Proofed To Perfection

Increased waterproofing budgets are growing demand for better products, creating the scope for a widening technology portfolio.

- Charu Bahri

Waterproofing companies across India are enthusiastic about the focus on housing in this year’s Budget, but are uncertain when demand for their products will actually start to increase.

“Budgetary decisions concerning housing stock are a step in the right direction but it cannot be said how many quarters it will take for the new policies to convert into higher demand,” says Sanjay Bahadur, Group CEO, Construction Chemical Business, Pidilite Industries.

“Giving infrastructure status to the affordable housing segment should boost construction activities, help achieve housing for all, and boost demand for waterproofing,” says Nilotpol Kar, Business Director, Construction Chemicals, South Asia, BASF India. “Access to cheaper funding as a result of interest subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana will create more first-time home buyers.”

Some providers are concerned that the introduction of the GST later this year may hamper demand for waterproofing because customers will feel the impact of a higher cost.

“Since waterproofing is a need that can be postponed but cannot be avoided, the higher prices will compel some users to look for cheaper alternatives to tide over their need,” said M Abbas, Director, TechnoNICOL India. However, an advantage will be uniform prices pan India excluding transportation costs.

Solution vs. solo product

Demand is increasing for effective waterproofing solutions as opposed to waterproofing products, rightly so because no single product can offer effective waterproofing even if it comes with a guarantee, according to Samir Surlaker, President of the Construction Chemicals Manufacturers’ Association. “Waterproofing should be thought of and designed as a system, including various aspects such as drainage, impermeable concrete, effective joint treatment and a suitable surface coating.”