Sector: Windows, Doors, and Skylights

Market Overview: Energy efficiency standards and incentives are growing the market for improved performance in the windows, doors, and skylights (WDS) sector. In addition to new construction demands, the Window and Door Manufacturers Association estimates that America’s existing housing stock has nearly one billion single-pane windows—as well as numerous inefficient doors and—that need to be replaced by more efficient options. The WDS replacement market is expected to grow slowly as consumers weigh the benefits of replacement (comfort, aesthetics) against the high up front costs and long payback period when it comes to energy savings. 

Unlike the appliance and HVAC sectors, WDS markets are not dominated by a few large brands. Because windows and doors often are tailored to an area’s local climate, there are still many smaller companies manufacturing and selling to the local or regional market. With the exception of some Canadian manufacturers importing to the United States, several large OEMs that sell products nationally through regional facilities, and a few luxury windows imported from Europe, most WDS products installed in this country are manufactured domestically. The manufacturing of hardware and components like hinges and locks tends to be more globalized, but there are still multiple U.S. suppliers.

Demand for windows from U.S. consumers is forecast to grow at a 4 percent annual growth rate (an increase in production by 7 million units) through 2019.  Vinyl windows have exploded in popularity and account for 60% of all window units nationally.  Wood windows and exterior doors are still requested – especially for custom projects or higher end homes—but they have increasingly lost market share to plastic-, fiberglass-, and metal-based options. These other materials are better able to deliver on qualities such as durability, cost, energy efficiency, and customization, particularly in regards to color and texture.