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Study Sees Window and Door Demand Growing 3.3% per Year
U.S. window and door demand will increase 3.3 percent annually through 2010 to $36.5 billion, according to a new study from the Freedonia Group Inc. The annual growth rate represents a deceleration from the 2000-2005 period, attributed largely to a sharp drop in single-family housing construction.
This downturn will be offset, to some extent, by a strong rebound in nonresidential construction. The Cleveland-based market research firm also sees continued gains in the residential improvement and repair market. That segment will grow 6.0 percent annually, thanks to the large stock of existing homes.
The differing fortunes between the various market segments will have a significant impact on window and door materials. For example, demand for wood windows, used primarily in residential buildings, will increase less than 1 percent per year while metal doors, largely purchased for nonresidential projects, are seeing a bump. Table 1 presents Freedonia’s market projections by material. The residential market accounts for about two-thirds of overall demand, the study notes.
 Plastic windows and doors (e.g., vinyl, fiberglass, and wood-plastic composites) will continue to make inroads as a replacement for both wood and metal products, with demand increasing 6.5 percent annually, the study projects. Plastic materials have primarily rivaled wood products in the residential market, due to their advantages in terms of high energy efficiency, low maintenance requirements and relatively low costs. However, plastics have made less progress in nonresidential markets, due to durability concerns. Nonetheless, plastic’s share of total value demand has risen from 15 percent in 2000 to 20 percent in 2005 and is expected to reach 23 percent by 2010. This share is even higher when measured in units due to the lower cost of these products.
These and other trends are presented in Windows & Doors, the recently released study from Freedonia. The 391-page report is available for $4,500 by calling 440/684.9600. Information may also be obtained through www.freedoniagroup.com.
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