The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) have jointly released the August update to 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 July 2013.

New Housing Market
Total housing starts continued to grow in 2012 with strong gains in both single family and multi-family segments, up by 24 percent and 38 percent respectively. Going forward, the overall new housing market is expected to continue a similar level of growth for at least the next two years. Multi-family and single-family starts are expected to experience 26 and 20 percent increases respectively in 2013. Also for 2013, the Southern region of the U.S. will continue to make up the greater percentage of total conventional construction starts, accounting for 52 percent of the total market. The Northeastern and Western regions of the U.S. also are growing their share in 2013 at the expense of the Midwest market, which is growing, but at a slower pace.

Window Demand
The demand for prime windows rebounded somewhat in 2012 and increased overall by 6 percent, driven by a very strong demand for new housing, which was partially offset by a weak renovation market. The demand for windows in new housing increased by 25 percent in 2012 with a similar increase projected for 2013, as the housing recovery continues and new housing units in 2013 will exceed 1 million for the first time since 2007. Meanwhile remodeling and replacement window demand is starting to recover and is forecast to increase by 8 percent in 2013 after a decline of 3 percent in 2012, as recent strong gains in existing home sales buoy the market.

Nonresidential Construction
Nonresidential construction activity experienced slow growth, though the net effect was negligible in categories favorable to nonresidential door volumes (hospitality, education, healthcare, office). Total volume remained steady at 2.3 million units (entry) and 6.3 million units (interior), reflecting a flat market in comparison with 2011. 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
Residential skylights closed the year with a growth rate of 1.8 percent over the 2011 volume, lower than initial expectations. 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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