This project relied upon a survey of 562 homebuilders in the 20 U.S. metro areas of the Case Shiller Index;
Objectives were to uncover homebuilders’ needs in insulation materials, wall sheathing, studs, floor joists, roof systems, and prefabricated walls. Other objectives were to monitor the substitution of wood products at the metro level;
In insulation products, most important builders’ needs are improving R value and improving water tightness of the envelope;
In wall sheathing, the most important need is to improve the water tightness of the envelope;
For studs, the most important needs are to increase straightness and to decrease both lumber sorting and rejection on site;
For floor joists, the most important needs are to improve the product to reduce floor squeaks and to improve the product to ease the installation of ducts, plumbing and wires;
In roof systems, the most important need is to improve products to make attic space available;
In prefabricated walls, the most important needs are to reduce the time delay between order and delivery, and to ease the process of making plans changes when using prefab walls;
24% of respondents feel that the use of concrete as a primary structural floor material will increase greatly or somewhat. 56% think that the product to be used is poured concrete over steel deck, 44% think it will be precast/prestress panels;
20% of respondents feel that the use of concrete as a primary structural wall material will increase greatly or somewhat. Poured (formwork) is the most often foreseen technology (50%) followed by blocks (masonry) at 27% and precast or prestressed panels at 23%;
Statistically, the expected future use of concrete has not changed overall between 2008 and 2011;
In wall systems, untreated wood products have gained much market share between 2008 (69%) and 2011 (88%). This was especially done at the expense of pressure treated wood products and concrete blocks;
In floor systems, untreated wood products have gained significant market share between 2008 (65%) and 2011 (80%). This gain was done at the expense of pressure treated products especially;
The use of OSB as a floor sheathing material has almost remained unchanged between 2008 (46% market share) and 2011 (47%). The market share for plywood in floor sheathing has shrunk from 29 to 26% over that period, while treated products (OSB or Plywood) have increased their share from 17% to 21%;
In wall sheathing, OSB has lost a few points in market share, from 57% to 55% between 2008 and 2011. Plywood, too, had a lost, from 18% to 16%. Products who have experienced small percentages of increase, albeit coming from a lower base in the market, are preservative/mold treated OSB, Radiant Barrier OSB, and Foam sheathing; and,
In decking materials, the rapid rise of market share for composite decking appeared to come to a halt. Between 2008 and 2011, the market share for this product category has been stable at some 29%. Meanwhile, the market share for both treated and untreated wood products has increased.
Building construction - Materials used - United States