Demand for prime windows continues to remain slow in 2011, following housing activity in general, after falling from peak volumes in 2006, according to the 2011/2012 Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights jointly released by The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA).
Remodeling and replacement windows fell by nearly 12 percent in 2011 versus 2010. The demand for windows in new housing decreased by 2 percent in 2011 though remains slightly ahead of 2009 levels. Demand in 2012 is expected to increase further as the housing recovery begins to gain momentum. In total, the residential window market decreased by 9 percent.
Residential skylights experienced an increase of 2 percent from 2010 to 2011. The increase was driven heavily by the continued strength of remodeling and replacement activity, which now represents more than 80 percent of the residential skylight market. For 2012, the market is expected to grow 6 percent overall. Forecasts indicate continued growth through 2015.
Little change in the segmentation for interior door material types is expected over the next 5 years. However, significant volume is expected to return to the entry and interior door market as new construction rebounds. Further, nonresidential construction has declined slightly in 2011, tempering growth in the nonresidential entry and interior door categories.
Historic data for 2006 through 2011 and forecast data for 2012 through 2015 are also included in the report. Forecasts are based on projections of construction activity as of March 2011. The 2011/2012 AAMA/WDMA Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights is available for purchase online from both AAMA and WDMA.