Global roofing demand will grow 3.1 percent annually through 2014. China alone will claim over a third of all new demand, strengthening its position as the largest roofing market in area terms. Concrete tiles will be the fastest growing type based on its dominance in developing Asian nations.

This study analyzes the global solid surface & other cast polymer industry. It presents historical demand data (1999, 2004, 2009) and forecasts for 2014 and 2019 by type (e.g., solid surface, engineered stone, cultured marble), market (e.g., residential & nonresidential countertops, sinks, other building materials), world region (e.g., Asia/Pacific, North America, Western Europe) and major national market. The study also considers market environment factors, evaluates company market share and profiles industry players.

Global demand for drywall is forecast to advance 8.4 percent annually through 2014. Over four-fifths of new demand will be attributable to the US and the Asia/Pacific region. The residential market will outpace its nonresidential counterpart. Global building plaster demand will advance 5.3 percent annually.

Demand for water and wastewater pipe in the US is expected to rise 5.8 percent annually through 2014. Copper pipe will be the fastest growing product while plastic pipe remains dominant. Building construction will be the fastest growing market, with potable water applications leading gains.

US demand for insulation materials will rise 7.4 percent annually through 2014, driven by a recovery in residential construction. Fiberglass insulation will offer the best growth opportunities and will surpass foamed plastic as the largest segment in value terms by 2014. Cellulose insulation will post the fastest growth from a small base.

US tube and stick packaging demand will rise 5.1 percent annually through 2014. The fastest gains are expected for stick packs, driven by advantages of product differentiation, portability and material savings compared to conventional single-portion pouches. The dominant squeeze tube segment will slightly lag the overall industry.

US demand for cast polymers will increase 5.4 percent annually through 2014, driven in part by gains in market share over laminates in countertops. Solid surface will remain the most common cast polymer, while engineered stone will grow the fastest. The countertop market will remain dominant.

US foodservice packaging demand will climb 2.5 percent annually through 2014. Flexible packaging will outpace rigid based on cost, convenience and performance advantages. Restaurants other than quick service types will post the fastest growth within the dominant eating and drinking places market.

US demand for oil and gas well stimulation materials is projected to increase 14 percent annually through 2014. Gains will be buoyed by renewed efforts to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources. The largest segment, proppants, will also be one of the fastest growing, along with gases and other materials.

Demand for siding in the US is forecast to grow 6.5 percent annually through 2014, driven by a rebound in housing completions from depressed levels in 2009. Fiber cement, stucco and brick siding will see the most rapid advances. Vinyl siding will remain the largest segment and will continue to supplant wood.