CLEVELAND, OH — United States demand for windows and doors is forecast to rise 2.8% annually to $40 billion in 2012, a deceleration from the 2002-2007 pace, according to Windows & Doors, a new study by the Freedonia Group.

According to the Freedonia Group, demand gains will be restrained by a subdued outlook for residential construction, which constitutes the largest market for windows and doors. While the US housing market is projected to post a modest recovery through 2012, the level of housing completions will be only slightly higher than in 2007, according to the Freedonia Group.

Demand for windows is projected to advance 3.7% through 2012, due to increasing interest in energy efficiency, with metal windows accounting for the most paid gains. Demand for doors is expected to grow 2.4% per year, reaching $23.2 billion by 2012, with plastic doors accounting for the most rapid gains.