Waterstop Market Expected to Reach $4.6 Billion by 2032—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Waterstop Market," The waterstop market was valued at $2.8 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $4.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2023 to 2032.

The term "waterstop" typically refers to a construction material used in civil engineering and construction projects to prevent the passage of water through joints in concrete structures, such as expansion joints, construction joints, and pipe penetrations.

Waterstops are essential components in the construction of water-retaining structures such as dams, reservoirs, sewage treatment plants, swimming pools, and tunnels, as well as in various other infrastructure projects.

The increase in focus on building resilient and long-lasting structures has led to a demand for high-quality construction materials, including waterstops. Infrastructure owners and developers have looked for solutions that can withstand challenging environmental conditions and ensure the longevity of their investments.

However, certain types of waterstops, especially rigid ones, may have limited flexibility. This lack of flexibility can be a disadvantage in structures where movement or settlement is expected, as it may lead to cracking or failure of the waterstop.

The production and disposal of some waterstop materials may have environmental implications. For example, if the materials used are not environment-friendly, it could contribute to ecological concerns. These factors are expected to restrain market growth during the forecast period.

Providing consulting and services to ensure regulatory compliance and proper installation of waterstops is a growing segment of the market. Collaborations between manufacturers and construction companies, as well as partnerships with research institutions, can lead to the development of new and innovative waterstop solutions. These factors have offered new avenues for the waterstop market during the forecast period.

On the basis of product, the market is segregated PVC waterstop, rubber waterstop, metal waterstop, and others. The PVC waterstops segment dominated the global market in terms of revenue in 2022, with 51% of the total share. They offer a high level of performance at a relatively low cost, making them an attractive choice for a wide range of construction projects.

PVC waterstops are versatile and can be used in various applications, including construction joints, expansion joints, control joints, and around pipe penetrations. PVC waterstops are easy to install, which can lead to time and cost savings in construction projects. These factors together drive the market growth during the forecast period; thus, offering the most lucrative opportunities for the market.

On the basis of application, the global waterstop market is segmented into construction joints, pipe penetration, expansion joints, tunnels and underground structures, and others.  The construction joints segment dominated the global market in terms of revenue in 2022. These innovations often offer improved resistance to water pressure, chemicals, and other environmental factors, making them attractive choices for construction projects.

In addition, a growth in awareness of the importance of waterproofing in construction projects is projected to boost the adoption of waterstop solutions. The demand for quality waterstop products is projected to rise as more stakeholders recognize the long-term benefits of preventing water infiltration and associated damage.

Regulatory requirements and building standards that emphasize the importance of waterproofing measures in construction projects can also drive market growth. Contractors and builders increasingly prioritize incorporating reliable waterstop systems to meet or exceed these standards.  

On the basis of end use, the global waterstop market is segmented into commercial, residential, and others. Residential end use dominated the global market in terms of revenue in 2022. Compliance with these regulations could drive the adoption of waterstop solutions in the residential sector. Advances in waterstop technologies lead to more efficient and cost-effective solutions, making them more attractive to residential builders and homeowners.

Homeowners and builders may recognize the role of waterstops in reducing the risk of water damage, which results in lower insurance premiums. This financial incentive could contribute to the growth of the waterstop market in the residential sector.

On the basis of region, the waterstop market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. The Asia-Pacific waterstop market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to the fact that waterproofing and the use of waterstops are essential for infrastructure resilience as South Korea is prone to seismic activity.

Australia experiences diverse climate conditions, making waterproofing and waterstops crucial for protecting structures from extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and flooding. These factors are anticipated to boost the Asia-Pacific waterstop industry during the forecast period.

Key players operating in the global waterstop market include Trelleborg Ridderkerk BV, Henry Company, LLC, Metro Rubber Corporation, Kantaflex (India) Private Ltd., W. R. Meadows, Inc., CE construction solution, Bo Metals, Inc., Foshan NanhaiFufujing Plastic and Hardware Company Limited., MCT Group of Companies, and Mapei Construction Products India Pvt. Ltd.

Key Findings: 

• On the basis of product, the PVC waterstops segment is expected to grow at more than CAGR of 5.0%, in terms of revenue, during the forecast period.
• On the basis of application, the construction joints segment is expected to grow at a high CAGR of 5.2%, in terms of revenue, during the forecast period.
• On the basis of end use, the residential  segment is expected to grow at fastest rate, during the forecast period.
• On the basis of region, Asia-Pacific garnered a share of more than 30% in 2022.