KGH RESEARCH & ADVISORY

LIQUID APPLIED MEMBRANE MARKET SIZE & SHARE BY APPLICATION TYPE (BRIDGE DECK, CAR PARK, ROOFING, BALCONIES / TERRACES, FOUNDATION & BELOW GRADE, SWIMMING POOL, WETROOMS, AND WCS), BY PRODUCT TYPE (BITUMINOUS, PU, PMMA, EPOXY, ACRYLIC, PUR, SILICONES, AND OTHERS), BY CONSTRUCTION TYPE (NEW INSTALLATION & RENNOVATION), BY END USE (RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND PUBLIC INFRA.) AND BY REGION & COUNTRY – FORECAST TO 2032
Report Code: C&M3001-1101 Number of Pages: 400 Report Format: PDF, EXCEL, PPT
Trend Year: 2022 – 2024
Forecast Period: 2025 – 2032
Publish Date: JULY 2025

Market Overview: The global liquid applied membranes market was estimated at US $12 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% from 2025 to 2032 to reach US $19.5 billion by 2032. This growth is attributed to the growing preference for liquid-applied waterproofing solutions over traditional sheet membranes, ongoing urbanization trends, increasing adoption of sustainable waterproofing technologies, and advancements in polymer-based liquid-applied membranes that offer improved durability and environmental resistance, coupled with sustained construction activity in key regions and countries, globally.

MARKET DYNAMIC
GROWTH DRIVERS:
  • Growing Construction Activity
  • Rapid Urbanization
  • Growing preference for Liquid Applied Membrane over Traditional Sheet Membranes
  • Growth Driver 4
  • Growth Driver 5
  • Growth Driver 6
NEW GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
  • Sustainable Waterproofing Technologies
  • Advancement in Polymer Based Liquid Applied Membranes Technology
  • Opportunity 3
  • Opportunity 4
  • Opportunity 5
  • Opportunity 6
MARKET RESTRAINTS:
  • Skilled Labor Shortage
  • Market Restraint 2
GROWTH HURDLES:
  • Recessions or downturns could reduce construction activity, globally and thus the demand for liquid applied membranes
  • Trade tensions, tariffs, and geopolitical instability may impact global supply chains, demand, production costs, and profitability.
Application Type: Market Insights

In 2024, roofing continues to be the leading segment in the Liquid Applied Membranes market, making up nearly two-thirds of the total market value. This dominance is driven by the essential role roofs play in protecting buildings from the harsh elements, such as exposure to UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and heavy rainfall; all make high-performance waterproofing a must.

What’s also driving the market is the growing trend toward flat roofs in commercial and industrial buildings, along with an increasing demand for green roofs and solar-integrated systems. These trends are boosting the use of liquid-applied membranes (LAM), which are ideal for these innovative applications.

In more developed markets, many buildings have aging roofs, which need regular maintenance and reapplication of waterproofing. This has led to even higher demand for LAM solutions. At the same time, stricter environmental regulations and a focus on sustainability are pushing the industry toward cool roof technologies, reflective coatings, and low-VOC, solvent-free formulations. All of this is making Liquid Applied Membranes the go-to choice for modern roofing needs.

Product Type: Market Insights

In 2024, Acrylic-based liquid-applied membranes (LAMs) held a significant market share, accounting for over one-third of the market both value and volume. Acrylic LAMs are favoured for their cost-effectiveness, water-based formulations, and ease of application. Their quick-drying properties and ability to be applied in a single coat make them particularly well-suited for time-sensitive and budget-conscious construction projects.

Meanwhile, bitumen-based LAMs, especially modified bitumen emulsions and cold-applied bituminous coatings, have long been a trusted choice, particularly in infrastructure and below-grade applications. Their extensive history in the market has cemented their reliability and effectiveness, especially in demanding environments.

On the other hand, polyurethane-based LAMs are gaining significant momentum, largely due to their seamless, highly elastic properties, which make them ideal for complex structures and dynamic surfaces. While polyurethane membranes offer superior performance, their higher cost relative to acrylic and bitumen LAMs restricts their use to premium applications, such as high-rise buildings, bridges, and other industrial structures that demand high durability and flexibility.

End-Use: Market Insights

The residential segment is poised to remain the largest and fastest-growing sector in the waterproofing membrane market, holding approx. 60% share. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for housing and the expanding need for reliable waterproofing solutions in residential construction.

A significant portion of this demand is attributed to single-family homes, low-rise buildings, and social housing projects, where liquid-applied membranes (LAMs) are extensively utilized for roofing and below-grade protection. Within the residential sector, acrylic-based membranes dominate, due to their cost-effectiveness, ease of application, and strong UV resistance, making them an ideal solution for roofing and exterior walls.

As urbanization continues, particularly in mature markets, the need for routine waterproofing maintenance is rising. Residential buildings, especially those with terraces, balconies, and rooftops, require frequent maintenance due to the effects of wear and tear. LAMs are particularly effective in these high-impact areas, reinforcing their key role in long-term residential waterproofing strategies.

Construction Type: Market Insights

Globally, the renovation segment dominates the waterproofing membrane market, holding a substantial share by value. It is projected to grow at a strong CAGR throughout the forecast period, driven by the increasing need for maintenance and upgrades to aging infrastructure.

In regions such as North America and Europe, many buildings are facing the challenges of aging structures, leading to frequent waterproofing failures. These issues demand rapid intervention, making renovation projects a more immediate priority compared to new construction.

Renovation projects often require lower capital investment compared to new builds, which makes them more appealing to property owners looking for cost-effective solutions. Furthermore, the ability to keep buildings occupied during renovations enhances their attractiveness, offering a faster return on investment and minimizing downtime. As a result, the renovation segment is expected to maintain its leading position in the market, offering both economic and operational advantages over new construction.

Regional: Market Insights

The global construction industry and the players within are optimistic about 2025 due to a combination of factors such as widespread government infrastructure initiatives, the ongoing renewable energy revolution, increased capital investment in strategically important industries, and the resumption of post-COVID pipeline projects—presents significant opportunities for industry stakeholders.

However, geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in Ukraine, India Pakistan, introduction of US Trade Tariffs,  have introduced considerable uncertainty, complicating the industry’s path to sustainable growth. Despite these challenges, the sector has shown resilience, navigating through headwinds with a focus on long-term recovery.

Looking ahead, a gradual recovery is anticipated starting in 2025, driven by the rebounding housing market and an increase in building permits for new homes. This positive shift is expected to have a favourable impact on the liquid-applied membrane market, as growing demand for construction materials aligns with expanding infrastructure projects and residential development.

 

Asia-Pacific dominates the global liquid-applied membrane market, accounting for more than 50% share by both value and volume wise market. This leadership is fuelled by new construction, rapid urbanization trend, robust infrastructure development, and stringent government waterproofing regulations across key countries like China, India, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The region’s accelerating shift toward sustainable and high-performance waterproofing solutions further reinforces its commanding position in the industry.

 

North America is experiencing the most rapid growth in the waterproofing market. This surge is driven by increasing demand for energy-efficient roofing, stringent building regulation codes, and investments in renovation projects. Notably, the adoption of acrylic and polyurethane-based waterproofing solutions is on the rise, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, where durability and sustainability are major considerations.

Competition: Liquid Applied Membrane Market

The global liquid applied membrane is highly fragmented, despite the presence of the leading global manufacturers, such as Oriental Yuhong, Sika AG, RPM International Inc., Saint-Gobain, and Soprema Group that collectively accounted for around one third of the market, the market is crowded with large number of regional and local companies that serve niche geographies and specialized application areas.

Mature markets—including North America, Europe, and China—are characterized by intense competition, with well-established companies continually battling for market share. In contrast, emerging regions such as Asia-Pacific (excluding China), the Middle East, and Latin America present robust growth potential, drawing in new players and heightening competitive dynamics.

Innovation remains a key differentiator, especially in the development of sustainable and high-performance materials. Industry leaders are prioritizing investments in eco-conscious technologies—such as recyclable and VOC-free membranes—to meet the rising demand from environmentally aware consumers.

In markets like Asia-Pacific, price sensitivity is a critical factor. To remain competitive and profitable, companies must strategically balance cost efficiency with product quality and innovation.

Oriental Yuhong is a global leader in waterproofing systems and building materials, with a diversified presence across the residential, commercial, and infrastructure construction sectors. Leveraging a comprehensive product portfolio and strong R&D capabilities, the company has earned a reputation as a trusted brand in over 100 countries.

Approximately 80% of Oriental Yuhong’s revenue is derived from its waterproofing materials business, highlighting its deep expertise and market leadership in this core segment.

As part of its international expansion strategy, Oriental Yuhong is establishing an integrated production, R&D, and logistics hub in Prairie View, Texas. Phase I, expected to be completed in 2025, will manufacture TPO waterproof membranes and include a North American R&D centre, creating approximately 100 local jobs. This investment further reinforces the company’s commitment to the North American market.

In 2023, Oriental Yuhong entered a strategic collaboration with BASF to co-develop solar roofing membranes in response to the growing demand for rooftop solar solutions in China. The integration of BASF’s Tinuvin® and Chimassorb® stabilizers enhances the UV and thermal resistance of TPO membranes, significantly improving product durability, lifespan, and maintenance efficiency.

Oriental Yuhong’s sheet membrane solutions are engineered for critical waterproofing applications, including tunnels, underground structures, basements, reservoirs, and green roofs, providing reliable protection against water ingress in complex environments.

Competition: Electric Motors

The electric motor market is highly competitive, with key players focusing on innovation, product efficiency, and strategic partnerships to strengthen their market position. Major companies include Nidec Corporation, Johnson Electric, Maxon Motor, ABB Ltd., and AMETEK Inc. These players are investing in R&D to develop advanced motors tailored for applications in industrial, commercial, residential, transportation, agriculture sectors, driving healthy competition and technological advancement in the market.

NIDEC Corporation, Allied Motion, Inc., Siemens, Johnson Electric, Ametek Inc., ABB Ltd. are among the leading companies active in the market.

Nidec Corporation is one of the global leaders in the design, manufacture, and sale of electric motors and related components. Headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, Nidec has established itself as a key player in the industry, particularly in the small precision motors segment. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes motors for hard disk drives, automotive applications, home appliances, industrial equipment, and commercial use. Nidec is known for its innovative technologies and strong emphasis on energy efficiency, which has positioned it at the forefront of the shift toward electrification and automation across industries. With a global network of manufacturing and R&D facilities, Nidec continues to expand its presence and influence as a critical supplier in the electric motor market worldwide.

Allied Motion Technologies Inc. is a global technology leader and a prominent player in the electric motors industry, offering a comprehensive range of motors, generators, and drives for a wide array of industrial and commercial applications. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, ABB leverages its deep expertise in electrification and automation to deliver high-efficiency motor solutions that support industries such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and infrastructure. The company is known for its focus on digitalization and sustainability, integrating smart technologies and energy-efficient systems to enhance performance and reduce environmental impact. With a strong global footprint and a commitment to innovation, ABB plays a crucial role in driving the transformation toward more sustainable and connected industrial operations.

 

LIQUID APPLIED MEMBRANES (LAMs) MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market size in 2025

USD 12 Billion

Market forecast in 2032

USD 19.5 Billion

Compound Annual Growth Rate (2025-2032)

5.0%

Historical Data (Years)

2022-2024

Forecast Data (Years)

2025-2032

Region Dominance (Regional Share %)

Asia Pacific: 50% Share

Country Dominance (Share %)

China: >30% Share

Growth Driver – Sustainable Liquid Applied Membrane Solutions

>10% CAGR (2025 – 2032)

Segments Covered

Application Type, Product Type, Construction Type, End Use Type and by Region & Countries

Regions Covered

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

Countries Covered

US, Canada, Mexico, The UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Rest of Europe, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific, UAE, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Rest of MEA, Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of South America

Companies Profiled (30+)

ORIENTAL YUHONG, SIKA AG, RPM INTERNATIONAL INC., SAINT-GOBAIN, SOPREMA GROUP, HOLCIM, CARLISLE, STANDARD BMI, MAPEI, KESHUN, HB FULLER, GAF MATERIALS, IMPAC, ALCHIMICA, DERBIGUM, DOW CHEMICALS, VIAPOL-RPM, VEDACIT, PROTEXA, PIDILITE INDUSTRIES, MPM, FIRESTONE – HOLCIM, FOSROC-SAINT GOBAIN, PASA-HOLCIM, PPG, PASA, THERMOTEK-SIKA, HUNTSMAN, KALEKIM, DON CONSTRUCTIONS, DULUX, AND MANY OTHERS

 



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