Building in Uncertainty

Between the roller coaster of on again, off again tariffs and new policy changes in the U.S. pertaining to immigration and regulations, the country is experiencing a season of change. It’s more important now than ever to keep up to date with the latest news and developments, including crucial market information showing the state of things and, specifically, the fenestration and glazing industries.  

 
Every spring, FGIA gets customer service questions looking for one thing: the most recent FGIA market study. That is because FGIA releases a new report about the industry, both residential and commercial markets, made available each year in late April/early May. To that end, FGIA has released its latest U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast. This report delivers timely information about window, door and skylight market trends and product relationships. Forecasts are based on projections of construction activity as of April 2025. Here are some highlights from the study: 

Housing Starts 

Total housing starts fell by 3% in 2024, due to the significant declines in multi-family (25%) while single-family and manufactured housing both grew. Going forward, the overall new housing market is expected to slightly decrease in 2025 before increasing in 2026. 

Residential Windows 

The demand for prime windows fell by 2% in 2024. The demand for windows in new housing increased by 1% in 2024, with a decrease of 1% forecasted for 2025. 2026 will increase 3% before a decline of 2% in 2027. Meanwhile, remodeling and replacement window demand fell in 2024 by 5% and is forecast to shrink by 1% in 2025, with slow growth of 1 to 2% in 2026 and 2027. 

Residential Doors 

In the residential market, 2024 new construction demand for entry doors declined by less than 1%. Meanwhile, entry door remodeling and replacement demand, which continues to represent a significantly larger share of total demand, declined at 7%. The total market declined by 4% versus 2023 and is expected to grow in 2025 through 2027. 

Residential Skylights 

Residential skylights closed the year with a growth rate of 3% over 2023 volume. Skylight activity for new construction was up 4%, while remodeling and replacement skylight activity was up 3% in 2024 versus 2023. 

More information

Additional and more detailed information on the residential and commercial fenestration markets is contained in the FGIA Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights, which includes all items listed below, including the latest statistical review and forecast. 

• 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. This report was published in May 2024 

• FGIA U.S. Industry Market Size Report quantifies residential and non-residential market volumes, both historic and projected, as of May 2024. 

• FGIA U.S. Industry Regional Statistical Review and Forecast details information on trends and product relationships. This is the latest report. 

A members-only session about this new report took place at the FGIA Virtual Summer Summit called, “U.S. Market Study | FGIA Report Update and Industry Impacts: Tariffs, Inflation and Immigration,” led by Rhett Bender, a senior engagement manager at Ducker Carlisle, the company that conducts research on FGIA’s behalf. This session featured highlights of current trends and future changes in the fenestration market, as well as scenarios that impact the industry, including tariffs, inflation and immigration.  

Many aspects of the industry landscape are uncertain at this time. For example, Window + Door reported that the decades-old Energy Star program, which certifies the energy efficiency of residential windows, doors, skylights may be coming to an end as a result of the dissolution of the EPA's Office of Atmospheric Protection (OAP) and the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. 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 2025 through 2027 are also included in the new report. The updated FGIA U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast is available for purchase from the FGIA Online Store.