Global Air Barrier Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2024-2032)

Global Air Barrier Market Growth

Air barriers are crucial in infrastructure construction, improving energy efficiency by reducing air leakage and protecting buildings from moisture-related damage.

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The global air barrier market is driven by the increase in the demand for the product from infrastructure and construction industries. 

The rise in demand for energy-efficient and green buildings are supporting the growth of the market. The product contributes towards green certification for buildings by reducing the property owner's heating and cooling costs, while enhancing comfort. According to 2023 data, around 40% of the energy consumption in buildings is attributed to heating, cooling, and lighting. 

In the United Kingdom, government investment in infrastructure surged by 9.6% in 2022 compared to the previous year. In 2023, new infrastructure projects saw an additional increase of USD 2.89 billion, reflecting robust growth in the sector. FEMA's increased infrastructure spending on rebuilding public utilities and buildings after natural disasters is expected to drive the demand for air barrier systems to enhance energy efficiency, moisture control, and structural integrity in newly constructed or renovated structures. Global construction spending is projected to escalate from USD 13 trillion in 2023 to USD 22 trillion in 2040, growing at a CAGR of 3.2%.

Figure: Share of Construction (%) in GDP in the EU; 2018-2023

Air barrier systems play a crucial role in improving a building’s energy efficiency by reducing air leakage and enhancing thermal performance, which can contribute towards achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

According to 2024 data, the National Institute of Standards and Technology reports that air leakage can be responsible for as much as 40% of heating expenses and 15% of cooling costs in commercial properties. From January 2017 to December 2021, more than 36,835 projects earned LEED certification, spanning 4.63 billion square feet. In the first three quarters of 2022 alone, over 5,000 additional projects were certified, marking a recovery from a dip in certifications in 2019, followed by consistent annual growth.

Figure: Global LEED Project Registrations by Region; (2017-2021)

Key Trends and Developments

Rising demand for sustainable construction materials; growing construction sector; rise in number of ageing buildings; and renovation activities are the key trends impacting the global air barrier market expansion

Aug 20, 2023

DuPont expanded its commercial construction portfolio by introducing two new accessories: DuraGard™ WD Self-Adhered Flashing Tape and LiquidArmor™ FJ Flashing and Joint Compound. Both products were designed to enhance air and water barrier continuity and integrate seamlessly with the DuPont™ ArmorWall™ System, a high-performance 5-in-1 exterior wall assembly.

May 30, 2024

Polyglass U.S.A. Inc., a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing solutions, announced its newest line of products, VertiWrap™ Air and Vapor Barriers. The VertiWrap™ Air and Vapor Barrier system offered complete flexibility in selecting sheet and fluid-applied options for both permeable and non-permeable project needs.

Mar 6, 2024

Polyglass U.S.A., Inc., a leading manufacturer of building envelope and waterproofing solutions, unveiled its latest breakthrough product, PolyVap SA S. Engineered for superior performance in commercial low-slope roofing applications, PolyVap SA S set a new standard with its exceptional dual-functionality as a high-performance air and vapor barrier.

Jul 25, 2023

CPA Engineered Solutions Ltd. acquired Enershield Air Barriers, establishing CPA Engineered Solutions (Canada) as the hub for manufacturing and distribution of Enershield Air Barriers across Canada and North America. This strategic acquisition integrated Enershield Air Barriers, a leader in air barrier solutions, into the CPA Group, enhancing its presence in the region.

Air barriers are sustainable construction materials

The adoption of efficient building materials and sustainable practices is increasing as the construction industry seeks to align with the International Energy Agency’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario. This scenario requires that all new buildings and 20% of existing structures be zero-carbon-ready by 2030, driving demand for solutions like air barriers that enhance energy efficiency.

Expansion of the construction sector

The construction sector globally is supported by investments in manufacturing, transportation infrastructure, residential projects, and commercial establishments. North America, a significant market for air barriers, is driven by the construction sector in the USA and Canada. According to 2024 data, construction accounts for 4% of GDP in the USA and 7.5% of GDP in Canada.

Ageing buildings drive demand for renovation projects and the need for air barriers

The age of a building impacts its energy efficiency, as older structures are typically less airtight and more prone to moisture retention, leading to dampness and potential mold growth. Excess moisture significantly affects heat loss and energy efficiency. According to 2020 data, the UK has the oldest housing stock in the world, with over 25% of homes in Wales being 100 years old or more.

Rising renovation of buildings to incorporate energy-efficient features provide an opportunity for air barriers

Increased focus on upgrading existing buildings to meet energy standards provides an opportunity for air barriers. In the EU, buildings contribute over one-third of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, according to 2023 data. Improving their energy performance is essential for achieving climate neutrality by mid-century. The EU’s renovation wave aims to double the annual energy renovation rate for residential and non-residential buildings by 2030 and initiate deep renovations that could reduce energy consumption by at least 60%.

Global Air Barrier Market Trends

Air barriers are crucial for buildings to meet stringent energy codes, as they reduce the workload on heating and cooling systems, thereby lowering energy consumption. Modern standards like ASHRAE 90.1 and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) set performance criteria for thermal envelopes, including air barriers. Data from 2024 shows that effective air barrier systems can reduce energy use by 10% to 40%, with even greater savings in regions with extreme weather, where energy demands for climate control are high.

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Global Air Barrier Industry Segmentation

“Global Air Barrier Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Membrane Type

• Sheet Applied
• Fluid Applied

Market Breakup by Application

• Masonry
• Gypsum Board
• Glass
• Plywood
• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Residential
• Commercial
• Public Infrastructure

Market Breakup by Region

• North America 
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Global Air Barrier Market Share

Based on end use, the residential sector accounts for a significant share of the market

Airtightness has a substantial effect on a building's energy consumption. Typically, buildings equipped with effective air barrier systems can achieve energy savings of 10% to 40%.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates for 2023, buildings represent around 30% of global final energy consumption and contribute to 26% of global energy-related emissions.

Meanwhile, in the USA, a key market of air barriers, early adopter design professionals and states like Vermont, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, and Illinois, have rapidly embraced air barriers in commercial construction. This technology is valued for its role in improving building sustainability and efficiency.  According to 2022 data, the average rent of office buildings with LEED certification in the USA is 31% higher than that of non-LEED-certified buildings. 

Based on membrane type, fluid applied is a major contributor to the global air barrier market revenue

Fluid-applied membranes require fewer applicators, which reduces labor costs. These membranes are easier to install around penetrations, such as electrical conduits or brick ties and uneven substrates. Prominent manufacturers of fluid-applied membranes include W. R. MEADOWS, Carlisle Companies Incorporated, and Prosoco, Inc. 

Meanwhile, sheet-applied air barrier systems do not shrink, sag, dry out, crack, or rot, and offer impressive resistance to punctures during installation. This makes them ideal for earthquake zones, shifting soils and areas where high groundwater pressure is common.

Prominent manufacturers of sheet-applied membranes include Henry Company, W. R. MEADOWS, and GCP Applied Technologies. 

Global Air Barrier Market Players

The market players are focusing on providing products at competitive prices and high quality, with improved customer service, product support, and performance features. 

BASF SE

BASF specialises in production and distribution of a range of products, including chemicals, plastics, performance products, crop protection products, and oil and gas, among others. The company, headquartered in Germany comprises of six business segments, which include Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions.

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

DuPont is a technology leader, serving the semiconductor, circuit board, display, digital and flexographic printing, healthcare, aerospace, industrial and transportation industries. Founded in 1802, the company is known for its wide array of products including additives and modifiers for polymers, electronic technologies, construction materials, and others.

W. R. Meadows, Inc

W.R. Meadows designs, manufactures, and markets high-quality building materials for today’s construction professionals. Based in the USA, W.R. Meadows, Inc. operates across 14 strategically located manufacturing facilities and fully stocked warehouse operations in the United States and Canada and 4 warehouse facilities in Chile, Austria, Germany, Switzerland.

Carlisle Companies Inc.

Carlisle Companies is a leading supplier of innovative building envelope products and solutions for more energy-efficient buildings. The company offers building products through its following businesses which include Carlisle Construction Materials (“CCM”) and Carlisle Weatherproofing Technologies (“CWT”).  

Other notable players operating in the global air barrier market are Soprema S.A.S, 3M Company, and Sika AG, among others.

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Global Air Barrier Market Analysis by Region

In 2023, in Europe, non-residential construction activity accounted for the largest share of 31.8%. Renovation and maintenance followed closely, comprising 30.3% of activities. Housebuilding contributed 19.9%, while civil engineering made up 17.9% of the total construction activities during the year. In Germany, advancing urbanisation is putting pressure on metropolitan regions with around 4.4 million new homes required to be built by 2030 to meet the demand, thus increasing the installation of air barriers. 

Further, the Asia Pacific air barrier market is set for growth alongside China's construction industry, which saw year-over-year increase of 5.8% in 2023. The market expansion of air barrier systems in the region is driven by the robust construction sector and the focus on energy-efficient building solutions.