"Concrete Lifespan Extended Fivefold with Just Paint"... DL E&C Becomes First in Industry to Receive 'New Construction Technology' Certification for Paint

First-Ever Official Recognition of Paint Technology in Korean Construction Industry
Highly Elastic Material Blocks Fine Cracks and Moisture Penetration
Concrete Lifespan Can Be Extended More Than Fivefold
Result of Three Years of Joint Research... Expected to Reduce Maintenance Costs
Currently Applied at Acro and ePyeonhansesang... Plans for Market Expansion

A new method has emerged that can extend the lifespan of concrete by more than five times with just a single application of exterior apartment paint. On January 7, DL E&C announced that its “durability enhancement paint technology for multi-family housing,” jointly developed with Kangnam Jevisco, has received “new construction technology” certification from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. This marks the first time in the domestic construction industry that a paint-related technology has been officially recognized as new construction technology by the government.

Highly Elastic Paint That Stretches Even with Cracks... Completely Blocks Concrete Corrosion

The complex view of 'ePyeonhansesang Siheung Double Square' with durability-enhancing paint applied. DL E&C.

The core of this new technology lies in endowing the paint with “elasticity” and “waterproofing” properties. Typically, fine cracks develop over time on the exterior concrete walls of apartments, allowing moisture to penetrate and corrode the internal rebar. This has been a chronic issue threatening both the aging and the structural safety of apartment buildings.

DL E&C’s new technology uses highly elastic materials so that even if cracks form on the concrete surface, the paint layer stretches without breaking, filling in the gaps. Its powerful waterproofing performance blocks moisture infiltration, dramatically slowing the deterioration of concrete. As a result, it can extend the lifespan of concrete by more than five times compared to existing methods, raising expectations that it could become a core technology for realizing “century-long housing.”

A Fruitful Result of Three Years of Joint Research... Expected to Reduce Maintenance Costs

Conceptual diagram of 'Durability Enhancement Paint'. DL E&C.

This technology is the result of three years of dedicated collaboration, combining DL E&C’s construction expertise with Kangnam Jevisco’s paint technology since 2021. It is also significant as an example of technological localization achieved through cooperative partnership with a supplier. The technology’s applicability has already been verified through patent acquisition in 2021 and certification by the Korea Concrete Institute in 2022.

For residents, the technology offers significant savings in maintenance costs. Reduced exterior wall damage means longer intervals between repairs and repainting. This, in turn, leads to lower long-term repair reserve funds, providing a tangible benefit by reducing apartment management fees.

DL E&C is already applying this technology at its “Acro” and “ePyeonhansesang” sites. With the credibility gained through the recent certification from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the company plans to actively expand sales to other construction sites, the aging apartment repair market, and general concrete buildings.

A DL E&C representative emphasized, “This new technology is an eco-friendly solution that not only reduces maintenance costs but also lowers construction waste and carbon emissions. Beyond simply developing new materials, it will provide residents with safer and more sustainable housing value.”