Consumers still prefer the look of wood for their homes.

At a time when consumers are increasingly focused on sound control and aesthetics, specialty ceilings have become the fastest growing products in the ceilings market.  Check out a few key specialty ceiling products that will impact the US market in the coming years.

There was a time when asbestos was commonly used in fiber cement products as a binder that served to strengthen the cement. Hardie Fibrolite was the first major fiber cement product to hit the market, quickly gaining popularity in the 1950s as an alternative to increasingly expensive timber and brick materials. Since then, fiber cement siding, roofing, and other products (like fencing) have become widely used in many parts of the world, with overall demand for fiber cement totaling $10 billion in 2018, according to data from The Freedonia Group.

However, while fiber cement’s worldwide popularity hasn’t diminished, the same can’t be said for asbestos.

Windows and doors are an integral part of any home or commercial structure. They enable entry and egress, provide access to light and air, and, in many cases, can improve the exterior appearance of a property. Furthermore, they play a key role in improving a structure's energy efficiency.

On May 31, 2018, the US International Trade Commission announced that it had reason to believe the US quartz countertop industry had been materially injured by imported Chinese products being sold at less than fair value.

Following this ruling, a series of tariffs were levied against Chinese quartz slab imports, ranging from 311% to 528%. How is this expected to impact the global countertops market going forward?

Noise pollution is a major public health and worker safety concern, as studies have shown that long-term exposure to loud noises has myriad negative health impacts.

Most roofing contractors and other construction professionals realize that the use of more durable roofing materials can minimize the effects of severe weather on a building.

However, roofing accessories – the ancillary products used when installing a roof – are perhaps equally important for protecting roofs from moisture, impacts, and high winds.

Among decorative tile products, porcelain will remain the fastest growing type in the US through 2023. In particular, technological advancements have allowed large, lighter-weight thin porcelain tile slabs to gain in popularity in recent years, and some major producers are looking to capitalize on this growth.

Central and South America is one of the biggest consumers of fiber cement roofing – much of which has historically contained asbestos – due to its low cost, durability, and widespread availability in the region.

The aftermath of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire sparked regulatory changes both within the United Kingdom and worldwide. Find out how these changes may impact key siding products.