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CONSTRUCTION & WATERPROOFING CHEMICALS
LEAD STORY

generally added in a relatively small quantity, ranging from 0.005% obstacle in the growth trajectory of the market. At the same time,
to 2%, by the weight of cement. However, overuse of admixtures the landfill and water management sector is expected to offer a
has detrimental effects on the quality and properties of concrete. great opportunity for further use of waterproofing chemicals in the
Based on function, admixtures are categorized into several types, near future.
which include air-entraining, retarding, accelerating, plasticizing, Majorly used waterproofing chemicals are polyurethane,
and water reducing, among others. The special category elastomeric coatings, expanded polyethylene, polysulphide
admixtures have various functions, including shrinkage reduction, sealants, acrylic polymer and others. Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
corrosion inhibition, workability enhancement, alkali-silica reactivity held the largest share in the waterproofing chemicals market in
reduction, bonding, coloring, and damp proofing. 2019, as they are highly resistant to moisture and flame, with good
Asia-Pacific has the largest market for concrete admixture, owing flexibility. TPO membranes contain no toxic or hazardous ingredients
to the massive growth in construction in India, China, and various and are fully recyclable. The Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) roofing solution
Southeast Asian countries. Various incentives by the governments is also growing at a faster rate during the forecast period, due to
of the respective countries to promote the infrastructure sector, a variety of standout characteristics, such as, durability in harsh
coupled with the booming residential sector (owing to the weather and temperature extremes, energy efficiency, flame
burgeoning middle-class population), have largely facilitated the resistance, water repellents, heat and solar reflectance, and others.
growth of the construction sector in Asia-Pacific over the recent Roofing and walls segment held the largest share in the
years. waterproofing chemicals market in 2019 and is growing at a
CAGR of 9.5%. Leakage in buildings, especially roofs and walls
Waterproofing segment has been a major concern worldwide for years. Water-ponding or
Waterproofing chemicals protect the structure from water the stagnation of water due to rainfall on roofs, and wall causes
penetration and percolation. Excessive water penetration in deterioration of concrete materials, which leads to wreck roof which
buildings can shorten their life span and cause accidental damage may cause the entire building to wreck. Thus, in order to avoid such
to the structure, apart from electrical, metal, and other structural risks waterproofing chemicals are widely used in roofs and walls.
hazards. Increasing demand for waterproofing chemicals from The usage of waterproofing chemicals offers several benefits, such
rapidly increasing construction activities in developing countries and as superior fire and wind resistance, very high tensile strength, and
increasing demand for roofing and wall applications are key factors waterproofing characteristics.
driving market growth. However, the price-sensitive nature of the Rising demand from various end-use industries including building
market due to fluctuating crude oil prices is posing as a substantial and construction of residential & commercial buildings and landfills

102 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|FEBRUARY 2022