes all the difference, and today, there are pretty much no limits,” Deborah comments.

For fabricators and installers it is all about providing as much choice as possible, and the Kolorseal team understands this. Giving a broad range of colour coating options enables them to offer homeowners the design and overall appeal they want for their property. Getting the colour right will depend on a few considerations, including whether there are any colour restrictions on the property. Some listed buildings or new builds could have covenants or restrictions which dictate the colour palettes that can be used on an entrance door, in order to keep an aesthetic continuity within a particular area. One of the key factors to consider when talking to consumers, is the overall existing look from the outside. Additionally, it is important to evaluate the exact colour shade of a front door when standing outside. Deborah continues, ‘It is probably wise to have narrowed down some colour options that will match with an existing house aesthetic. To simplify this, look at the colour of the windows and any other primary colour coated products such as gutters and fascias.”

There may also be some considerations people might want to give to colour choice based on how that particular shade might reflect on them as people. A composite door that has been colour sprayed yellow suggests warmth with friendly occupants. Alternatively for those homeowners into feng-shui then a blue sprayed front door suggests peace and tranquility while green generates feelings associated with safety and security. When it comes to helping end users choose the right colour then red and black are always timeless classics. For consumers who are very into the design and aesthetic of their home then a shade of red is probably the most powerful colour to install. It reflects power and in feng-shui terms it provides protection, passion and is considered the luckiest colour of them all. Certainly, a bright red front door will be noticed.

Deborah concludes, “Knowing what colours signify could be very important to some people, so for installers who understand this then it could be the difference between making the sale or not. There are some simple things to consider when choosing a shade, but probably the most important is complementing the tones and materials that are already there, in the property. Advise homeowners to evaluate their surroundings and to coordinate to get the best from the colours chosen.

For fabricators looking to add a little more choice to their business, then increasing their colour portfolio on windows, doors or rainwater products will be very advantageous.” Anyone wishing to discuss colour coating options please call the Kolorseal team on 01924 454856 or visit the website www.kolorseal.co.uk.