UNCOVERING the HORIZON!

The construction market in India has expanded significantly after the economic liberalization in the 1990s. The introduction of PEBs has improved the construction market in India. Additionally, with the increased approval of FDIs and the Make in India campaign initiated by the government of India, there has been a rise in the demand for infrastructure from all sectors in the country. Construction Times looks at the evolving market scenario, trends, key solutions, expansion plans in the PEBs, Roofing Systems and Prefab market.

Pre-engineered building (PEB) is a building enclosure system. It includes particular building structure along with wall cladding and roof. It is designed by pre-engineered building manufacturers according to the clients requirements by utilizing best-suited inventory of raw materials. Its structural systems consist of rigid frames, plate steel, roof beams, and columns. Its advantages include reduced construction time, single source responsibility, energy-efficient roofing & wall systems, architectural versatility, lower cost, quality control, low maintenance, large clear spans, and flexibility of expansion.

The rapidly growing industrialization & urbanization in developing countries such as India, China, and Brazil drives the growth of the pre-engineered buildings market. Furthermore, the demand for the construction of commercial complexes & buildings and workshops is high, owing to increase in investment industries. Moreover, growth in population and rapid urbanization creates the need for pre-engineered buildings.

In Addition, surge in number of e-retailers has resulted in growing demand for warehouses; thereby, boosting the growth of market. However, disadvantages of these structures such as reduced fire resistance, thermal resistivity, susceptibility to corrosion, and others are expected to hamper the pre-engineered buildings market growth.

Furthermore, government initiatives toward green building concept for resource efficiency offer lucrative opportunities for pre-engineered buildings market.

The steel and high recycled content manufactured for pre-engineered structures help in reducing greenhouse gas emission without any wastage. Moreover, water is not required in construction of these structure, and also prevents the use of bricks and cement.

Roofing - the innovative way…

Roofing refers to the process of constructing a top covering of a building. It is generally made using materials, such as drain, slate, copper, ridge cap, plastic cement, and base ply and sheet. It adds significant value to buildings, improves their durability, and offers protection against harsh environmental conditions. Nowadays, several manufacturers are introducing advanced roofing solutions that provide innovative features and increase the overall lifespan of a structure. This, coupled with significant growth in industrial construction, is catalyzing the demand for roofing in India.

A shift in consumer preferences from conventional roofing materials towards reliable product variants on account of inflating income levels represents one of the major factors bolstering the market growth in India. Moreover, polycarbonate roofing sheets are gaining traction as they are easy to install in industrial and large-scale commercial buildings, weather-resistant, and available in various textures and designs with low maintenance costs. They are also utilized in sky lighting, swimming pools, walkways, and display signboards. Apart from this, the emerging trend of clear roofing panels in patios, sunrooms, and places that need natural light through the roof is contributing to market growth. These panels contain protective film layers that filter out harmful ultraviolet (UV) sun rays. Furthermore, as corrugated roofing sheets are strong, durable, and eco-friendly and offer reliable utility and enhanced strength, they are finding extensive applications in the agriculture sector for protecting garages, porches, and sheds. The expansion of the agriculture sector in the country on account of the rising population and surging food requirements is influencing the market positively. Additionally, the emerging green building concept is increasing public awareness about climate change, which is catalyzing the demand for zinc-aluminum coated sheets that provide excellent atmospheric resistance. 

Indian prefab scenario…

India prefabricated buildings market is driven by the booming construction industry. Additionally, growing investments made by the government for infrastructural development is further driving the market in the country. Moreover, associated advantages such as high strength and low weight of components are further fueling growth in the market, reports techsciresearch.com.

The India prefabricated buildings market is segmented based on structure type, material type, unit size, system type, application, region and company. Based on structure type, the market can be bifurcated into assembled and non-assembled. The non-assembled segment is expected to dominate the market since most of the customers prefer on-site assembling only. Based on material type, the market can be fragmented into glass, concrete, steel, aluminium, timber, architecture structures and others. Steel is expected to hold the largest market share on account of its durability, sustainability, reliability and strength. Based on system type, the market can be categorized into skeleton system, panel system, cellular system and combined system. The skeleton system is expected to dominate the market owing to their high tensile strength, low weight and volume. Based on application, the market can be segmented into residential, commercial and industrial. The commercial sector is expected to dominate the market since short-term necessities are fulfilled by prefabricated buildings at lower costs.

Challenges ahead…

It goes without saying that PEB, Prefab and roofing is one of the most perilous sectors of all. It requires an excellent management of working at height, which should naturally follow the hierarchy of controls, such as avoidance and prevention. Both fall restraints and safety netting should be considered as a last resort only if all the other safety equipment and measures cannot be used.

Roofing companies all over the world are facing similar problems on a daily basis. On top of the regular difficulties stemming from the nature of this work, the sector must now react to the post-Covid crisis, which is certainly of major concern for the roofing companies at the moment.

There is no doubt that the industry cannot go on operating as it did before: with no social distancing procedures whatsoever. There are new procedures for each market. This is why safety-related processes are now of utmost importance and must be put in place and followed in order to ensure not only a safe environment for workers but also the continuity of the roofing industry.

Roofing companies in India are bullish on their business prospects and are gearing up to meet demand from upcoming projects. However, the roofing industry must look at skilling manpower for installation, ensure use of high quality products, and create safety awareness amongst all the stakeholders - customers, builders, suppliers, and installers.

Advancements in manufacturing techniques for production of roofing materials and economies of scale are likely to provide ample growth opportunities for industry players. However, high cost of advanced roofing materials is a major deterrent, hence, making these developments are important for the market's overall growth.

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