Waterproofing Chemicals turning to be the backbone of the chemical sector

Waterproofing refers to the process of preventing water leakage from the structure. Waterproofing is one of the most significant factors considered in the construction industry to prevent leakages, dampness etc., and make the structure durable and long lasting. If water penetrates through structures, it may cause electrical, metal damage or other related hazards. Therefore, these chemicals help in protecting from such risks. The waterproofing technology is evolving with time, modifications in architectural design, and different types of building materials available in the market. In the early age of construction, when stone was the main construction material for structures, the focus was on making structures in such a way that rainwater does not collect on roof. Henceforth, the old structure was mostly of dome shaped or slanting roofs. With time, technology has advanced and the concept of waterproof coating came into application. Waterproofing chemicals have high durability, increases the life of structure, and on the contrary reduces the maintenance cost.

Based on product type, the global water proofing chemical market is categorized into bitumen, polymers, and others. Bitumen waterproofing is specially used during construction of residential and commercial structures. Bitumen waterproofing chemicals are manufactured from organic liquids, which are viscous, highly sticky and waterproof in nature. Polymers are generally used in industrial sector. They are used for coating water tanks, slabs and rooftops. Polymers have high waterproofing ability, strong masonry bond, and improve the durability and strength of walls, slabs etc.

Waterproofing chemicals can be exceptionally effective, when applied on the exterior of a structure. The waterproofing chemicals can be applied on the surface by implant treatments i.e., either dipping or spraying or by low pressure spraying. Waterproofing chemicals are added during the construction phase as well as post construction as a preventive and maintenance waterproofing. Major waterproofing chemicals include styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), atactic polypropylene (APP), polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic polyolefin and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). These chemicals are available in liquid, solid, slurry and two-component coating forms. The chemicals find their application in residential and commercial construction, industrial infrastructure, such as tunnels and bridges, paint and coating, automotive and textile industry.

Some properties of waterproofing chemicals are:

  • Resistive to wreathing action.
  • Compatible with the applied or repaired surface.
  • Should be cost effective, eco-friendly and durable.
  • It’s bonding ability with the base concrete.
  • Resistant to water and chemical pollutants.

The waterproofing chemicals market has increased to multi-million dollar mark. Globally, the chemical industry has witnessed rapid growth and waterproofing chemicals is becoming the backbone of the chemical sector. According to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), an association of business organization in India, waterproofing chemicals comprises 14% market share of total construction chemical production in India, for the FY 2014-2015. Further, the industry is expected to maintain its growth momentum, due to rapid industrialization and construction of smart metro cities.

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