Ensuring long-term durability with the right construction chemicals

In this discussion, Ar. Tushar Mistry examines the role of construction chemicals in promoting durability, sustainability, and resilience to monsoon challenges in building projects.

What are the criteria on which construction chemicals are selected for construction projects?
Selecting the right construction chemicals is vital for durability, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Key considerations include the chemical’s purpose, waterproofing needs (membranes, coatings, admixtures), and concrete enhancement with plasticisers, superplasticisers, retarders, or accelerators. Surface protection with sealants, coatings, and anti-corrosion agents is equally essential.

How can construction chemicals help reduce the need for reconstruction, promoting sustainable construction processes?
Construction chemicals enhance durability by strengthening concrete and reducing permeability through admixtures like water reducers and plasticisers. Waterproofing solutions protect against water damage, corrosion, and freeze-thaw cycles. Anti-corrosion coatings safeguard steel reinforcements, especially in marine or humid conditions, while repair compounds restore integrity early to avoid major reconstruction. Many modern chemicals are non-toxic, low-VOC, and eco-friendly, supporting green building certifications like LEED or BREEAM for healthier, sustainable structures.

Can you throw some light on the construction chemicals that specifically address challenges posed by the monsoon season in construction projects?
The monsoon season challenges construction with moisture, delayed curing, surface damage, and water ingress. Construction chemicals can be game changers. Liquid waterproofing membranes (acrylic or polyurethane-based) create seamless barriers for roofs, terraces, and basements. Crystalline waterproofing admixtures react with moisture in concrete to block water paths, while bituminous coatings and sheets are effective for foundations.

Exterior walls use hydrophobic sprays and water-repellent coatings like silane or siloxane. Anti-fungal and anti-algae paints curb biological growth in damp zones. Elastic, water-resistant sealants and joint fillers—silicone, polyurethane, or acrylic—are essential for windows, terraces, bathrooms, and expansion joints.

What are your suggestions for the end users of construction chemicals?
End users like contractors, engineers, and applicators play a key role in safely using construction chemicals. Misuse can lead to waste, structural issues, or health risks. Understanding the chemical’s purpose, application, mixing ratios, pot life, and safety is vital.

Proper surface preparation—cleaning, drying, and treating as directed—is crucial for effective bonding. Removing dust, oil, and laitance improves adhesion. Monitoring weather is also essential, as most chemicals shouldn’t be applied during heavy rain or high humidity and need proper drying time.

Can you elaborate on the eco-friendly and sustainable construction chemical solutions available for monsoon-resistant building projects?
Water-based waterproofing membranes are sustainable, monsoon-resistant, low in VOCs, and ideal for roofs, basements, and wet areas. Crystalline waterproofing admixtures, mixed into concrete, form crystals that block pores for long-term protection. Low-VOC coatings and sealants—acrylic, silicone, or polyurethane—seal walls, joints, and gaps. Many are LEED, Green Pro, or GREENGUARD certified. Bio-based additives from plant polymers, waste oils, or recycled by-products offer eco-friendly options as plasticisers, shrinkage reducers, and air-entraining agents.

For more details, visit: https://www.tmds.in/