Construction

Relation with industry: building performance, repair and circular construction

Adhesives and sealants are major contributors to the robustness of industry in Europe. In particular, they are key enablers of the EU construction sector. They support this sector in terms of building performance, repair, and circular construction. Regarding building performance, adhesives and sealants help maintain the integrity of the building envelope by sealing openings and bonding insulation materials, in this way promoting energy efficiency. In terms of repair, they foster refurbishment of building parts so that full replacement is not necessary, thereby supporting material efficiency. Concerning circular construction, adhesives and sealants facilitate reuse and recycling of materials at the end of life of a building. All these characteristics of adhesives and sealants accord with the EU Green Deal.          

The technical applications of adhesives and sealants, and the benefits afforded

Depending on the intended life cycle of building components, adhesive and sealant solutions can be designed for either permanent durability or controlled removal, supporting circular construction principles.

Adhesives and sealants are widely used in construction to bond materials, seal joints and support the performance of building components. They are applied in areas such as window and doors, bathrooms, flooring, insulation systems, and interior finishes, where different materials must work together reliably over time.

Beyond bonding, they provide airtightness and watertightness, accommodate movement between materials, and help protect buildings against moisture, temperature variation and mechanical stress. This directly affects building performance, indoor comfort, durability and long-term maintenance needs.

Building envelopes and energy performance

Adhesives and sealants are widely used in the building envelope, for example, in windows and doors, and in joints between construction elements. They create airtight and watertight seals in interfaces where air, water, and moisture would otherwise enter the building. Materials expand, contract, and shift under load, but adhesives and sealants can absorb this movement while maintaining performance.

Adhesives and sealants are also used to install and secure insulation materials in buildings and related systems. This includes using bonding insulating foams for heating pipes and fixing insulation layers in place after their installation. These applications of adhesives afford the durable and heat-resistant bonding that can withstand temperature variation and long-term use.

Lifecycle and circular construction: repair, reuse and material efficiency

Adhesives and sealants also support repair, renovation and maintenance in buildings. For instance, they restore surfaces without the need for full replacement. In some cases, bonded elements can be removed by cutting or controlled processes, allowing parts to be repaired or replaced without damaging surrounding materials.

This matters for resource efficiency and building life cycle performance. Repair and refurbishment extend the service life of buildings and components, reducing waste and unnecessary material use. More flexible building maintenance is possible, as is the reduction of the overall environmental impact of construction activities.

In terms of a circular economy, adhesives and sealants can be designed either for long-term bonding or for controlled debonding, depending on the application. By enabling both durable and removable connections, adhesives and sealants help keep materials in use longer and facilitate reuse and recycling at the end of life.

One-component foams (OCFs)

One-component foams (OCFs) are commonly used in construction, particularly for sealing and insulating joints in window and door installation. They are applied on-site, expand to fill gaps, and form a continuous seal once cured. This creates airtight joints that reduce uncontrolled air leakage, improve thermal and acoustic insulation, and prevent the development of mould. OCFs address specific technical constraints in construction. Gaps between building elements are often irregular and difficult to seal with rigid materials. OCFs expand and adapt to these spaces, ensuring complete coverage and consistent sealing performance.

Their application is fast and efficient, and their performance can be measured and compared through consistent standardised test methods developed at the European level. By improving insulation and sealing, OCFs help reduce energy demand.

More information about Polyurethane (PU) one-component foam can be consulted on this page.

Overview of the benefits of adhesives and sealants for industry

Adhesives and sealants exhibit the following benefits within the various sectors:

• Energy. Across energy systems, adhesives and sealants enable design solutions that support energy efficiency, renewable deployment, durability and efficient use of resources. Their role is essential to the performance, safety and longevity of renewable energy technologies, buildings and heating infrastructure
• Digital technologies. Adhesives and sealants enable reliable assembly of complex multi-material components, while protecting sensitive parts and supporting thermal management of high-performance devices. Together, these functions extend product lifespan, improve user safety and reduce waste
• Healthcare. Across healthcare applications, adhesives and sealants enable solutions that combine safety, hygiene and performance. They support the functioning of medical technologies, the integrity of protective equipment, and the cleanliness of healthcare environments
• Transport, vehicles and cars. Across automotive applications, adhesives and sealants support lightweight design, structural performance and vehicle safety. They enable the integration of advanced materials, extend useful life, and improve design
• Transport, rail vehicles. In rail transport, adhesives and sealants support reliable performance in structural, functional and sealing applications. They contribute to energy efficiency, durability and noise reduction, ensuring consistent operation under demanding conditions
• Transport, aviation. In aviation, adhesives and sealants enable lightweight structures, durability and reliable performance under demanding operating conditions. They support the use of advanced materials, improve efficiency, and extend component lifespan
• Transport, maritime. In maritime transport, adhesives and sealants support safety, useful life, and performance in challenging environments. They enable lighter structures, contribute to reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and distribute forces
• Construction. Across construction applications, adhesives and sealants support energy-efficient, durable and adaptable buildings. They enable airtightness, insulation, and protection against environmental exposure, while also supporting repair, renovation and circular use of materials