World Windows & Doors

Abstract

Demand to rise 5% yearly through 2009

Demand for windows and doors worldwide is forecast to expand five percent per year through 2009 to over $160 billion. Market advances will be driven by an acceleration in economic growth, ongoing industrialization efforts and rising personal income levels in most areas.

Plastic to outpace other materials

Global demand for windows, which account for just over half of all fenestration product sales in dollar terms, will outperform doors. However, vinyl, fiberglass and other plastic doors are expected to be the fastest growing product category. Demand for plastic and metal windows will also grow at above average rates through 2009. Plastic window suppliers will benefit from the comparatively low cost of products like vinyl windows, as well as the durability and energy efficiency that plastic units offer.

Metal window demand will be stimulated by growth in worldwide nonresidential building construction activity, and supported by strong market conditions in China and India and an upturn in demand in Japan, areas in which metal products account for the vast majority of residential and nonresidential window sales. Although demand for wood windows and doors will advance at a somewhat slower pace, market gains will be fueled by increased use of plywood, medium density fiberboard and other engineered woods, helping to make wood products more affordable.

Developing regions to see best growth

Market growth in industrializing parts of the world including Africa/Mideast, Eastern Europe and Asia/ Pacific, Latin America will outpace demand in the US, Western Europe and Japan, although intensity of product use will remain comparatively low in most developing countries. India, China, Indonesia and the Philippines will post some of the best gains in window and door demand. In 2009, China will account for 20% of the world market total and exceed window and door demand in the US.

Nonresidential market to bolster gains

The residential building market dominates global window and door demand, but the nonresidential building segment will rise at a faster rate through 2009, spurred by gains in nonresidential building construction expenditures. Rising personal income levels, greater urbanization and further expansion in the number of households will stimulate growth in residential window and door demand.

Demand for windows and doors used in new construction applications, which accounted for well over half of the market total in 2004, will climb at the same pace as improvement and repair related demand. New construction fenestration product sales will be driven by increases in new building construction spending worldwide. Demand for windows and doors used in improvement and repair applications will be supported by a number of trends, such as an aging building stock, heightened energy efficiency concerns, and higher personal and business income levels.