The demand for windows in new housing rose 25 percent in 2012 and is on track for a similar increase this year.
Meanwhile, the remodeling and replacement market is recovering with forecasts indicating an 8 percent increase in 2013 following a 3 percent decline in 2012. Strong gains in existing home sales are boosting these sales.
The forecasts come from the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA).
The two associations released a joint August update to their 2012/2013 U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast for window, door and skylight market trends.
The forecasts are based on projections of construction activity as of July 2013.
New housing will exceed 1 million units in 2013 for the first time since 2007, according to the update. The market continued to grow in 2012 with single-family units up 24 percent and the multi-family segment up 38 percent. Looking ahead, this market is expected to see similar growth for at least the next two years. The 2013 forecast calls for a 20 percent increase in single-family starts and 26 percent for multiple-family starts.
The update says the Southern region of the United States will make up the greater percentage of total conventional construction starts, accounting for 52 percent of the total market.
