MALVERN, Pa. — Demand for residential and commercial insulation in North America is projected to increase by $1.9 billion over the next three years from, 11.1 billion square feet valued at $6.2 billion in 2011, to 13.7 billion square feet valued at $8.2 billion in 2014. According to a new report from Principia, both sectors should benefit from a one-two punch that includes an upturn in construction spending along with more stringent building codes calling for more insulation per structure.

For its report, Residential and Commercial Insulation 2012, Principia conducted direct interviews with 200 professionals representing building product manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, dealers, builders, contractors, and installers.

Ken Jacobson, partner at Principia, said, “The shift to more stringent codes will drive the trend to higher R-values overall. Foams, which have a higher share in high-R value applications, will be the major beneficiaries of this trend. Fiberglass will show the most growth in residential walls and vented attics. Foams will show growth on the residential side in walls, vented and non-vented attics, and continued significant growth in commercial roofs.”