Rising Demand Opens Windows, Doors

Demand for residential windows and doors in the U.S. is expected to rise 6 percent a year to reach $25.6 billion by 2020.

That's according to the lastest report from market research firm The Freedonia Group, which provides custom research across more than a dozen industries.

The forecast is good news for remodelers who saw steep declines for windows and doors during the housing collapse and economic recession.

Continued growth in new housing construction, combined with demand for residential windows and doors in residential improvement and repair projects, are expected to fuel gains. Rising home values and existing home sales will also boost remodeling demand. Other key findings from the report:

• Plastic is on the rise. Plastic windows and doors will experience the fastest growth through 2020. Plastic's high energy efficiency and low maintenance cost will help it gain market share. More colors, woodgrain textures and other design options for plastic also will drive demand.

• Doors dominate. Doors comprise nearly 60 percent of the residential market. Interior doors account for a large part of demand. This was especially true for multi-family housing units, which saw a greater use of doors than windows.

• Wood is still king. Wood accounts for the greatest share of the residential window and door market. Its use for interior doors will be a key driver for marketshare. Demand for wood products saw its best growth from 2010-2015.