CLEVELAND, OH – U.S. window and door demand is projected to increase 3.3% annually through 2010 to $36.5 billion, a deceleration from 2000-2005 period due to a sharp drop in single-family housing completions, according to The Freedonia Group Inc.

Freedonia sees a strong rebound in nonresidential construction, which will have a positive impact on window and door demand. Metal will be a bigger benefactor of this shift in market strengths. For example, Freedonia predicts metal door shipments will increase 4% per annum, while shipments of wood windows will only climb 1% over the next three years.

In addition, plastic windows and doors will continue to make inroads as replacements for both wood and metal products, with demand increasing 6.5% annually. Plastic's share of total value demand has risen from 15% in 2000 to 20% in 2005 and is expected to reach 23% by 2010. This share is even higher when measured in units due to the lower cost of these products, Freedonia says.

The residential market accounted for more than three-quarters of window and door demand in 2005. This is not only due to the size of the residential construction industry, but also because this market tends to place a higher value on aesthetics and energy efficiency, which leads to the use of higher-cost products, such as wood windows and doors. The large stock of existing homes also provides a base for improvement and repair purchases of door and window products. In fact, while Freedonia sees the new residential market for windows and doors declining through 2010, the improvement and repair market will grow 6% annually.

The complete 391-page report, Windows & Doors, is available for $4,500. For further details, phone Corinne Gangloff at (440) 684-9600 or visit www.freedoniagroup.com.

U.S. Window & Door Demand

                        2005          2010    % Growth

Wood             $13,290     $14,200       +1.3

Metal               11,500       13,750       +3.3    

Plastic                6,190        8,500       +6.5

Total               30,980    36,450       +3.3    

Source: The Freedonia Group Inc.