Plan for 2026 and Beyond

Each spring, FGIA gets multiple customer service inquiries looking for one thing: the most recent FGIA market study. That’s because FGIA releases a new report about the industry, both residential and commercial markets, each year by early May. And since 2026 is an even year, FGIA has released the full multi-report edition, called the FGIA 2026 Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights. This set of reports delivers timely information about window, door and skylight market trends and product relationships. Forecasts are based on projections of construction activity as of April 2026.  

With the current state of inflation, interest rates, the housing supply, and economic and regulation policy changes in the U.S., it is important to keep up to date with the latest news and developments, including crucial market information providing guidance on product volume and trends.  

FGIA’s market study has served the fenestration industry continuously for over 30 years and is a commonly referenced research program in the industry. The study details market volumes and trends in the U.S. for 2025, forecasted through 2028, as well as historical volumes. Our researchers interview several hundred homebuilders, contractors, installers and distributors each spring, which helps to develop indicative product usage factors and channel flow as a cross reference to the various manufacturer input. 

Takeaways from this year’s report

1. Housing Starts and Existing Home Sales 

Total conventional housing starts in 2025 decreased approximately 1% from 2024 due to declines in single family (7%) while multifamily grew significantly (17%). Both segments are expected to decline about 4% in 2026, but single-family should experience a rebound in 2027 and 2028. Existing home sales had been declining since 2022, but began a turn-around in 2025 that is expected to accelerate with an increase of 9% forecasted for 2026. 

2. Residential Windows 

While the remodeling and replacement sector has historically held the majority position over new construction in residential prime window volumes, the gap has been closing in recent years. Continued, although slowing, expected R&R declines in the next few years are forecast to create a more balanced split between these two segments by 2028. 

3. Residential Doors and Skylights 

The new construction patio door segment is the bright spot in the door market. Although 2025 saw declines that are expected to continue in 2026, a partial rebound is forecast to be on the horizon for 2027 followed by a stabilization of this market. The residential skylight sector has experienced growth during the past few years but saw some declines in 2025. In 2026, that segment is expected to be on par with 2025 before re-gaining some ground in 2027 and 2028. 

New Format 

This year, FGIA modernized the format of its market reports. Designed to provide a more intuitive user experience, the updated studies feature engaging visuals and a streamlined structure that allows members and industry stakeholders to quickly digest complex market trends and product shipment data as well as historical trends and forecasts. 

Having up-to-date market information is one of the best ways to plan for the future. Historical data for 2017 through 2024 and forecast data for 2026 through 2028 are also included in the new reports. The FGIA 2026 Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights is available for purchase from the FGIA Online Store.  
 

More About FGIA’s Reports  

The full multi-report edition of the 2026 FGIA market studies contains three separate reports:  

• FGIA 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. 
• FGIA U.S. Industry Market Size Report quantifies residential and non-residential market volumes, both historic and projected, as of May 2026. 
• FGIA U.S. Industry Regional Statistical Review and Forecast details information about trends and product relationships. 

FGIA Market Study Webinar 

FGIA hosted a webinar about this report called, “U.S. Market Study | FGIA Report Update and Industry Impacts: War, Trade Policy, AI, Energy,” led by Rhett Bender, a senior engagement manager at Ducker Carlisle, the company that conducts research on FGIA’s behalf. Navigating the complexities of the current fenestration market requires an understanding of how global geopolitical shifts and rapid technological advancements intersect with traditional industry drivers. Bender reviewed these crucial factors in this webinar, a recording of which is now available for non-members to purchase. There is no fee for FGIA members.