Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights is Complete

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) have released the Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights. The study is conducted every two years with the abbreviated U.S. Industry Statistical Review & Forecast report published every year. The research is performed by Ducker Research Co. This year's report also included the Distribution of Residential and Nonresidential Windows and Doors in the 2007 U.S. Market and the Summary of Findings Regarding Installation Practices and Procedures.

According to the distribution report, product flow at the first line of distribution direct from the manufacturer remains similar for both patio doors and windows. Specialty retailers and lumberyards are nearly tied accounting for approximately 20 percent each for sales of windows from manufacturers. The lumberyard category accounts for 27 percent of patio door sales and is the largest channel for manufacture sales of this product group. Regarding the big box retailer, this group has seen significant declines in door and window volumes. Ducker also reported that manufacturers continue to try to bypass traditional distribution methods and sell direct to builders, and says this trend will continue. Along with builders, another winner seems to be the specialty retailer as Ducker says this category has suffered less than other distribution channels.

Regarding installation, there is much talk in the industry regarding improper installation methods. However, according to Ducker, more than 80 percent of residential window manufacturers supply their customers with printed installation instructions. Additionally, more than half say they follow either InstallationMasters™ or the ASTM 2112 guidelines. Finally, the majority of window manufacturers do not have their own installation crews.

Getting to the market study, it's no surprise that housing starts dropped dramatically from 2006-a 24 percent decline. While remodeling didn't take as large of a hit, this segment did decline as well-6.4 percent. These statistics explain the 11.4 percent decline in the prime window market. Regarding materials, vinyl's share grew marginally over wood and aluminum, but the materials still decreased from 2006.

Looking at specific segments, such as patio doors, this market declined by 12 percent. Regarding entry doors, fiberglass continues to grow, taking 27 percent of this market as opposed to 11 percent for wood.

Ducker also studied trends in particular regions, and declines were seen in all segments. Though the Northeast showed the slowest decline at 14 percent while all other regions dropped by 25 to 28 percent. Additionally, while the impact-resistant market was once seen as a high growth area, a steep drop in Florida's new construction market has caused this market to decline.

To obtain a copy of the full study please contact AAMA at www.aamamet.org or WDMA at www.wdma.com.

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