How did COVID-19 affect the demand for Glazing in the UK?

It’s clear that people were making use of their time at home during lockdown to get jobs done they’d perhaps put off for a while. As many were required to work from home, some improvements were based on converting rooms into office space. People were more likely to have the money to do this, considering the cash they’d saved on both socialising and going on holiday.

At the same time, most trades were permitted to enter peoples homes, so long as they abided by COVID guidelines, including FENSA window installers.

With this in mind, it’s Clear why UK Searches for ‘Glazing’ Increased 15%

What’s notable is that there is a steady increase throughout all three lockdowns for this term. So why did this happen?

Many people were made redundant during this time or furloughed at home. This might have resulted in frustration and boredom for many, while unfortunately for others, been desperate times.

Reports of theft, burglary and vandalism increased all across the country, including museums, pubs, community centres and schools. Various bank branches were also vandalised across London.

On a lighter note, another reason why glazers were in such high demand during the lockdown was that more people were at home practising hobbies. Sometimes, with embarrassing consequences. Vernon Kay himself admits to smashing the windows of his family home while perfecting his golf swing in the back garden, later giving praise to this essential service.

UK Searches for ‘Double Glazing’ increased 24% as Well

There was a dip in interest around the 23rd of March 2020. We attribute this to the stopping of manufacturing and installation, as well as some sales visits.

However, popularity started to increase at the end of March. Most companies experienced a steady stream of enquiries through the lockdown.

There are many different reasons why this could have happened. To begin with, people were spending more time at home, and so would probably want to be as comfortable as possible.

With the summer of 2020 being so warm and prolonged, bi-folding doors and conservatories were particularly popular. Equally, people were also setting up bars, garden offices and home gyms during the lockdown that coincided with summer.

Similarly, Searches for ‘Balustrades’ Increased 428% as Well

The most considerable interest for this was between the 22nd March and 11th June – the first lockdown. Similar interest was made at the end of summer between 18th July and 1st August, followed by another peak at the start of October.

Perhaps the most straightforward reason for this was people wanting to update and make the most of their gardens while spending more time at home. Balustrades are very versatile outside and can be used for patios, pools, or even separate planting areas. More importantly, they keep children safe while playing outdoors.

Another reason balustrades were being searched more was that home builders recognised the importance of installing outdoor space and balconies, especially during a global pandemic.

Which Cities were Most Interested in Glazing During COVID-19?

Naturally, as more people spend time at home during lockdowns, burglaries and vandalism at residential properties fell. For commercial premises, things were quite the opposite. Unfortunately, this was a reason glazing services had been so popular in certain cities.

In Edinburgh, for example, vandalism by youths during lockdown had been reported for weeks, including shop doors being smashed.

Birmingham experienced a similar situation, where a well documented anti-lockdown protest took place, resulting in widespread damage. Protests also happened in Bristol against a new police, crime and sentencing bill, which introduced new restrictions on the right to protest. As a result, many windows were smashed in a local police station.

Increased burglaries have been a particular problem for Glasgow. Contrastingly, little vandalism or burglary was reported in Halesowen. Perhaps the increased demand for glazing there was a result of home improvement than anything else.

Why was Glazing so Popular During the UK Lockdown?

There are a couple of different explanations. To begin with, more people were spending time at home, deciding to do upgrades for a more comfortable environment.

Secondly, there were higher incidences of vandalism across the entire country, not to mention accidents at home, resulting in the need for a glazing firm.