Liquid-Applied Membrane Market

The global liquid-applied membrane market size is projected to reach USD 32.1 billion by 2029 from USD 24.1 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. The liquid-applied membrane market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. Liquid applied membranes provide dependable, long-lasting durability and weather resistance, ensuring effective shielding against water infiltration, UV exposure, and other environmental elements. They are favored over conventional waterproofing techniques due to their seamless application, adaptability, and quicker installation, thereby fueling their widespread adoption in the market.

Global Liquid - Applied Membrane Market Trend

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Liquid-applied Membrane Market Dynamics

Driver: Wide deployment of waterproofing membranes in construction sector

The growing utilization of waterproofing membranes is a central factor driving the liquid-applied membrane market. This trend reflects the increasing acknowledgment of these membranes' crucial role in maintaining the longevity and resilience of buildings in various construction contexts. Given the substantial investment involved in buildings, prioritizing their structural integrity and long-term endurance becomes essential. Waterproofing membranes serve as a proactive solution against water ingress, a leading factor contributing to structural decay, mold formation, and corrosion. Through the creation of a seamless protective layer on surfaces, liquid-applied membranes efficiently protect buildings from moisture penetration, thereby safeguarding their structural elements and prolonging their lifespan.

Restraint: High initial investment required for liquid-applied membranes

In comparison to traditional sheet membranes, the liquid-applied membrane (LAM) market has a restraint due to the significant initial investment required. LAMs often entail higher upfront costs for materials and skilled labor during the application process. This elevated expenditure can act as a deterrent for budget-conscious construction projects, particularly those on a large scale. The expenses associated with liquid-applied membranes encompass the purchase of specialized materials needed for application, such as primers, membrane coatings, and sealants, which typically command a premium compared to traditional alternatives. Moreover, the application procedure for LAMs necessitates skilled labor proficient in handling liquid coatings and ensuring thorough surface preparation, thereby escalating labor costs.

Opportunity: Growing demand for energy-efficient buildings and green roof

Increased energy expenses, evolving building regulations, and heightened awareness of urban heat island effects have generated a robust demand for energy-efficient, white, reflective roof systems. These systems reflect a substantial portion of sunlight, effectively reducing roof surface temperatures and lessening the need for air conditioning. Liquid-applied membranes, particularly elastomeric variants, find extensive use in maintaining these roof systems. Given the desire for energy-efficient roofing solutions, white acrylic elastomeric membranes are commonly applied across various substrates, including built-up and modified bitumen roof systems, while single-ply membranes are utilized to enhance roof energy efficiency.

Challenges: Environmental and health concerns present a significant challenge

Environmental and health issues pose a considerable challenge in the liquid-applied membrane (LAMs) market. LAMs commonly contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may pose risks to both human health and the environment. This concern has raised alarm among stakeholders, prompting the need for more stringent regulations to address associated hazards affecting production and application practices. VOCs found in LAMs have the potential to contribute to indoor air pollution and pose health hazards to occupants of buildings where these membranes are utilized. Furthermore, emissions of VOCs can lead to adverse environmental impacts during both manufacturing and application processes, potentially contributing to air pollution and ecological harm.

Market Ecosystem

By type, Eelastomeric membranes is the fastest growing in liquid-applied membrane market, in 2023.

Elastomeric membranes are liquid-applied roofing membranes with elastic properties that enable them to expand and contract with the substrate. These membranes help to protect surfaces against water infiltration and chemical influences, providing excellent resistance to impact, UV rays, tearing, and temperature variations. Elastomeric membranes typically comprise two layers: a base membrane and a top sheet embedded with granules for enhanced defense. These membranes find widespread application on flat or low-slope roofs, furnishing a robust, lightweight, and visually appealing roofing alternative. Installation methods vary, from torch application to cold-laying techniques using self-adhesive strips.

By application, roofing is the largest in liquid-applied membrane market, in 2023.

Liquid-applied membranes(LAMs) offer a seamless and impermeable barrier that effectively blocks water penetration through the roof, safeguarding the building interiors from potential water damage. Moisture infiltration through the roof has the potential to accumulate within the building’s structure, fostering conditions conducive to rot, decay, and growth of mold and mildew. LAMs offer a dependable waterproofing defense, mitigating the likelihood of moisture-related problems and maintaining the structural integrity of the roof and the building itself. Green roofs are particularly advantageous for regions with limited land area and tropical climates. In addition, rooftop vegetation supports sustainable development goals and presents opportunities for soil-less agriculture, contributing to environmental sustainability

By end-use industry, residential construction is the largest emd-use industry in the liquid-applied membrane market, in 2023.

Residential construction projects encompass many structures, including houses, cottages, condominiums, foundations, townhouses, apartment buildings, wet rooms, driveways, sidewalks, basements, and drainage systems. LAMS are primarily employed to enhance the strength and durability of various components, such as walls, roofing, floors, foundations, beams, slabs, and pillars. They are instrumental in waterproofing all roofs, addressing residential structures' sustainability, ozone resistance, and thermal shock durability requirements. Applying LAMs in residential construction involves spreading the liquid membrane over the surface, which subsequently dries to create a seamless and waterproof layer.

Asia Pacific is the largest market in the liquid-applied membrane market, in terms of value.

In terms of value, Asia Pacific accounted for 32.3% of the global liquid-applied membrane market in 2023. It is also the fastest-growing liquid-applied membrane market due to the increasing population & urbanization in the region. The rising investments in infrastructure projects, such as commercial buildings, residential complexes, and public infrastructure, have augmented the demand for liquid-applied membranes. The ability of these membranes to provide long-lasting protection against water ingress, even in extreme weather conditions, makes them an ideal choice for a wide range of applications.

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Key Market Players

Some of the key players operating in the liquid-applied membrane market include Sika AG (Switzerland), MAPEI S.p.A. (Italy), SOPREMA (France), Fosroc, Inc. (UAE), Saint-Gobain Weber (France), H.B. Fuller (US), Wacker Chemie AG (Germany), Bostik (France), GCP Applied Technologies Inc (US), and Ardex (Germany) among others.

These companies have adopted various organic as well as inorganic growth strategies between 2021 and 2023 to strengthen their positions in the market. The new product launch is the key growth strategy adopted by these leading players to enhance regional presence and develop product portfolios to meet the growing demand for liquid-applied membrane from emerging economies.

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Scope of the Report

This report categorizes the global liquid-applied membrane market based on type, usage, application, end-use industry, and region.

On the basis of type, the liquid-applied membrane market has been segmented as follows:

• Elastomeric Membranes
• Bituminous Membranes
• Cementitious Membranes

On the basis of applications, the liquid-applied membrane market has been segmented as follows: 

• Roofing
• Walls
• Building Structures
• Roadways
• Other Applications

On the basis of end-use industry, the liquid-applied membrane market has been segmented as follows: 

• Residential Construction
• Commercial Construction
• Public Infrastructure

On the basis of usage, the liquid-applied membrane market has been segmented as follows: 

• New Construction
• Refurbishment

On the basis of region, the liquid-applied membrane market has been segmented as follows: 

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

The liquid-applied membrane market has been further analyzed based on key countries in each of these regions.

Recent Developments

• In February 2024, MAPEI S.p.A. acquired Bitumat, a leading company in the manufacturing and marketing of waterproofing systems. This acquisition has significantly strengthened Mapei's presence in the liquid-applied membrane market. This strategic move aligns with Mapei's internationalization strategy and expands its market in the Middle East.
• In September 2022, GCP Applied Technologies Inc. was acquired by Saint-Gobain, a leading manufacturer for the construction and industrial markets. This acquisition helped GCP Applied Technologies Inc. expand its presence in the construction chemicals sector. It also offered a broader range of construction solutions, such as liquid-applied membranes, in North America.
• In December 2022, Sika AG inaugurates a new facility in Chongqing, Southwest China, for liquid membranes and mortar production, enhancing its presence in the burgeoning metropolitan area amid plans for the Chengdu-Chongqing business district.

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