U.S. Demand for Doors and Windows to Reach $40 Billion in 2012, Study Reports

U.S. demand for doors and windows is forecast to rise 2.8 percent annually to $40 billion in 2012, according to Windows & Doors, a new study just released from The Freedonia Group. Demand gains will be restrained by a subdued outlook for residential construction, which constitutes the largest market for doors and windows, according to the report.

While the U.S. housing market is projected to post a modest recovery through 2012, the level of housing completions will be only slightly higher than in 2007. Also restraining gains will be a slight decline in average floor space per new housing unit, decreasing the amount of doors and windows in a home. Spending on residential improvements is also expected to moderate through 2012, limiting advances in the improvement and repair segment of the residential market.

The good news is that demand for windows is projected to advance 3.7 percent per year through 2012, due to increasing interest in energy efficiency. Consumers looking to reduce heating and cooling costs will replace older windows with more efficient models.

Following are a few other key findings from the report:

• Metal windows will account for the most rapid gains in demand through 2012;
• Demand for doors will grow 2.4 percent per year through 2012, reaching $23.2 billion;
• Plastic doors will account for the most rapid gains in demand, as consumers opt for fiberglass entry doors and fiberglass or vinyl patio doors;
• Overall, plastic is the door and window material expected to enjoy the best growth, with demand for plastic products projected to grow 4.9 percent per year. Gains will be led by the low cost of plastic doors and windows compared to wood and metal products, as well as the increasing recognition of the superior performance properties of plastic doors and windows, according to the report; and
• Wood doors and windows will continue to account for the largest share of overall door and window demand, totaling 41 percent in 2012. Through 2012, however, demand for wood products will advance at a below-average pace, primarily due to the high cost of wood products compared to less expensive plastic items.

Windows & Doors is available for $4,800 from The Freedonia Group.

CLICK HERE for more information concerning how to purchase the study.

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