Retrofitted energy saving sealing solutions will drive demand for window and door foam tapes and associated products in 2027, according to a UK provider.
Andy Swift, sales and operations manager at ISO-Chemie, predicts the market for foam sealants will remain robust in the coming months as they meet the demand for retrofitting in older properties as pressures on the new build and construction sectors and wider economy continue to bite.
Despite underlying house building starts expected to see growth in 2027 - up by 13%, according to some analysts - challenges remain and more builders could possibly exit the market as margins and profits are squeezed ever tighter, he added.
“With unrealistic Government new housing targets, the spotlight will again be on retrofit for our slice of the market, where there are strong opportunities for fenestration products that deliver carbon-focused energy saving solutions.
“Furthermore, the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine have created price surges and increased inflation with the impact on weaker consumer spending power. It all adds up and will see readily available high-performance foam window and door sealants well positioned to meet specifier and installer needs in the coming months.”
New building regulations will also favour foam sealing solutions with the UK's Future Homes Standard, which comes into force in March 2027, impacting window specification and focusing on ways to improve airtightness as property energy ratings constrict, according to Andy Swift.
The Standard mandates a 75% to 80% cut in carbon emissions, ensuring that new homes and non-domestic buildings are built with low carbon heating and high levels of energy efficiency. While there are some significant changes coming down the track, from a window and door viewpoint, the Regulations amend Part L of Schedule 1 to reflect the dual aims of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving energy.
This will see energy ratings for property become stricter, including energy and ventilation standards for residential and non-domestic buildings that are far better for the environment and fit for the future - higher air and thermal standards for house construction will be the priority.
“Technical innovation through sealing technologies is one way that those responsible for fenestration specification can do more to support greater energy efficiency and meet the requirements of Part L,” said Andy Swift.
“Indeed, as sustainability continues to be of paramount concern in the development of low carbon and eco-friendly building projects, we will see foam tapes, which can add real value during the initial and post construction phases, grow in importance in the years ahead as one of the most effective solutions for sealing window joints and gaps in houses.”
