U.S. Brick and Block Product Demand to Grow

Demand for brick and block products is projected to increase 2.2 percent per year through 2012, according to a study conducted by Cleveland-based market research firm the Freedonia Group.

Growth will be greatest in concrete products, reflecting stronger growth in key residential building markets. Demand for clay brick products will benefit from recovery in residential building activity, especially in new single-family housing, rising from a weak 2007 base.

Concrete block and brick demand is heavily dependent upon the nonresidential market. Structural concrete block is the dominant product type, accounting for nearly two-thirds of demand in 2007. These products are commonly used as structural wall and foundation materials in both residential and nonresidential markets.

On an application basis, the bulk of demand for brick and block products consists of siding materials and structural products. Smaller applications include chimneywork, paving, sewer construction and landscaping.

The full study, “Brick & Block,” is available for purchase through the Freedonia Group at www.FreedoniaGroup.com.