Global Siding (Cladding)

Report Overview

Growth Opportunities Exist for Siding Manufacturers in Africa/Middle East Region

Key trends covered in this report:

• the impact of rapid urbanization and changes in preferred/required construction methods in the Asia/Pacifc and Africa/Mideast regions
• how style preferences, local climate, and storm potential drive regional variations in siding product demand
• how a global shift towad higher-value siding products is impacting trends in manufacturer price increases

Featuring 127 Tables and 116 Figures!
 

Global demand for siding was 6.3 billion square meters in 2024, and is forecast to rise 2.1% annually through 2029 to 7.0 billion square meters, valued at $122 billion. Growth will be spurred by rising residential and nonresidential building construction across the globe, most notably in the lower- and middle-income countries of the Asia/Pacific and Africa/Mideast regions.

Greater Use of Modern Construction Materials Offers Opportunities in Africa/Mideast Region

Modern construction materials are becoming more prevalent in African and Middle Eastern urban centers, but many rural communities in the region still use natural siding materials, such as mud and straw. These materials are plentiful and inexpensive, but they require frequent maintenance and are susceptible to damage from the elements. Many countries in the region are promoting modern, durable housing solutions to improve living conditions. Meanwhile, plastic waste is a growing issue in many African countries. Several companies in the West have started to manufacture siding using waste plastics as a component; African nations may hold similar potential.

Rapid Urbanization & Population Growth in India Drives Gains in the Asia/Pacific Region

India is expected to account for 46% of absolute gains for siding in the Asia/Pacific region and 25% of absolute gains globally. Rapid urbanization is driving the construction of residential and nonresidential buildings. As more people move to cities, the need for housing, office spaces, and amenities increases. Additionally, India has surpassed China to become the most populous country in the world, which has increased the need for housing there. Efforts to build more affordable, modern housing are being supported by government programs such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Skilled Labor Shortages Make Easier-to-Install Materials More Attractive

Many countries around the globe face a skilled labor shortage for construction. In high-income countries, a combination of the retirements of experienced workers and declining interest in construction trades among younger generations has created shortages, while in lower- and middle-income countries,  mismatches between workforce skills and market needs have prompted this problem. As a result, there is increasing interest in materials that are relatively easy to install while also being durable and cost-effective. For example, vinyl is expected to see increasing use in the Asia/Pacific and Africa/Mideast regions as it does not require specialized labor for installation, performs well, and costs less than a number of other siding materials.

Historical Market Trends & Growth Factors

Siding demand tends to follow trends in building construction activity, especially in the residential market. For instance, siding demand is strongly correlated with new home construction because it is installed on virtually every residential building. Demand for siding also follows trends in new nonresidential building, though not as closely as in the residential market. This is because nonresidential building trends can vary more depending on market conditions and specific industry growth, while residential construction sees more consistent demand due to ongoing housing needs.

Demand is also impacted by trends in home renovation activity, as the residential re-siding market is the leading application for siding. Homeowners looking to upgrade the appearances of their homes may do so several ways that promote siding demand:

• Some siding materials will simply need to be replaced over time.

• One avenue to increasing home values is using higher-quality siding products that have fewer maintenance requirements.

As with new construction activity, the trend is less pronounced in the commercial market because renovation projects often focus on utility over exterior aesthetics.

Demand for siding can vary significantly by region or country based on:

• Consumer Incomes: Customers in developed markets often favor high-performance materials (fiber cement, composites) with long lifespans while those in developing countries focus on lower cost or traditional materials.

• Urbanization and Housing Trends: Urbanized countries with high-rise buildings may use less siding per unit, while rural or suburban areas favor detached homes with higher siding requirements. Urban areas might favor modern materials like metal panels, while rural areas may stick to traditional options like wood or stucco.

• Regulatory Environment: Stringent building codes in some countries may mandate siding use for fire safety, insulation, or structural protection.

• Availability and Cost of Materials: Limited access and high costs for certain materials can reduce their use. Countries with abundant timber might favor wood siding, while those with strong manufacturing sectors might lean toward vinyl or metal. If prices for a specific siding rise too high, end users can switch to more affordable competitive products.

• Climate and Weather Conditions: Countries with harsh climates (extreme cold, heat, or moisture) may require more durable siding.

• Building Traditions and Architectural Styles: The use of traditional materials like wood, stucco, brick, or stone often align with local architectural styles and cultural preferences.

• Consumer Preferences: Demand increases with greater consumer emphasis on home aesthetics and maintenance. Preferences for low-maintenance (vinyl, composites) versus natural-looking (wood, fiber cement) materials vary by region.

• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Preferences for eco-friendly options like fiber cement, recycled composites, or sustainably sourced wood are increasing in regions that prioritize sustainability.

• Construction Practices: The use of prefabricated or modular construction methods in a country may impact siding demand. Lightweight and easy-to-install options like vinyl or metal are often used in these projects.

• Cost of Labor and Installation: Materials with lower installation costs may have an advantage with cost-conscious customers while siding requiring less skilled labor to install may be preferred in regions with labor shortages or high-cost labor.

Report Details for Global Siding (Cladding)

Key Industry Participants Driving Trends

Global Siding (Cladding) Report Scope

This study analyzes global demand for siding. Historical demand (2014, 2019, and 2024) and forecasts for 2029 and 2034 are provided for siding demand by product (in dollars and square meters) and market (in square meters). Siding demand is also provided on a country-by-country basis (in square meters), broken out by both product and market. Demand in value terms is shown at the manufacturers’ level and excludes distributor and retailer markups.

The siding products included within the scope of this report are:

• brick

• stucco

• tile

• concrete

• metal

• fiber cement

• exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS)

• vinyl

• wood

• other siding materials:

  • natural and manufactured stone

  • composites (wood-plastic)

  • polypropylene

  • other plastics (polyurethane; polystyrene; phenolic siding)

  • vitreous siding

  • spandrel glass

  • straw and mud

Excluded from the scope of this report are ancillary products (like soffit, shutters, moulding, and trim), primary loadbearing walls, sheathing that is used as a base for siding, and separately sold insulation materials. Commercial products that allow two-way visibility, such as vision glass curtain walls and storefronts, are considered windows for purposes of this report and are also excluded.

The residential building and nonresidential building segments are analyzed at the global, region, and national levels. Breakouts are provided for new and improvement and repair product demand for both residential buildings and nonresidential buildings at the global, regional, and national levels.