The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) have jointly released the AAMA/WDMA 2012/2013 U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast. This report delivers timely information on window, door and skylight market trends and product relationships. Historic data for 2006 through 2012 and forecast data for 2013 through 2015 also are included in the report. Forecasts are based on projections of construction activity as of March 2013.

In 2012, new residential construction activity closed with a 26.5 percent improvement compared to 2011, which is slightly better than what was forecasted last December. This improvement is attributed to strong gains in both single family and multi-family segments. The study forecasts similar improvement for 2013, with multi-family and single family starts each expected to experience a 28 percent growth. Going forward, the overall new housing market is expected to continue a similar level of growth for at least the next two years.

The demand for prime windows rebounded somewhat in 2012 and increased overall by 6 percent, driven by a very strong demand for new housing. The outlook for residential window demand continues to be optimistic, with expectations for a 15 percent increase in 2013. The expected increase is driven largely by expectations for stronger new construction activity and a 9 percent increase for renovation.

Nonresidential construction activity experienced slow growth, though the net effect was negligible in categories favorable to architectural door volumes (hospitality, education, healthcare, office). Specifically for 2012, total volume remained steady at 2.3 million units for nonresidential entry doors and 6.3 million units for architectural interior doors, reflecting a flat market in comparison with 2011.

Residential skylights closed the year with a growth rate of nearly 2 percent over the 2011 volume, lower than what was forecasted in December 2012. New construction skylight activity was up 10 percent in 2012, which is lower than anticipated, while remodeling and replacement skylight activity was flat versus 2011 totals.

In addition to the U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast, more detailed information on the residential and commercial fenestration markets is contained in the AAMA/WDMA 2011/2012 Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights (published in May 2012), which includes the items listed below.
* AAMA/WDMA U.S. Industry Channel Distribution Report profiles the residential and non-residential market for windows and doors as it flows through the identified distribution channels.
* AAMA/WDMA U.S. Industry Market Size Report quantifies residential and non-residential market volumes, both historic and projected.
* AAMA/WDMA U.S. Industry Regional Statistical Review and Forecasts detail information for 11 individual regions.

The updated AAMA/WDMA 2012/2013 U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast, as well as the other reports listed above, is available for purchase online from both AAMA and WDMA.

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