Glass and Glazing Construction Was up in 2018

Spending on glass- and glazing-related construction increased in 2018, though at a moderately lower rate than overall construction, according to Key Media & Research analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data.

Total construction spending increased 1.6 percent in 2018 compared to 2017 on a seasonally adjusted, annualized rate, the Census Bureau most recent report shows. Growth was hampered by the residential sector, which recorded a 1.5-percent dip for the year. Overall nonresidential construction increased 4 percent.

Nonresidential glass- and glazing-related spending grew by 2.6 percent in 2018 versus the previous year. Significant gains were made in the office and lodging segments, though the other “commercial” category, which includes retail construction, declined.

On the institutional side, glass and glazing work increased in the educational segment, but decreased in the healthcare sector.