Building sealants market: innovation, performance and sustainable transition at the heart of 2025 trends

The products, analyzed in the new MSI Reports study, thus become a concrete lever for compliance with the requirements of RE 2020 and the main environmental obligations and certifications.

In a study just published, MSI Reports analyzes the market for Building Envelope Sealing Products in France, from 2019 to 2024-2025 (historical) and up to 2029 (forecast).

The market for sealing and waterproofing products is characterized by significant heterogeneity, reflecting the diversity of materials, uses, and intrinsic needs of its markets. According to MSI Reports, this detailed segmentation allows for a better understanding of the growth drivers specific to each application—new construction, renovation, residential, or non-residential.

The flat roof sector exemplifies this transformation. Driven by energy-efficient renovations, urban greening, and the development of solar roofs, it remains dynamic despite a current economic slowdown. Regulations such as RE 2020 and the Climate & Resilience Law are indeed pushing industry players to innovate. Bituminous membranes remain the most common, but are losing ground to synthetic membranes (PVC, TPO, EPDM), which are lighter, more durable, and, in some cases, more environmentally friendly.

Underlayment membranes have recently benefited from numerous improvements in both thermal insulation and protection. MSI Reports notes that these advancements have strengthened their market position, making membranes a key component in roof construction and renovation.

Vapor barriers, meanwhile, are becoming essential products across the board, found in attics, walls, and roof terraces. DTU 45.10, published in 2019, now mandates their use for attic renovations. According to MSI Reports, their use is also largely supported by the increasing importance of the RE 2020 regulation and its recommendations regarding energy performance and the airtightness and vapor tightness of the building envelope.

Rain barriers, for their part, are benefiting from the rise of timber construction and ventilated facades. Essential for the weatherproofing of timber frames and highly recommended for protecting insulation in cladding (they are even mandatory in this context for timber frames), they are part of a trend towards high-performance and sustainable solutions, which is increasingly dynamic in the region.

MSI Reports also analyzes the market for window and door sealing systems, which is also undergoing profound change. Between 2019 and 2022, the balance between these solutions was disrupted by UFME recommendations regarding the types of solutions permitted, the shortage of silicone sealants, and the rise of impregnated foams, praised for their ease of installation and their performance in sealing, insulation, and acoustics.

Waterproofing products for foundations and substructures have also undergone numerous developments in terms of performance, combining mechanical resistance, durability, and environmental friendliness. The emergence of certain innovations in these areas reflects manufacturers' commitment to addressing climate challenges and managing moisture-related risks.

Finally, sales of technical accessories, such as adhesive tapes and glues, are evolving in line with those of the systems into which they are integrated, highlighting the strong concept of "systems" and "comprehensive solutions" that are efficient and sustainable for the building envelope.

In the medium term, the market outlook remains very favorable, driven by environmental requirements, the energy transition, and the (albeit slowed) development of timber construction. MSI Reports anticipates a significant shift in solutions towards a more innovative and targeted offering for tradespeople, as well as a stronger integration of sustainability, energy performance, and carbon footprint reduction criteria. By 2025, airtightness will no longer be just protection, but a strategic pillar of overall building performance and sustainability.

A study that has just been published

In November 2025, MSI Reports published a detailed study on the market for Sealing Products for Building Envelopes in France.

With 309 pages and 162 tables and graphs, MSI Reports provides an in-depth analysis of market developments in France in 2024 and 2025, with historical data from 2019 and forecasts up to 2029. The study also includes an analysis of the competitive landscape and profiles of 41 manufacturers.

This publication is available from €3.295 (excluding VAT).