The 2026 Glazing Outlook" – High-level summary of the pivot to growth.

The 2026 Glazing Outlook” – High-level summary of the pivot to growth.

The world in 2025 has faced significant uncertainty driven by geopolitical conflicts, shifting trade policies, lingering economic imbalances from inflation and climate pressures to name a few. We take a look at the outlook for the UK glazing industry in 2026.

Window & Glazing Industry 2026: Statistics & Projections

The 2026 Glazing Outlook

Statistics, Projections, and the “Premiumisation” Shift in the UK Window Industry.

2026 Market Value

£2.35 Billion

Growth Forecast

+2-3%

Key Driver

Renovation

Financial Trajectory: The Pivot to Growth

After a stagnant period in 2024-2025 caused by economic uncertainty, 2026 marks the beginning of a recovery. The industry is forecast to grow steadily through 2029, driven by the “Don’t Move, Improve” trend.

UK Market Value Forecast (£ Billions)

📈

Growth Return

Annual increases of 2-3% are expected starting in 2026, leading to a cumulative 11% growth by 2029.

🏗️

Construction Output

Construction output is set to rise by 3.7% in 2026, fueling demand for both residential and commercial glazing.

Market Segmentation 2026-2029

Residential windows remain the dominant sector, but a significant shift is occurring: commercial windows are forecast to overtake conservatories as the second-largest category.

Projected Market Share by Sector

*Commercial sector projected to reach £410m sales by 2029.

🏠 Residential Windows

30-32% Share. The cornerstone of the market. Growth is driven by the replacement cycle and energy efficiency upgrades (Triple Glazing).

🏢 Commercial Windows

Rising Star. Forecast to overtake conservatories. Driven by stricter regulations on office energy performance and new mixed-use developments.

☀️ Conservatories

16% Share (Declining). Traditional glass boxes are losing out to solid-roof extensions and premium “Orangery” style upgrades.

2026 Product Trends: The “Premiumisation” Shift

Volume is down, but value is up. Consumers are buying fewer windows, but spending significantly more per unit on premium materials and finishes.

🎨

The Death of White uPVC

Standard white plastic is declining. The growth is entirely in Foiled & Coloured options (Agate Grey, Anthracite).

Rising Demand for Colour

🪟

Aluminium Casements

No longer just for bifolds. Aluminium is aggressively targeting the standard window market with “Whole House” packages.

High Growth Segment

🏛️

Heritage Revival

Flush sash windows with mechanical joints. Homeowners want the 19th-century timber look with 21st-century thermal specs.

Double-Digit Growth

The Race to 0.8 U-Value

Energy efficiency is the single biggest technical driver. Anticipated Future Homes Standard updates are pushing the market toward Triple Glazing and Passivhaus-level performance.

The Impact of Lower U-Values

⚡

Triple Glazing Spike

Demand is expected to surge in 2026 as homeowners “future-proof” against energy costs.

🌱

Embodied Carbon

Specifiers are now asking about the recycled content in aluminium and uPVC profiles.

📱

Smart Integration

Integrated blinds, App-controlled locks, and Automated Opening Vents (AOV) are moving mainstream.

Regional & Geographic Trends

Product demand varies significantly across the UK. Location is a key predictor of material choice and aesthetic preference.

🏙️

Urban Centres

Cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham are driving the demand for Aluminium and minimalist glazing. The focus is on maximizing light in smaller footprints and modern extensions.

🏡

Rural & Conservation

Village locations and Conservation Areas are the primary market for Heritage Flush Sash (uPVC & Timber). Aesthetics must often match 19th-century originals while meeting modern efficiency standards.

🌊

Coastal Regions

Coastal areas prioritize Weather Performance. There is a higher uptake of marine-grade finishes for aluminium and composite doors to resist salt corrosion and wind loading.

Fabricator Consolidation

The landscape has changed dramatically. From a peak of roughly 4,000 uPVC fabricators in the mid-2000s, the number has plummeted to approximately 1,100 today.

📉 Intense competition driving smaller firms out.
🛠️ Skills shortage creating bottlenecks in installation.
🧩 Remaining firms must diversify portfolio to survive.

Active uPVC Fabricators (Estimate)

Global Context

While the UK focuses on high-value renovation (RMI), the global market is driven by new-build volume.

Global Market 2026

£174bn

Global CAGR (2026-34)

4.2%

UK Strategy

Value over Volume

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Mark Pearce

With over four decades in the glazing industry, Mark Pearce has been at the heart of KJM Windows & Conservatories since 1983. Starting as a building labourer, he quickly rose through the ranks, working as a window and door installer from 1984, a factory operator manufacturing windows later that year, factory manager in 1992, and joining the sales team in 1994. Becoming a Director in 2002, and finally, the sole owner in 2010, Mark Pearce is truly a double glazing expert and has led KJM to become a leading supplier of high-quality windows, doors, and conservatories across Andover and the South of England.

Mark Pearce is a highly experienced specialist in the double glazing industry, having built his knowledge from the ground up through hands-on experience in installation, manufacturing, sales, and business management. Beyond his role at KJM, Mark is a keen blogger, writer, and traveller, often sharing insights on the latest innovations in the home improvement industry.