The Product Guy

Dec 2 2008 12:10PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (2) |
Blog This! using: Blogger.com | LiveJournal |

By Nick Bajzek

I’ve been a bad, bad blogger. Mea culpa, readers, but it’s been hectic since Thanksgiving, but it was a great one. I am now rested and re-tooled.

First on my docket was a study published by the Freedonia Group entitled “Windows & Doors.” Published in November, the study details demand for windows in all categories: wood, vinyl, etc.

No doubt I need to tell you that although the demands will be a bit subdued, the study predicts steady gains in demand through 2012 despite shrinking floor plans and reduced remodeling work.

Among the findings: 

Metal windows will account for the most rapid gains in demand through 2012. Demand for doors will grow 2.4 percent per year through 2012, reaching $23.2 billion.

Plastic doors will account for the most rapid gains in demand, as consumers opt for fiberglass entry doors and fiberglass or vinyl patio doors.

Overall, plastic is the window and door material expected to enjoy the best growth, with demand for plastic products projected to grow 4.9 percent per year.

Wood windows and doors, interestingly, will continue to account for the largest share of overall window and door demand, totaling 41 percent in 2012. Through 2012, however, demand for wood products will advance at a below-average pace, primarily due to the high cost of wood products compared to less expensive plastic items.

Windows & Doors (published 11/2008, 461 pages) is available for $4,800 from The
Freedonia Group, Inc., 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, OH 44143-2326. For further details visit www.freedoniagroup.com