Windows and doors statistics 2024

Window and door statistics

The North American windows and doors market was valued at $65 billion in 2022, with growing demand from rising residential and non-residential construction activity. As costs for construction have risen following the COVID-19 pandemic, prices for residential windows and doors have climbed significantly over the past three years.

For homeowners looking to refit their houses or prospective homebuyers looking to evaluate what style of doors and windows will best fit their needs, there are several factors to take into consideration: the type of material used, the style of the door or window, the location of your home and the surrounding climate, and the energy efficiency of the materials.

Windows and doors industry growth

Top manufacturers have reported higher sales in recent years, according to Window+Door magazine’s most recent annual survey of residential fenestration manufacturers4. The windows and doors industry is closely tied to the construction industry's performance, including new home construction and remodeling.

The survey found that 91% of respondents experienced significant growth over the past five years, and 88% reported higher sales in 2022 compared to the prior year, which was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 80% of respondents also identified energy-efficient products as the most highly requested feature in their customer’s orders.

Wholesale door and window prices over time

Wholesale prices for key segments of the U.S. windows and doors market have climbed significantly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. For wood doors and windows, prices for wholesale products sold by manufacturers have risen 49% from January 2020 to January 2024. Wholesale prices for metal doors and windows increased 59% during that same time period.

The most significant year-over-year increases in door and window prices came in late 2021 and continued throughout most of 2022, matching a similar trend of major price increases throughout the construction industry.

ROI for window and door remodeling projects

According to the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, a steel entry door replacement had one of the best returns on investment in 2023 among nearly two dozen types of home remodeling projects. The report found that the estimated cost of a steel entry door replacement was $2,214 and contributed an estimated $2,235 to the home's value.

The return on investment for a pair of window remodeling projects was much lower, with a vinyl replacement estimated to cost $20,091 and provide a value of only $13,766.

These prices have seen a sharp increase over the past few years. In 2020, a steel entry door replacement was estimated to cost $1,881, compared to $17,641 for a vinyl window replacement.

Types of doors

There are two main types of doors: interior doors and exterior doors. Both interior and exterior doors can be found in a variety of styles and serve different purposes.

Types of exterior doors

While many people may enter their homes through a garage door nowadays, the front door is still a critical part of every home. Exterior doors are typically thicker to withstand weather exposure and provide security. Costs for a front door can range from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the materials that are used3. There are several types of exterior doors available:

• Wood doors: Known more for providing beauty and style, wood doors are generally more expensive and require regular upkeep to maintain their appearance.
• Metal doors: These doors, often made from steel, are more durable and typically less expensive than wood doors.
• Fiberglass doors: Typically crafted to provide the look of a wood door and the durability of a metal door, fiberglass doors are a versatile option that can vary significantly in price.

Types of interior doors

Unlike exterior doors, interior doors are lighter and are typically made of similar materials, such as solid wood or wood boards surrounding a cardboard core, sometimes referred to as a “hollow core”. These doors come either prehung, which means they are already attached to the hinges and framing, or as slab doors, which can be mounted to an existing frame. Here are several types of interior doors:

• Hinged doors: composed of multiple panels and often used for bedroom entryways.
• Sliding doors: typically used to cover closets and may come with large mirrors attached.
• Accordion doors: made up of several panels that fold in on themselves toward one side of the door opening, and most commonly used for closets.
• Bifold doors: designed with two panels that fold together to one side of the doorway and are common for closets or pantries.
• Barn doors: hung by a rail on top of the door frame, allowing the door to slide from side to side.
• French doors: composed of glass panes that cover most of their surface area, and often used for patios.
• Cafe and saloon doors: swinging hinged doors that can be easily pushed open from either direction.

Types of windows

When it comes to window shopping, there are a couple of primary components to bear in mind: the framing and the glazing or glass.

The framing, composed of the frame and sashes that hold the glass, can be constructed from several different materials:

• Metal frames: very durable and require little maintenance but are not as good for providing insulation.
• Wood frames: provide better insulation than metal frames but require more routine maintenance to preserve their appearance.
• Fiberglass frames: durable with hollow cores that can be filled with insulation to provide better thermal resistance.
• Vinyl frames: less expensive options but have fewer styles available and are typically plain white.
• Composite frames: made of composite wood products, such as particleboard, to replicate the look of wood without the maintenance or susceptibility to moisture and decay.

Windows can be single-, double-, or triple-glazed, meaning they can have between one and three layers of glass set inside the frame. The number of panes will affect the insulation and energy efficiency of a window, and each option varies in cost.

• Single-glazed: the most budget-friendly options for initial installation, but may result in higher long-term energy costs, particularly in regions with extreme temperatures.
• Double-glazed: offer more benefits than single-glazed, but with higher upfront costs and fewer advantages than triple-glazed.
• Triple-glazed: the most expensive to install but provide the best insulation and energy efficiency.

How to save energy with windows and doors

The materials used in your windows and doors play a key role in your home’s energy efficiency.

For windows, the insulation and energy efficiency increase with the number of glass panes contained within the frame. The framing also affects insulation, with fiberglass or composite window frames typically offering the best thermal performance.

Similarly, the materials used for door framing can also improve a home’s energy efficiency. Adding weatherstripping or a storm door can significantly improve the insulation.

Fiberglass is the most energy-efficient material used for exterior doors.

If you’re seeking energy-efficient products, look for those labeled with an ENERGY STAR designation.

Are energy-efficient windows and doors worth it?

While some materials for windows and doors carry a higher upfront cost, they can save money in the long run by reducing utility bills through improved energy efficiency.

About 25%-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use can be attributed to heat gained and lost through windows. Double or triple glazing can reduce this heat transfer. A study from the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory conducted in 2019 and 2020 found that triple-pane windows helped save an average of 12% on heating costs and 28% on cooling costs each during a 10-week period.

When to search for new windows

Your home’s windows may last 20-40 years depending on the quality of the materials and how well-maintained they are. However, high utility bills, wear and tear, or damage may mean it’s time to consider replacements. You can also improve energy efficiency by treating existing windows with caulk, weatherstripping, or installing storm panels for additional coverage.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Producer Price Index by Industry: Wood Window and Door Manufacturing: Wood Panel, Flush, and Molded Face Doors, Interior and Exterior, Including Doors with Glazed Sections.” FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
2. Remodeling by JLC. “Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report.” Zonda Media. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
3. National Association of Home Builders. “Choosing Your Front Door.” National Association of Home Builders. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
4. Cowin, L. “2023 Top Manufacturers Report.” National Glass Association. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
5. Efficient Windows Collaborative. “Window Glazing.” Efficient Windows Collaborative, National Fenestration Rating Council. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
6. Arizton. “Doors and Windows Market in North America - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028.” Arizton. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
7. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Producer Price Index by Industry: Metal Window and Door Manufacturing.” FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
8. National Association of Home Builders. “Building Material Prices Climbing at Record Year-to-Date Pace.” National Association of Home Builders. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
9. Remodeling by JLC. “Remodeling 2020 Cost vs. Value Report.” Zonda Media. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
10. Home Depot. “Interior Door Buying Guide.” Home Depot. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
11. U.S. Department of Energy. “Window Types and Technologies.” U.S. Department of Energy. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
12. U.S. Department of Energy. “Doors.” U.S. Department of Energy. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
13. Energy Star. “Residential Windows, Doors & Skylights.” ENERGY STAR by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
14. Hede, K. “How Triple-pane Windows Stop Energy (and Money) From Flying Out the Window.” Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
15. Efficient Windows Collaborative. “Window Selection Tool.” Efficient Windows Collaborative, National Fenestration Rating Council. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
16. Hanula, D. “How to Tell If You Need New Windows or Doors.” BudgetDumpster. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here
17. U.S. Department of Energy. “Update or Replace Windows.” U.S. Department of Energy. Evaluated Feb. 20, 2024.Link Here