Construction sealants have soared into popularity as an indispensable chemical material for waterproofing, flooring & joining, and structural glazing. Recognition of sustainable solutions has given fresh impetus to the construction sealants market. Construction companies are adopting sealants to boost the service life of static joints and provide an effective way to add value to building sustainability without replacing all of the existing building materials.
Contractors are catering to the demands of modern construction norms, focusing on safety and durability as traction towards sealants continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Construction sealant technologies have expanded the scope of architectural designs and bolstered the life of buildings by adding durability and flexibility to joints and materials.
With reduced energy costs come enhanced return on investment and increased resale value. Global Market Insights, Inc., projects construction sealants market size to surpass US$6.5 billion by 2024, partly attributed to the penetration of acrylic and silicone sealants.
Acrylic sealants have become a top-notch solution on the heels of their UV stability feature making them apt for exterior applications. More importantly, sealants are not vulnerable to shrinkage, making the chemical material highly sought-after for jointing, caulking, embedding, and grouting in building construction.
Of late, the footprint of acrylic sealants has become palpable in low movement joints, for sealing construction frameworks, and as an adhesive for bonding. Sealants will be an invaluable product in building facades for aesthetical and perfect finishing.
The rising prominence of silicone sealants
Silicone sealants have gained ground as a durable material that can withstand decay caused by inclement weather conditions, sunlight, or moisture. Not to mention, silicone sealants tend to leverage dramatic glass facades or suspended structures.
Contractors have shown an inclination towards silicone sealants in construction, expansion, connection, and movement joints as they boost flexibility and enable materials to absorb movement and stress triggered by untoward circumstances, such as earthquakes or wind.
At a time when energy efficiency has become the “buzz word” in the construction sealants industry, contractors envisage silicone sealants as an energy-efficient material for buildings to ward off hot or cold air and humidity from coming through cracks and joints. These sealants have an exceptional performance track record in building and construction—silicone was specified for sealing bathrooms within the prestigious apartments for the Burj Khalifa.
Sealant manufacturers are likely to up their investments in silicone to boost adhesion to a range of construction surfaces, UV stability, color stability, and high movement accommodation.
Contractors count on structural glazing through construction sealants. Here’s why
Structural sealant glazing has become popular as a high-performance application to attach metal, glass, or other panel structure of a building. Since the façade is prone to thermal stresses and wind load, structural glazing is expected to maintain cohesive integrity and adhesive.
Construction contractors are likely to cash in on the demand for innovative architectural designs. Structural sealant glazing (SSG) has become ubiquitous, considering its ability to embellish the exterior aesthetics of the façade by enhancing water penetration and uncontrolled air resistance.
SSG façade has become trendier in light of the demand for sealants to provide aesthetics and protect the building from inclement weather conditions, including wind, rain, and UV. The incorporation of SSG provides contractors and architects a level of freedom to do away with the need for covers and exterior retainers.
Needless to say, structural glazing has forayed into storefronts and curtain walls, with the footprint of high-performance silicone sealants becoming more pronounced than ever before. Silicone sealants will remain pivotal to underpin the curtain wall and seal the building from the elements.
Contractors have also exhibited traction for high-modulus silicone that needs less product to construct the insulating glass units (IGUs). To put things in perspective, a high-modulus sealant has the capability to accommodate a high-stress load with less movement or strain and is sought-after where strength is required—making them trendier in structural glazing. Besides, the optimized use of high-modulus silicone will help curb the carbon footprint of the manufactured products.
Sealant manufacturers eye North America and Europe
Traction for structural sealants for water sealing and demand for high wind-load designed for building façade will remain key in the U.S. and Canada. Given that the buildings in North America need to withstand frequent or potential hurricanes, penetration of structural sealant glazing will be noticeable in the region.
Not to mention the demand for high-temperature sealants will surge as it gives assurance to contractors that building projects will resist hostile environmental conditions and will remain durable.
Europe is likely to provide lucrative growth opportunities for sealants manufacturers on the heels of demand for weatherproofing sealants witnessing an uptick in the U.K., Italy and France. For instance, silicone sealants will set the trend as they are effective for waterproofing and is resistant to moisture, chemicals and other weather conditions.
Amidst a seismic rise in construction projects, silicone sealants will spur the trend in structural glazing and weatherproofing. Sealants will remain instrumental to provide impetus to buildings to reduce or minimize infiltration of airborne contaminants, rain and wins, while boosting sustainability.