The history and world trends of the metal window
2008-08-26

 We know that windows are a part of every home all over the world. They give us light and a view on the outside world when we are inside the home. Sometimes however, windows can look plain and boring. To remedy this, people can use different kinds of window accessories to enhance their interior decor and also provide extra privacy in their homes. As for the metal window, it is the most substance window we think. Metal windows provide home builders a number of energy-efficient and fashionable window options to offer customers. Now we come to see about its history. The historical development of metal windows comprises three very distinct stages, mirroring the advances made simultaneously in the engineering industry. The first metal windows were made from wrought iron by medieval blacksmiths. These simple frames were glazed with either stained glass or clear leaded lights, and were mostly used for ecclesiastical buildings and major country houses whose owners were among the few people who could afford them. At this time, leaded lights were also installed direct to masonry or wood, and secured with copper wires to vertically or horizontally fixed metal bars known as 'ferramenta' or 'saddle bars'.  

        With the rise of Palladian architecture in the early 18th century, wrought iron windows fell out of favor as timber sashes were considered more suitable for the new, elegant style of domestic architecture. Nevertheless wrought iron windows with leaded lights continued to be used in churches and in more humble domestic buildings, and in the 19th century their use was made fashionable by a succession of historical revivals including the Gothic Revival and the Arts and Crafts movement. In 1856 Sir Henry Bessemer pioneered a new production process for hot rolled steel, which had a dramatic effect on industrial growth and steel mills using his new techniques sprang up in the Midlands and North of England. As a world power, Great Britain rapidly emerged as a mass-producer of steel, and it was from this point that the third stage of metal window development began.   

     'Cristal' were the largest and best placed manufacturer to take full advantage of the new opportunities, and the company played a leading role in revolutionizing the world-wide use of the metal casement. Indeed its name eventually became a generic term for steel windows. After the First World War the country demanded 'homes fit for heroes'. These houses, as with those in the construction boom that followed the next war, almost invariably included steel windows, which were inexpensive and readily available in a wide selection of suites, styles and standard sizes. Their use in all forms of architecture became prolific, in keeping with the new fashions and demands for low-cost, light, airy and well ventilated buildings. Subsequently steel window manufacturers became large and numerous. Millions of steel windows were fitted at home and abroad in commercial buildings, housing estates, Bauhaus-inspired creations and Henrietta Barnett's inspired vision of cottage-style homes with tree-lined avenues; a utopian ideal typified by the Hampstead Garden Suburb. Huge numbers of steel windows were sold up until the 1970s (benefiting from mandatory hot dip galvanizing in 1955) but thereafter sales have fallen dramatically, and aluminum is now the dominant force in metal fenestration.

         So we can see that the development of the steel window is along with the steel development. Above all, it has been developed to today. We also need to know about the world market trends now.    

     First we look at the US market. According to the report, the $12 billion (manufacturers’ dollars) U.S. window industry is currently experiencing a decline in demand as rising interest rates, soaring energy costs, and the leveling off of home prices resulted in a pull back in residential property investments. The builder market has been hurt the most by these trends. As a result, manufacturers have increased their emphasis on replacement markets and expanded their efforts to supply the strong growing nonresidential sector. Window manufacturers have also increased their focus on adding energy-efficient and impact-resistant window lines. In addition, manufacturers are looking to foreign markets for growing sales opportunities. Despite these efforts, plant profitability is coming under pressure from declining demand and rising material costs. Based on current housing permit and start rates, window product sales may not recover until late 2008 or into 2009. Wood window shipments are further segmented by type- casement, double-hung, horizontal sliding, and others. Metal window shipments are provided for aluminum, steel, and other metals. Aluminum and steel window shipments are shown for residential and nonresidential uses. Aluminum window data is broken out for single and double-hung, awning, and other types. Wood, vinyl, and metal window shipments are provided in units and dollars.  

       In addition, Catalina Research investigated the cost structure and profitability of U.S. wood and metal window product plants. Data trends were compiled for material, labor, and capital inputs. As part of this analysis, Catalina profiles 27-leading U.S. manufacturers and compiled sales data for the leading producers in order to calculate market share of the top 15 companies. Company profiles cover product lines, manufacturing and distribution, capital investments, acquisitions, and new products. Executive are urged to compare their company’s own performance to the industry averages. The Canadian window industry is also investigated. Shipments, exports, and imports are provided for wood, plastic, and metal windows. Wood and metal window shipments are further segmented by product line. Demand is correlated with Canadian construction trends to estimate shipment trends. In addition, the leading Canadian-based manufacturers are profiled and market shares are calculated for the top 8 suppliers.

         Then to us, demand for windows and doors in China is projected to rise 11 percent per annum through 2011 to 195 billion Yuan, outpacing growth in most other parts of the world. Growth will be driven by healthy gains in building construction activity as industrialization efforts continue and income levels rise. Increasing demand for larger living space, further privatization of home ownership, sustained strength in foreign investment, and a rapidly expanding domestic consumer market will also contribute to fenestration product market gains. Plastic will outpace metal and wood Plastic windows and doors will continue to make inroads at the expense of metal and wood products through 2011. Plastic materials have rivaled both metal and wood in the residential market, primarily benefiting from their high energy efficiency, low maintenance requirements and relatively low cost. Plastic's rapid rise in the Chinese fenestration market is also partly due to strong support from the government. Demand for metal products will post slower yet still healthy growth. Despite market share loss to plastic, metal will remain as the dominant window and door material in China.

           Certainly a large share of the Chinese window and door stock is comprised of metal products with a relatively longer useful life span, thus constraining replacement demand. As a result, demand for windows and doors in new construction applications will grow its market share to over 70 percent.           From the two reports, we can see that the world steel window is decline. But as its market share is large, the decline will not last long. We can believe its fine future. Only can the manufactures produce really secure and pretty window, it will become popular. Believe it or not, I think steel window is very competitive in the market. It is lain on the secure for us and the leading effect in the market.