Demand for Windows and Doors to Increase

Worldwide demand for windows and doors is forecast to expand 4.7 percent per year through 2009 to $125 billion, according to a report released by Cleveland-based market research firm the Freedonia Group.

According to the study, vinyl, fiberglass and other plastic doors will be the fastest growing product category. Sales of plastic and metal windows will also climb at above-average rates.

The Freedonia study predicts that demand for wood windows and doors will advance at a somewhat slower pace, although increased use of plywood and other engineered woods will help make wood products more affordable.

Advances in the market will be driven by accelerating economic growth, ongoing development efforts and rising personal income levels in most areas. Growth in the industrializing nations of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America is expected to outperform demand in the United States, Western Europe and Japan.

According to the study, China, India and Russia—along with the smaller markets of Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia—are expected to register some of the strongest increases in window and door demand.

While the residential building market accounts for two-thirds of global window and door demand, the nonresidential building market is expected to expand at a faster rate through 2009, according to the study.

The full study, “World Windows and Doors,” is available for purchase through the Freedonia Group at www.freedoniagroup.com.