Aug 25 2005
In view of their superior product functionality, elastomeric coatings are fast emerging as the preferred option in construction, maintenance, and restoration activities. These coatings offer several significant benefits such as crack bridging ability, greater flexibility, water and weather proofing qualities, and resistance to dirt, mildew, and chemicals. These factors expect to contribute to the double-digit growth rates expected in the U.S. elastomeric coatings market for the next several years.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, U.S. Elastomeric Coatings Markets, reveals that revenues in this market totaled $620.0 million in 2004 and expects to reach $1,216.7 million by 2011.
Growth opportunities for elastomeric coatings vary across different regions of the United States. For example, on account of the indispensable need to waterproof and protect building structures against high moisture levels, the southern coastal areas of California and Florida are bound to witness a greater uptake of elastomeric coatings as compared to the interior and northern parts of the country.
"In terms of application, the most significant growth opportunities are expected in roofing applications, followed by wall and floor applications," notes Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Deepak Tulsian. "The strong growth prospects in roof and wall applications are likely to create significant demand for acrylic-based elastomeric coatings in the future."
The increasing usage of tilt-up concrete in building structures is likely to add to the consistent growth in demand for these coatings. As concrete structures are prone to cracking, elastomeric coatings, with their crack- bridging and waterproofing abilities, are beginning to find strong favor in the construction sector. Further, with the emerging demand for energy- efficient roof systems and the increased media attention on ENERGY STAR(R) ratings and reflectivity, manufactures are frequently specifying white acrylic elastomeric coatings as finish coats for built-up and modified bitumen roof systems.
However, as the United States heads toward achieving zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) levels in coatings, Federal and State Governments are introducing newer and more stringent VOC regulations. While these new regulations are challenging the entire elastomeric coatings industry, manufacturers constantly work on moving their technology from solvent-based coatings to waterborne elastomeric coatings with low VOCs.
A growing number of companies focus on acrylic waterborne elastomeric coatings, as they are more cost-effective and only require minor modifications in their formulation to accommodate the requirements of different end-user markets.
As the elastomeric coatings market continues to expand, end users demand unusually bright and dark shades. Hence, manufacturers will have to invest in R&D to synthesize UV-stable pigments, which do not degrade under continuous exposure to sunlight. Also, in countering the price instability caused by fluctuating crude oil prices, they will need to leverage their bargaining powers, eliminate overhead costs, operate at maximum efficiency, and find competent distribution channels.
"Manufacturers are increasingly adopting a mix of distribution channels that include directly selling to contractors and supplying through distributors," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Anand Natarajan. "As growth in the construction industry continues to fuel demand, elastomeric coatings are likely to continue experiencing growth at the expense of other traditional coating."
U.S. Elastomeric Coatings Market, part of the Chemicals & Materials 9101 subscription, gives a comprehensive view of the U.S. elastomeric coatings market. It lists the latest trends and developments in the industry and provides the market size and growth forecasts for each application segment. It further includes in-depth strategies to aid market penetration and addresses industry challenges. Executive summaries and analyst interviews are available to the press.
http://www.chemicals.frost.com