Based on the form type, the North American air barriers market is segmented into liquid-applied air barriers, sheet-applied air barriers, and other air barriers. The liquid-applied air barrier is expected to remain the largest as well as the fastest-growing form type in the market during the forecast period, owing to ease of application using a simple and cheap instrument (roller, sprayer, and brush), reduced time and cost of installation, less or no dependency on the installer, and no use of fasteners. Spray and roller are the most preferred application methods, owing to their fast and easy application. Acrylic liquid-applied barrier is the predominantly used product type, owing to its excellent strength and adhesion to all common surfaces, providing continuous air tightness. STPE and silicon are likely to experience the fastest growth during the forecast period. In sheet-applied, mechanically fastened sheets hold dominance; however, self-adhered sheets are gaining traction.
Based on the permeability type, the market is segmented into vapor permeable and vapor impermeable. Vapor permeable is expected to remain the dominant as well as the faster-growing permeability type in the market during the forecast period. The ability to resist air along with water vapor, slow diffusion of water vapor and aid in resisting the live loads which increase energy efficiency are some key factors, fueling the demand for permeable air barriers. Vapor-impermeable air barrier is majorly used in self-adhered sheets, especially in commercial buildings.
Based on the substrate type, the market is segmented into gypsum, CMU, OSB, and others. Gypsum is expected to remain the dominant as well as the fastest-growing substrate type during the forecast period as it is widely used in commercial buildings. Gypsum board is suitable for air barrier and is more economical than other substrates, classified as air barrier substrate as per ASTM E2178. CMU is likely to remain the second-largest substrate type during the forecast period. It is a popular choice in low/mid?rise commercial construction.
Based on the end-use type, the market is segmented into industrial, commercial, and residential. Commercial is expected to remain the largest as well as the fastest-growing end-use type in the market during the forecast period. The biggest growth driver is an increased awareness about moisture intrusion and early adoption by design professionals in states such as Vermont, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
In terms of country, The USA is expected to remain the largest market for air barriers in North America during the forecast period. The USA and Canada have been the growth engines of the North American market, driven by an extremely cold climate, stringent regulations, rapid urbanization, and increased awareness of energy-efficient and economical green buildings. One of the key factors behind the dominance of the country is the early adoption of air barriers by the design professionals and architectures in the US states, such as Connecticut, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, Illinois, and Vermont, which recognized the importance of an efficient air barriers system.
