WAI signs MoU with NAREDCO

Gurgaon, Haryana, 30 September 2024: “Waterproofing is required when it starts falling on the roof and not when it starts leaking, therefore it’s a preventive action that will save the building not a reactive action,” said Samir Surlaker, Director, Assess Build Chem Private Limited. He was speaking at the first-ever National Waterproofers Conference & Exhibition 2024, organised by the Waterproofers Association of India (WAI) and Gurgaon, Haryana.

The conference also marked the signing of a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) and WAI. According to the MoU both organisations will work together to improve the quality of waterproofing works by spreading knowledge on design and best practices. The joint efforts will also support government initiatives such as green building and smart city programs. Fostering better design practices and facilitating skill development within our industry.

“Once the water ingress starts then you cannot guarantee the life of the building” stated Guest of Honour Er. K Sriniwas Reddy, MD & Founder Design Tree Consulting. “Everyone will have a different definition for waterproofing but all are together when it comes to managing the sustainability, longevity, and durability of a building and to make it water resistant and foolproof is the motto of all of us. This also is important because of faster urbanisation” he further continued.

“Most difficult for waterproofing is not the swimming pool but the roof” further eemphasised Mr Surlaker.

Fostering meaningful discussions and highlighting waterproofing’s crucial role in building integrity and construction best practices, the first-ever National Waterproofers Conference & Exhibition 2024, saw nearly 300 participants and exhibitors from across India, UAE, and Korea among others.

This landmark conference & Exhibition saw Global speakers from different business segments of the industry cover various topics such as Waterproofing, Repairs, Tunnels, Thermal Insulation, EIFS & Coatings, Modern Equipment and machinery, Polyurea, Polyurethane, Remedial Waterproofing, and Case Studies.

Sandeep Chaudhry, President of WAI while speaking about the necessity of the exhibition said “We have seen many bodies for different industries but none for the waterproofing industry. Therefore, getting together to spotlight waterproofing as an essential factor in the longevity and safety of a building, its importance, and to bring it into a right perspective was the need of the hour”

This conference & Exhibition event marks a significant step forward for the waterproofing industry, which has often been overlooked despite being a critical component of the construction sector. The initiative seeks to bring the waterproofing industry to a common platform with architects, consultants, contractors, and builders and raise awareness about the importance of waterproofing in construction.

Key stakeholders expected to attend include stakeholders from renowned organisations including CPWD, RITES, IRCON, MES, NBCC, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, and top builders, ensuring a comprehensive dialogue between various construction industry sectors.

The conference was aptly supported by manufacturers such as Pidilite, Amchem, STP, LAGreens, Huntsman, Unicrete, Upgrade, Assess Buildchem, Graco, Bronco, SP Concare, Husqvarna, Supreme, among others as well as The Construction Chemicals Manufacturers Association, NAREDCO, and Construction Industries Development Council.