North America Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The North America Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market size is estimated at 3.75 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 4.68 billion USD by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.67% during the forecast period (2024-2028).
The construction adhesives and sealants industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by broader macroeconomic trends and infrastructure development initiatives. The sector's growth is closely tied to overall construction activity, with new construction floor area expected to reach 7.4 billion square feet in North America, representing substantial opportunities for adhesives and construction sealants manufacturers. The construction industry's robust performance is particularly evident in the United States, where the sector contributes approximately 4.2% to the GDP with an annual output of USD 1.4 trillion. This scale of construction activity has attracted numerous manufacturers, with over 100 companies now operating in the region to meet the growing demand for specialized adhesive solutions.
Technological advancements in adhesive formulations are reshaping product capabilities and applications across the construction sector. Modern structural adhesives now offer impressive tensile strength ranging from 5 to 8 N/mm2, enabling their use in critical applications such as bonding decorative floor coverings, sealing metal parts into concrete, and securing door frames into masonry. These enhanced performance characteristics are driving the adoption of building adhesives in place of traditional mechanical fastening methods, particularly in applications requiring high durability and weather resistance. Manufacturers are continuously investing in research and development to improve product performance while maintaining ease of application and compatibility with various substrate materials.
Sustainability considerations are becoming increasingly central to market development, with the green building sector emerging as a significant driver of innovation in adhesive technologies. The United States alone represents a green building market worth approximately USD 81 billion, encompassing office buildings, educational facilities, and other structures. This shift toward sustainable construction is prompting manufacturers to develop eco-friendly adhesive solutions with lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and improved environmental performance profiles. Water-based and reactive adhesive technologies are gaining prominence as alternatives to traditional solvent-based systems, particularly in applications requiring environmental certification.
The industry landscape is characterized by intense competition and strategic consolidation activities among major players. Manufacturers are expanding their production capabilities and distribution networks to better serve the growing market demand. The focus on product innovation extends beyond performance characteristics to include application-specific solutions for various construction needs, from interior finishing to exterior weatherproofing. Companies are also investing in technical support and customer service capabilities to provide comprehensive solutions that address the increasingly complex requirements of modern construction projects. This evolution in service offerings reflects the industry's transition from simply providing products to delivering complete application solutions.
North America Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market Trends and Insights
Government initiatives for infrastructure developments to support the construction industry
- North America is the third largest region in performing construction activities after Asia-Pacific and MENA regions. North America has a GDP of 29,010 USD per capita, with an expected growth rate of 3.6% y-o-y in 2022. The construction industry sector contributes nearly 7% of North America's GDP. The factors affecting the North American construction industry are new investments, residential and non-residential constructions, government policies, and others.
- In 2020, the construction industry faced many challenges due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The supply of raw materials such as steel, copper, aluminum, stone, and fixtures was shrunk during the year. In the United States, the import of iron and steel was reduced to USD 18.7 billion from USD 24 billion in 2019 due to the lockdowns in many countries across the world.
- The building and construction sector recovered again in 2021 with a growth rate of 5.6% owing to the reopening of international borders for trade exchange, regularized supply chains, and many other factors. Residential construction is increasing in North America. For instance, the number of new housing starts in Canada was 271,880 thousand in 2021, which is 20% more than in 2020.
- In March 2022, the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced that the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program would distribute USD 7.25 billion for FY 2022-2026 to all states and regions to build multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance. These factors will raise the construction activities in the North American region in the future, with a construction output change of 2.7% by 2030.
Segment Analysis: Resin
Polyurethane Segment in North American Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market
Polyurethane resin dominates the North American construction adhesives and sealants market, holding approximately 25% market share in 2024. This significant market position is attributed to polyurethane construction adhesives' versatile properties and wide application scope in construction activities. These adhesives offer superior tensile strength ranging from 1.24 N/mm2 to 11 N/mm2, making them ideal for sealing concrete blocks and window frames. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by the increasing adoption of water-borne polyurethane construction adhesives, which are preferred for their eco-friendly nature and lower VOC content. The rising residential and non-residential construction activities across North America, particularly in the United States where non-residential building spending continues to grow, are driving the demand for polyurethane-based adhesives and sealants.
Silicone Segment in North American Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market
The silicone segment is experiencing the most rapid growth in the North American construction adhesives and sealants market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 6% during 2024-2029. This accelerated growth is driven by silicone's exceptional performance characteristics, including UV stability and extreme temperature resistance ranging from -65°C to 300°C. The segment's growth is further propelled by silicone sealants' versatility in various construction applications, including window and door installations, building facades, and kitchen and bathroom applications. The relatively quick curing time of up to 24 hours and the ability to be cured through multiple methods make silicone-based products increasingly attractive to construction professionals. The segment's expansion is also supported by the growing trend toward sustainable and energy-efficient building practices across North America.
Remaining Segments in Resin
The other significant segments in the North American construction adhesives and sealants market include acrylic, epoxy, VAE/EVA, and cyanoacrylate resins. Acrylic resins are particularly notable for their rapid strength development and ability to bond various substrates without primers. Epoxy resins are valued for their high tensile strength and non-brittle, flexible properties, making them ideal for outdoor applications. VAE/EVA resins offer excellent performance in hot-melt applications, while cyanoacrylate resins are preferred for quick-bonding applications despite their limitations in gap-filling capabilities. Each of these segments serves specific niches within the construction industry, contributing to the overall market diversity and meeting various application requirements in the construction sector.
Segment Analysis: Technology
Sealants Segment in North American Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market
Sealants technology dominates the North American construction adhesives and sealants market, holding approximately 42% market share in 2024. This significant market position is attributed to sealants' extensive use in various construction applications, including joint sealing, insulation, curtain walls, facades, glazing, and other critical areas. The segment's prominence is driven by the superior properties of construction sealants, such as their high movement capability ranging from 10 to 15%, excellent UV resistance, and extreme weather resistance capabilities. Additionally, sealants offer versatility in application temperatures and provide long-term durability with shelf lives extending up to 12 months, making them the preferred choice for construction contractors and companies across North America.
Water-borne Segment in North American Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market
The water-borne technology segment is projected to experience the fastest growth in the North American construction adhesives and sealants market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 6% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by increasing environmental regulations and the growing demand for eco-friendly adhesive solutions. Water-borne adhesives are gaining popularity due to their very low VOC emissions, making them environmentally friendly and safer for workers at manufacturing sites. These adhesives provide excellent adhesion properties for various substrates such as metal, glass, plastic, and wood, while being significantly more cost-effective, with prices nearly 50% lower than other technology types. The segment's growth is further supported by the rising trend of green building construction and sustainable development practices across North America.
Remaining Segments in Technology
The other significant technologies in the North American construction adhesives and sealants market include reactive, hot melt, and solvent-borne technologies. Reactive technology is particularly valued for its high strength adherence and durability in external structures, offering weather-resistant properties and moisture-curing capabilities. Hot melt technology provides advantages in terms of fast curing times and strong bonding properties, making it suitable for various construction applications. Meanwhile, solvent-borne technology, though facing challenges due to environmental regulations, continues to serve specific niche applications where its unique properties are essential. Each of these technologies plays a crucial role in meeting diverse construction needs, from structural bonding to specialized applications in extreme conditions.
North America Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market Geography Segment Analysis
Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market in United States
The United States dominates the North American construction adhesives & sealants market, commanding approximately 82% of the total market share in 2024. The country's market is primarily driven by extensive construction activities, particularly in the residential and commercial sectors. Construction sealants have emerged as the predominant technology in construction applications due to their superior properties, including heat resistance, UV protection, and joint flexibility. The market benefits from the widespread adoption of water-borne technology, which is increasingly preferred for its eco-friendly nature and compatibility with various substrates like metal, glass, plastic, and wood. The construction sector's robust growth is further supported by significant private investment in residential construction and the increasing emphasis on sustainable building practices. The market is characterized by strong domestic manufacturing capabilities, with numerous production facilities spread across the country, ensuring a steady supply to meet the growing demand from construction activities.
Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market in Canada
Canada represents a dynamic market for construction adhesives & sealants, projected to grow at approximately 6% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The market is experiencing significant transformation driven by the country's robust construction sector and increasing adoption of advanced adhesive technologies. The Canadian market particularly stands out for its strong focus on sustainable building practices and environmental regulations, which has led to increased demand for eco-friendly adhesive solutions. The country's construction adhesives and sealants industry is characterized by its emphasis on innovative product development, particularly in cold-weather applications, given Canada's unique climatic conditions. The residential construction sector serves as a major growth driver, with a particular focus on wooden housing construction, which requires specialized adhesive solutions. The market also benefits from the government's supportive policies and regulations, including the Federal Contractor Program (FCP), which continues to stimulate construction activities across the country.
Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market in Mexico
Mexico's construction adhesives & sealants market demonstrates strong potential, driven by the country's expanding construction sector and growing manufacturing capabilities. The market is characterized by increasing domestic production capabilities and a strong focus on prefabricated building parts, which require specialized adhesive solutions. The construction sector in Mexico shows a particular preference for sealants due to their quick curing times and consistent application properties. The market benefits from the country's strategic position in North America, allowing it to serve as a manufacturing hub for construction materials. The industry is witnessing significant technological advancements, particularly in terms of product development and application methods. Local manufacturers are increasingly focusing on developing products that meet international quality standards while addressing specific regional requirements. The market is further strengthened by growing investments in residential and commercial construction projects, supported by government initiatives to improve housing infrastructure.
Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market in Other Countries
The North America sealants and adhesives market in other North American countries, including Jamaica, Cuba, Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, presents unique opportunities and challenges. These markets are characterized by their growing construction sectors and increasing adoption of modern building technologies. While most of these countries rely heavily on imports to meet their domestic demand, some, particularly Jamaica, have begun developing local manufacturing capabilities and are expanding their export potential to other Caribbean islands. The construction sector in these countries is witnessing transformation through modernization efforts and increased focus on sustainable building practices. The market dynamics are influenced by regional economic conditions, government infrastructure initiatives, and growing awareness about advanced construction technologies. These countries are gradually moving towards adopting more sophisticated adhesive and sealant solutions, particularly in commercial and residential construction projects.
Competitive Landscape
Top Companies in North America Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market
The leading companies in this market are demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation and strategic expansion through various initiatives. Product development is heavily focused on sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, with companies introducing low-VOC and green adhesive products to meet evolving market demands. Operational excellence is being achieved through manufacturing facility expansions and supply chain optimization, with several players establishing new production sites and technology centers across the region. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions are becoming increasingly common, particularly to strengthen technological capabilities and expand geographic presence. Companies are also investing in research and development facilities to enhance their product portfolios and maintain competitive advantages, while simultaneously focusing on improving distribution networks to better serve the construction adhesives and sealants industry customers.
Market Structure Shows Balanced Competitive Dynamics
The North American construction adhesives and sealants market exhibits a partially fragmented structure with a mix of global conglomerates and specialized manufacturers. The top tier consists of well-established multinational companies with diverse product portfolios and strong manufacturing capabilities, while regional players maintain a significant presence through specialized offerings and local market knowledge. Market leaders are leveraging their extensive distribution networks, technical expertise, and research capabilities to maintain their positions, while mid-sized companies are focusing on niche applications and specific geographic regions to compete effectively. The competitive landscape is characterized by a healthy balance between large-scale manufacturers and specialized solution providers, creating a dynamic market environment.
The market is witnessing active consolidation through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, particularly among leading players seeking to strengthen their market positions. Companies are increasingly pursuing vertical integration strategies to secure raw material supply and enhance operational efficiency. The competitive dynamics are further shaped by the presence of strong regional players who maintain significant market share in specific geographic areas or product segments. Market participants are also focusing on developing innovative solutions and expanding their product portfolios through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, leading to a gradually consolidating market structure.
Innovation and Sustainability Drive Future Success
Success in this market increasingly depends on companies' ability to develop innovative, sustainable solutions while maintaining operational efficiency. Market incumbents are focusing on expanding their eco-friendly product portfolios and investing in advanced manufacturing technologies to maintain their competitive edge. Companies are also strengthening their positions through strategic partnerships with raw material suppliers and enhancing their distribution networks. The ability to provide comprehensive solutions for various construction applications, combined with strong technical support and customer service, is becoming increasingly crucial for maintaining market share.
For new entrants and smaller players, success lies in identifying and serving niche market segments while developing specialized solutions for specific applications. Companies need to focus on building strong relationships with construction contractors and architects while maintaining flexibility in product customization. The regulatory environment, particularly regarding environmental standards and VOC emissions, is shaping competitive strategies and product development initiatives. Future success will depend on companies' ability to adapt to changing customer preferences, maintain cost competitiveness, and develop innovative solutions that address specific construction industry challenges while meeting sustainability requirements. The integration of construction chemicals and building adhesives into product offerings is also becoming a significant factor in achieving competitive advantage.
North America Construction Adhesives & Sealants Industry Leaders
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3M
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Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
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MAPEI S.p.A.
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RPM International Inc.
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Sika AG
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- April 2022: ITW Performance Polymers launched Plexus MA8105 as its newest adhesive with fast room-temperature curing, excellent mechanical properties, and a broad range of adhesion.
- February 2022: Arkema Group completed the acquisition of Ashland's Performance Adhesives business. Ashland is a world leader in high-performance adhesives in the United States.
- December 2021: Under the Nuplaviva brand, Arkema introduced a new range of disposable hygiene adhesive solutions formulated with bio-based renewable content.
North America Construction Adhesives & Sealants Market Report Scope
Acrylic, Cyanoacrylate, Epoxy, Polyurethane, Silicone, VAE/EVA are covered as segments by Resin. Hot Melt, Reactive, Sealants, Solvent-borne, Water-borne are covered as segments by Technology. Canada, Mexico, United States are covered as segments by Country.| Acrylic |
| Cyanoacrylate |
| Epoxy |
| Polyurethane |
| Silicone |
| VAE/EVA |
| Other Resins |
| Hot Melt |
| Reactive |
| Sealants |
| Solvent-borne |
| Water-borne |
| Canada |
| Mexico |
| United States |
| Rest of North America |
| Resin | Acrylic |
| Cyanoacrylate | |
| Epoxy | |
| Polyurethane | |
| Silicone | |
| VAE/EVA | |
| Other Resins | |
| Technology | Hot Melt |
| Reactive | |
| Sealants | |
| Solvent-borne | |
| Water-borne | |
| Country | Canada |
| Mexico | |
| United States | |
| Rest of North America |
Market Definition
- End-user Industry - Residential construction, commercial construction, public buildings, industrial buildings and infrastructure projects are considered under the construction industry.
- Product - All adhesive and sealant products used in construction industry are considered in the market studied
- Resin - Under the scope of the study, resins like Polyurethane, Epoxy, Acrylic, Cyanoacrylate, VAE/EVA, and Silicone are considered
- Technology - For the purpose of this study, Water-borne, Solvent-borne, Reactive, Hot Melt, and Sealants technologies are taken into consideration.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hot-melt Adhesive | Hot melt adhesives are generally 100% solid formulations, based on thermoplastic polymers. They are solid at room temperature and are activated upon heating above their softening point, at which stage they are liquid, and hence, can be processed. |
| Reactive Adhesive | A reactive adhesive is made up of monomers that react in the adhesive curing process and do not evaporate from the film during use. Instead, these volatile components become chemically incorporated into the adhesive. |
| Solvent-borne Adhesive | Solvent-borne adhesives are mixtures of solvents and thermoplastic, or slightly cross-linked polymers, such as polychloroprene, polyurethane, acrylic, silicone, and natural and synthetic rubbers (elastomers). |
| Water-borne Adhesive | Water-borne adhesives use water as a carrier or diluting medium to disperse a resin. They are set by allowing the water to evaporate or be absorbed by the substrate. These adhesives are compounded with water as a diluent, rather than a volatile organic solvent. |
| UV Cured Adhesive | UV curing adhesives induce curing and create a permanent bond without heating by using ultraviolet (UV) light or other radiation sources. An aggregation of monomers and oligomers is cured or polymerized by ultraviolet (UV) or visible light in a UV adhesive. Because UV is a radiating energy source, UV adhesives are often referred to as radiation curing or rad-cure adhesives. |
| Heat-resistant Adhesive | Heat-resistant Adhesives refer to those that do not break down under high temperatures. One aspect of a complicated system of circumstances is the adhesive's capacity to withstand disintegration brought on by high temperatures. As the temperature rises, adhesives may liquefy. They can withstand stresses resulting from differing coefficients of expansion and contraction, which might be an additional advantage. |
| Reshoring | Reshoring is the practice of moving commodity production and manufacturing back to the nation where the business was founded. Onshoring, inshoring, and back shoring are further terms used. Offshoring, the practice of producing items abroad to lower labor and manufacturing costs, is the opposite of this. |
| Oleochemicals | Oleochemicals are compounds produced from biological oils or fats. They resemble petrochemicals, which are substances made from petroleum. The oleochemical business is built on the hydrolysis of oils or fats. |
| Nonporous Materials | Nonporous materials are substances that do not permit the passage of liquid or air. Nonporous materials are those that are not porous, such as glass, plastic, metal, and varnished wood. Since no air can get through, less airflow is required to raise these materials, negating the requirement for high airflow. |
| EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement | A trade agreement and an investment protection agreement were concluded between the European Union and Vietnam on June 30, 2019. |
| VOC content | Compounds with limited solubility in water and high vapor pressure are known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. |
| Emulsion Polymerization | Emulsion polymerization is a method of producing polymers or connected groups of smaller chemical chains known as monomers, in a water solution. The method is often used to make water-based paints, adhesives, and varnishes, in which the water stays with the polymer and is marketed as a liquid product. |
| 2025 National Packaging Targets | In 2018, the Australian Environment Ministry set the following 2025 National Packaging Targets: 100% of the packaging must be reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025, 70% of plastic packaging must be recycled or composted by 2025, 50% of average recycled content must be included in packaging by 2025, and problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging must be phased out by 2025. |
| Russian Government’s Import Substitution Policy | The Western sanctions suspended the distribution of several high-tech items to Russia, including those required by the raw material export sectors and the military-industrial complex. In response, the government launched an "import substitution" scheme, appointing a special commission to oversee its implementation in early 2015. |
| Paper Substrate | Paper substrates are paper sheets, reels, or boards with a base weight of up to 400 g/m2 that has not been converted, printed or otherwise altered. |
| Insulation Material | A material that inhibits or blocks heat, sound, or electrical transmission is known as Insulation Material. The variety of insulation materials includes thick fibers like fiberglass, rock and slag wool, cellulose, and natural fibers as well as stiff foam boards and sleek foils. |
| Thermal Shock | A temperature change known as thermal shock generates stress in a material. It commonly results in material breakdown and is especially prevalent in brittle materials like ceramics. When there is a quick temperature change, either from hot to cold or vice versa, this process occurs abruptly. It occurs more frequently in materials with poor heat conductivity and insufficient structural integrity. |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: The quantifiable key variables (industry and extraneous) pertaining to the specific product segment and country are selected from a group of relevant variables & factors based on desk research & literature review; along with primary expert inputs. These variables are further confirmed through regression modeling (wherever required).
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms