The window market is on the move, and quickly... After two tumultuous years, renovation is regaining momentum, driven by environmental requirements and the desire for comfort. Good news: PVC windows, already sales champions, are getting a complete makeover. Let yourself be guided through the five trends that will dominate 2025, and along the way, find out what RE2020 really changes for your work.
Gone are the thick frames, welcome to minimalist profiles. Manufacturers have gained up to 15% more glass surface thanks to new composite fiber reinforcements. The result: more natural light, free heat gain in winter... and an irresistible contemporary style.
Looking to take action? Entrusting the installation of slim-profile PVC windows to a professional remains the safest way to ensure a perfectly watertight installation.
Long reserved for passive houses, triple glazing has doubled its market share since 2020 and now equips nearly one out of every two renovated windows in France. The explanation is simple: with a Uw dropping below 0.8 W/m²K, increased heating savings, and enhanced summer comfort... all without breaking the bank thanks to mass production.
A little tip: when renovating, opt for complete removal to fully benefit from the thermal gain.
Anthracite gray, matte black, and two-tone interior-exterior palettes are here to stay. High-temperature plating technology protects the color without compromising the thermal performance of the PVC profile. Dreaming of a graphite exterior and a white interior? It's now possible without a significant additional cost.
Hidden hinges, multipoint hardware, opening sensors for alarms... The hardware vanishes from sight while enhancing security. The result is a sleek design and improved air tightness, a crucial factor in achieving the AEV classes targeted by the RE2020.
PVC is 100% recyclable. Since 2000, over 5.7 million tonnes have already been reintroduced into the materials loop, avoiding 11.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The recycling channels are intensifying: some profiles incorporate up to 70% recycled material, with no loss of performance. All these are arguments for staying within the carbon limits of the RE2020.
RE2020, in a nutshell
The new French environmental regulation that came into effect in 2022 (following RT2012), RE2020, tightens the criteria for thermal performance, air tightness... and above all, the carbon footprint of building materials.
Windows are directly targeted as they account for a significant portion of a home's heat loss. To comply, good Uw and Sw coefficients are required.
Good news: PVC, which is energy-efficient to produce and 100% recyclable, already ticks many boxes.
- Uw ? 0.8 W/m²K: the lower this number, the better the thermal insulation of your window.
- Sw ? 0.5: the solar factor ensures enough free contributions without turning the house into a greenhouse.
- IC Construction: the carbon index calculated over 50 years favors profiles that incorporate recycled PVC.
In short, a PVC triple-glazed window with an ultra-thin frame and recycled profile already puts you on the podium of RE2020... without breaking the bank.
Whether you're aiming for energy efficiency or a fresh aesthetic update, the new generation of PVC windows offers the right mix. Take the opportunity to review the overall insulation of your home, and take a look at our article: "Energy Renovation Assistance: How to Avoid Scams?" A quick overview that usefully complements these trends.
Uw (W/m²K) = the lower the number, the better the insulation. Sw = proportion of solar energy transmitted. IC = Carbon Index calculated over the entire lifecycle.
Author Audrey on 14 February 2023
Trade and Society : Services
Author Loïc on 27 May 2025
Trade and Society : Services