WDMA and AAMA release window, door & skylight market studies

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) have jointly released the updated 2011/2012 Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights. This report delivers accurate and timely information on window, door, skylight, and curtain wall market trends and product relationships for both residential and commercial construction. 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 2012.

According to the study's data, the demand for prime windows continued to remain slow in 2011, following housing activity in general, after falling from peak volumes in 2006. The demand for windows in new housing decreased by 2% 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. Meanwhile, remodeling and replacement windows fell by nearly 12% versus 2010. In total, the residential window market decreased by 9%.

Residential skylights experienced an increase of 2% from 2010 to 2011. The increase was driven heavily by the continued strength of remodeling and replacement activity, which now represents more than 80% of the residential skylight market. For 2012, the market is expected to grow 6% 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 declined slightly in 2011, tempering growth in the nonresidential entry and interior door categories.

Additional and more detailed information on the residential and commercial fenestration markets is contained in the 2011/2012 WDMA/AAMA U.S. Market Studies, which includes all of the items listed below.

WDMA/AAMA U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast summarizes residential, non-residential and remodeling trends from government and industry sources.
WDMA/AAMA U.S. Industry Channel Distribution Report profiles the residential and non-residential market for windows and doors as it flows through the identified distribution channels.
WDMA/AAMA U.S. Industry Market Size Report quantifies residential and non-residential market volumes, both historic and projected.
WDMA/AAMA U.S. Industry Regional Statistical Review and Forecasts detail information for 11 individual regions.

The 2011/2012 WDMA/AAMA Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights, as well as the other reports listed above, are available for purchase online at the WDMA Bookstore. +

Learning objectives After reading this article, you should be able to: Understand issues of thermal performance and energy efficiency in relation to window and door systems; describe optimal detailing of the window-wall interface and how it contributes to building performance, sustainability, and occupant well-being; understand how durability contributes to sustainable windows/doors; and list sustainable O&M requirements for window and door systems.

| Jul 21, 2011

Falling Architecture Billings Index reflects decrease in design demands

This months Architecture Billings Index (ABI), provided by the American Institute of Architects, is almost a full point lower than last month’s reported score. June’s reading of 47.2 was short of the required 50 to achieve billings increases, making July’s reading of 46.3 an unwelcome sign of market tidings.