DL E&C Develops Versatile Paint Extending Housing Lifespan to 100 Years

Successful Development of Exterior Wall Paint with Elasticity and Waterproofing Properties for the First Time in the Construction Industry

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] DL E&C (formerly Daelim Industrial) has unlocked the key to achieving 100-year long-lasting homes and leak-free apartments. On the 21st, DL E&C announced that it has succeeded in developing the construction industry's first exterior wall coating with both elasticity and waterproofing properties.

Apartment exterior wall coatings are responsible not only for aesthetics but also for the building's waterproofing function. In particular, since the effective defense against concrete carbonation caused by carbon dioxide penetration determines the actual lifespan of a home, it is a crucial factor that consumers should not overlook when choosing an apartment. DL E&C has completed the patent application for this technology and is preparing to establish a mass production system.

Concrete carbonation occurs when carbon dioxide penetrates the concrete, reducing its alkalinity and causing corrosion of the reinforcing steel. The expansion pressure generated by the corroded steel causes cracks in the exterior walls, rapidly deteriorating the building's durability and strength. The exterior wall coating acts like armor, forming a protective barrier on the apartment's exterior walls to block the ingress of carbon dioxide.

The exterior wall coating developed by DL E&C enhances durability (resistance to concrete carbonation), a critical criterion for determining building lifespan, thereby extending the building's life. DL E&C received recognition from a Swiss accredited certification body that using this product improves concrete durability by more than three times compared to existing products. Generally, the lifespan of a home is considered to be 30 to 50 years, but this technological development lays the foundation for realizing 100-year long-lasting homes. Moreover, since it can be applied in the same manner as conventional water-based paint, it can be immediately deployed on-site upon commercialization.

Additionally, this product possesses elasticity similar to rubber, stretching up to 1.0mm, which is about 10 times greater than conventional water-based paints. This allows it to respond to fine exterior wall cracks. Even small, invisible cracks can cause leaks. Especially in progressing cracks, the length and width continuously increase, significantly impacting the home's durability. The product developed by DL E&C forms a strong protective barrier that fundamentally prevents moisture penetration even if cracks under 1.0mm occur. In fact, this product passed a permeability test under a pressure of about 1 Bar (equivalent to the pressure experienced 10 meters underwater), proving its waterproof performance.

This technology was developed through joint research between DL E&C and Gangnam Jevisco. The two companies will share the patent rights. DL E&C is strengthening its ESG (Environmental, Social Responsibility, and Governance) management. In particular, it is focusing on joint technology development and research support activities to practice coexistence and enhance the competitiveness of partner companies.

Professor Sanggeun Oh, a leading authority and the first Ph.D. in waterproof engineering in Korea, and co-chairman of the Korean Construction Waterproofing Society at Seoul National University of Science and Technology’s Department of Architecture, stated, "As seen in the recent apartment collapse accident in Miami, USA, the importance of concrete building durability is increasing significantly." He added, "The development of exterior wall coating products that enhance concrete carbonation resistance by suppressing carbon dioxide and moisture penetration will play a major role in improving apartment durability and alleviating residents' anxiety."

Professor Oh further evaluated, "By imparting elasticity and waterproofing to the country's first water-based acrylic exterior wall paint, moisture penetration through external cracks smaller than 0.3mm has been fundamentally blocked," adding, "This will not only greatly resolve apartment leakage problems but also extend the maintenance period of exterior wall paint."