Doors and windows are two important elements of a building’s envelope, and they directly affect how the structure performs on multiple fronts, not to mention the health and wellbeing of inhabitants.

In the fenestration industry, a few objectives frequently consume the conversation: price, aesthetics, security, indoor air quality (IAQ), and energy performance.

These characteristics will continue to influence the market in a variety of ways over the next few years, driving product innovation, research and development (R&D), and how manufacturers and retailers market their products to industry professionals and homeowners alike.

Repair and remodeling activity remains the most consistent demand driver for windows and doors, supported by aging housing stock and homeowner focus on performance upgrades. Construction adds incremental volume, but category momentum will depend more on replacement cycles than starts alone.

Is the Doors and Windows Market Growing in the U.S.?

The U.S. windows and doors market generated about $30,757 million in 2025. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2026 to 2033 to reach approximately $41,182, based on data from Grand View Research.

In terms of segment, doors was the largest revenue-generating product in 2025, and it is registering the fastest growth during the forecast period.

In terms of revenue, the U.S. accounted for about 11.2% of the global windows and doors market in 2025, whereas China is expected to lead the global market in terms of revenue in 2033.

The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) also includes category-specific growth projections for windows, skylights, and patio doors, as well as doors and molding, in its quarterly U.S. Home Improvement Products Market Forecast. The windows, skylights, and patio doors segment has experienced notable growth over the past five years and is projected to have steady, although significantly less, growth in the upcoming forecast period, from 2026 to 2030. Meanwhile, the doors and molding category shows slightly negative growth in 2026, with a rebound through 2030 that mirrors the growth from the previous period. Even when accounting for inflation, both product categories are expected to have healthy growth over the next few years.

What are the Top Trends in the Fenestration Industry?

To strategically plan for the future, it’s important to consider what’s happening in the construction industry at large, along with emerging technologies and evolving customer preferences. All of these factors should inform your business decisions.

Here are a handful of trends influencing the fenestration industry over the next five years:

1. New Construction Forecast to Increase Pace in 2027

The housing market across the U.S. is currently a bit rough in terms of new construction. Single-family (SF) starts are expected to once again decline in 2026, with roughly 904,000 projected for the year, based on stats from the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED), included in our Construction and Remodeling: Industry Drivers and Forecast Report. Meanwhile, multi-family (MF) construction rebounded in 2025 in response to low SF affordability and high new home inventory. New construction is expected to increase again in 2026, as household formations continue and those new households need a place to call home.

Looking ahead, SF starts are expected to stabilize in 2027 as affordability gradually improves and pent-up demand returns. MF starts are projected to moderate into 2027 as excess supply is absorbed, and SF homes pick up some pace. Increased housing starts drive higher window and door demand, although needs and solutions vary within single-family and multi-family applications.

2. Remodeling Remains Strong as Infrastructure Ages

With home building stagnating throughout 2026, and the housing inventory being outpaced by demand, homeowners and commercial building owners are turning toward repairs and remodels to extend the longevity of existing buildings. This can often lead to demand for replacements and repairs to windows and doors, which play a large role in how a building functions, from security and internal comfort to energy efficiency.

In addition to downward mobility, improvements will also be required as the housing stock in the U.S. continues to age. According to the most recent data from the American Community Survey (ACS), the median age of owner-occupied homes is more than 42 years old.

That means the aging housing stock is ripe for remodeling opportunities. Within the 20- to 39-year-old age range, buildings become primed for new window and door replacements. These types of projects can also make homes more acceptable and comfortable for aging in place; for example, automated windows and doors that are easily operable for individuals, regardless of strength or mobility.

With this favorable long-term view in the remodeling and renovation industry, companies can be prepared with fenestration products to meet demand.

3. Homeowners and Contractors Share Decision-making Influence

Contractors and homeowners have the most influence when selecting windows and doors, while suppliers and engineers play a lesser role, according to data in our Construction and Remodeling: Industry Drivers and Forecast Report. About 61% of homeowners and 75% of contractors are “always” or “frequently” involved in decision-making.

Among the available materials, vinyl is the most purchased, installed, or specified option, being selected for about 31% of home improvement projects. It is favored for its durability, low maintenance, cost-effectiveness, and energy efficiency.

Other top materials of windows purchased, installed, and specified include:

• Wood or wood clad (17%)
• Aluminum (16%)
• Composite (13%)

4. Brand Matters More Than Supplier for Windows and Doors

Brand is factors in significantly when it comes to choosing windows and doors for home remodeling and new construction. Based on data from our Windows and Doors: Design and Demand Report, pros mostly use their preferred window and door brand, only using a non-preferred brand 22% of the time. They’re also willing to pay up to 19% more for products before switching brands. If their preferred supplier no longer carries their preferred brand, 58% of professionals say they would shop at a different supplier.

For professionals, the main choices influencing window and door brand choices include:

• Reliable performance and durability (52%)
• Energy efficiency (40%)
• Style and design selection (31%)

Other factors taken into consideration include ease of installation, strong warranty, strong brand reputation, and competitive pricing.

Because windows and doors are brand-driven, pros are more willing to change suppliers than compromise on trusted products. Availability, lead times, and service support play a significant role in supplier choice, particularly for complex or custom projects.

Tracking changes in supplier expectations and switching behavior can help protect share in a competitive and service-intensive channel.

5. Customers Seek Wider Range of Aesthetic Options

The function of windows has improved greatly over the past several decades. Now, homeowners, architects, and builders are seeking a wider selection in terms of style and aesthetics.

Customers want more options for these important components of the building envelope. Demand for an increasingly varied range of styles, colors, and applications is now driving product specification and selection. With architects and contractors more willing than ever before to try a new brand, the one with the perfect product option has preference for the spec.

Customers also seek window and door options that allow them to capture more natural light and enhance their indoor space. Demand is shifting towards products and brands that provide products suitable for large window walls and convertible spaces.

6. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Motivate Innovation

About one-third of homeowners have concerns about their home’s environmental or energy performance, according to findings from joint research that our team at The Farnsworth Group conducted with the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Of those concerned, half have moderate to major concern for their home’s green issues.

Among homeowners with environmental and energy concerns, upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors was the second most common already completed activity (32%) and the top planned green home activity (36%). In the report, 40% of contractors installed or offered energy efficiency retrofits and weatherization. Additionally, 23% of contractors reported that they had installed energy-efficient windows and doors within the past year.

Additional research findings in HIRI’s Government Incentives and Energy Retrofit Report show that installing energy-efficient doors and windows is one of the top upgrades homeowners plan, along with installing smart thermostats. It is often viewed as one of the most pragmatic and valuable energy retrofits to complete.

Types of Technologies Used to Improve Energy Efficiency in Fenestration Industry

Energy efficiency also holds significant weight in the multifamily and commercial sectors. As a result, R&D funding should be channeled into innovative, eco-friendly window and door technology that supports sustainability and energy savings.  

Some of the most prominent technologies in the fenestration industry that address—or enhance—energy efficiency include:

• Triple-pane window units
• Fourth-surface low-E glass
• Gas fill
• Thermally broken aluminum
• Dynamic glass

Utility companies that have been offering rebates for homeowners to tackle window replacement projects have seen adoption in varying geographic segments. Manufacturers who work with the stakeholders in their distribution channel to educate the end customer about local rebates can expect to see increasing unit sales in those areas.

7. Customers Scout for High-Impact-Resistant Window Ratings

Along with energy-efficient options—which can bolster a building’s resale value and save owners money over time—consumers also value impact-resistant windows that can reduce potential damage from natural causes while simultaneously acting as a security measure.

Extreme weather events are on the rise. That includes high winds, flooding, fires, and more. As a result, we’ve observed an increasing interest in resilient infrastructure, as well as the implementation of more stringent regulations in some areas. Take, for instance, the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings initiative or the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety’s FORTIFIED program. Although voluntary, these construction programs set standards designed to help make buildings more resilient.

Meanwhile, demand is expanding for window-replacement projects in high-wind speed zones, such as the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts. According to data published in the National Glass Association’s Window+Door, the number of windows consumed by homes in 140-plus mph wind-speed zones will increase to eight million in 2028 and expand from 10% share of national demand to 11%, presenting an opportunity for above-average market growth.

Anything that a property owner can do to decrease the potential for disruption, inconvenience, and maintenance costs because of weather-related incidents, the better. Further, construction professionals who seek to reduce warranty claims and callbacks are seeking out options that are more durable.

8. Improving Wellness Continues to Trend

Similarly, a majority of people want to improve their indoor air quality, according to findings from joint research that our team at The Farnsworth Group conducted with the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. This remains the top healthy and safe home concern for homeowners, and it’s often related to:

• Managing household dust
• Air pollutants, odors, or smoke from the outdoors
• Contamination of air by bacteria and viruses
• Air pollutants from indoor cooking, heating, or cooling

Poorly sealed windows and doors components are often the weakest link in a building’s thermal envelope. Along with ensuring proper ventilation, high-quality windows and doors also impact the health and wellbeing of inhabitants by:

• Helping with temperature management
• Reducing problems related to moisture and mold
• Tempering glare and optimizing acoustics

Providing a connection to natural light and the outdoors that can regulate circadian rhythms.

From the report, we can see that energy efficient windows and doors are one of the most top-of-mind projects for homeowners planning for the future. The impetus is on manufacturers and distributors to develop and market products that address healthy home priorities within the market.

9. Safety is a Concern in Residential and Commercial Sectors

There is also a rising demand for security and safety-oriented solutions in the fenestration industry. This is not just for residential buildings and homes, but also public and commercial buildings, from schools and financial institutions to government buildings and retail establishments. There is some expectation that these solutions and features won’t just be preferable in the coming years but also potentially mandated in order for buildings to be up to code.

Either way, there is an opportunity for manufacturers and retailers to invest in products that can give inhabitants a sense of safety and security in light of theft and break-ins, looting, and civil unrest. Incorporating such features into windows and doors not only adds a tangible layer of protection but also could factor into securing resale value, lowering insurance rates, and other favorable outcomes. Some features we’re seeing emerge in this area include remote locking and unlocking technology; sensor technology that triggers alarms; and impact-rated glass.

10. Increasing Investment in Solar Window Development

Another example of a viable sustainability innovation is a coating that can make a window double as a transparent solar panel.

In light of evolving consumer demand—along with supply problems—it is important to embrace emerging window and door innovations. Manufacturers can address sustainability at every point of the product development process.

The challenge is to temper the higher price points often associated with eco-friendly products. That could take place at the product development stage, or it’s a matter of sharing with suppliers and consumers the well-articulated advantages of sustainable systems, products and practices.

Custom Market Research for Doors and Windows Manufacturers and Suppliers

While overlying trends in the fenestration industry can give you a solid look at what’s happening in the market and where it’s heading in the next few years, it’s important to dig even deeper to obtain the specific data and insights you need for tailored decision making and planning for your brands. The Farnsworth Group offers proven research solutions, combined with our rich industry knowledge, to help you keep up with shifting demands, new technologies, and disruptive competitors.