Why Has ETFE Proven To Be The Next Popular Construction Material?

ETFE is the new product on the market that is gaining attention. It is available in two forms – ETFE sheets and ETFE cushions. These cushions could be made up of two, three, or four separate layers of foil, with the spaces in between inflated with air. This provides strength along with insulation. These sheets are available as completely transparent structures, bringing in virtually all the sunlight. However, they can also be printed, or provided with white sections to reduce the amount of incoming light. Using various printing techniques, the light coming in within the roof can be controlled. Alternatively, individual layers can be printed differently with contrasting techniques and patterns, enabling the throughput of light to be regulated by altering the distance between the layers, with varying pressure in different air chambers.

ETFE foil is extremely light in weight, resulting in cost savings for the supporting structure. Moreover, its flexibility can help achieve any shape; and its strength can help achieve spans of length. In addition, the snow load can be reduced via temperature control of the air within the roof. because of all these benefits, an ETFE foil roof is preferred in a wide range of applications like skylights, swimming pool enclosures, and various other structures like pavilions, stadiums, zoos, atriums, etc.

The other characteristics of ETFE include –

·         ETFE is highly durable and is virtually unaffected by aging; giving it a lifespan of more than 20 years. Thus, once you have an ETFE roof installed, you needn’t worry about it for at least another two decades.

·         ETFE is extremely light in weight, saving on the costs associated with the supporting structure, and enabling spans to be accomplished, which are otherwise not accomplished with glass.

·         ETFE is extremely resistant to dirt, thus eliminating the burden of maintenance and upkeep of the roof.

·         ETFE is flexible to help the roof achieve any kind of shape, giving the designers virtually total architectural freedom.

·         ETFE provides good insulation with the multiple layers having air spaces between them. Thus, the temperature of the structure is maintained in both summers and winters.

·         ETFE is 96% transparent, bringing in most of the sunlight. However, the amount of incoming light can be reduced by printing the ETFE foils.

·         ETFE is flame retardant, making it suitable for use in fire-prone areas. And, even if it comes in contact with fire, only the section that comes into contact melts away, without affecting the rest of the structure. Thus, only one particular segment will need to be replaced, rather than the entire roof.

ETFE is highly chemical resistant. When used in windows for rooms subjected to ethanol vapor and condensation, where pressure surges do occur, ETFE proves to be a great -material.

To install an ETFE foil roof for your next project, or to replace an existing roof with ETFE, you can get the best quality ETFE sheets and cushions at Tuflite Polymers, who has partnered with the renowned Vector Foiltec, the leading manufacturer of all kinds of ETFE.