Title: Staying Protected With An ETFE Roof - Tuflite Polymers
1ETFE is one of the most popular materials being
used today to build a variety of structures. It
could be used as a single ETFE foil or ETFE
cushion having layers of ETFE cushioned together
with air spaces in between. The reasons why ETFE
is being used so widely are many, but the most
important aspect of this incredible material is
that it provides immense amount of protection to
the inhabitants within the structure. Here are
the varied types of protection you can receive
with an ETFE roof.
ETFE is not fragile ETFE is certified as a Class
C non-fragile roof assembly in accordance with
ACR(M)001200 test for fragility of roofing
assemblies, which is one of the non-fragile
assemblies. ETFE protects against the chills of
winters and extreme heat of summers A single ply
ETFE sheet has an approximate U value of 5.6
W/m2.K, while a three layered ETFE cushion has
an approximate U value of 1.96 W/m2.K. with more
layers, or by treating the foil with specialist
coatings, the thermal properties of ETFE can be
enhanced. Therefore, the structure with an ETFE
roof remains insulated, that is, it remains cool
in summers and warm in winters, keeping you
protected against the harsh environment
outside. ETFE is safe against fire
2ETFE has very low flammability and is a
self-extinguishing material. Thus, in the event
of a fire, hot smoke causes the foil to soften,
fail, and shrink away from the fire source, thus
creating natural ventilation. Also, the ETFE
foil will not create any molten drips or
fumes. ETFE is safe against explosions ETFE is
so flexible that it can take very high loadings
for a short period of time, which makes it an
ideal material for use in locations where there
is risk of explosion. In places where vandalism
is a threat, ETFE is an advantage as the
cushions do not break or fall from the extrusion
frames, when damaged. ETFE also has exceptional
tear resistance, lack of weakness, and stress
crack concentration. Even in case of any cuts
and scratches, the material rapidly stretches and
rounds out into a tough low radius area that
dissipates the loads and prevents further
tearing. ETFE has long life ETFE is unaffected
by UV light, pollution, and all other forms of
environmental weathering. This means that the
inhabitants within the ETFE space are also safe
against UV light and other environments. ETFE
has in fact been extensively researched and
tested in a laboratory environment, as well as
out in the field, which concludes that there is
no degradation or loss of strength or
brittleness. Thus, the people within the
structure can live comfortably and worry nothing
about the roofing to be replaced for at least 50
long years. Solar control is possible with
ETFE While ETFE is transparent and lets in
maximum amount of sunlight, it can also be
treated to reduce the amount of light coming
indoors. Various treatments like printing,
tinting, radiation treatment, layer addition,
and other surface treatments can be done on ETFE
to manipulate light transmission. Thus, the
people indoors can receive maximum sunlight,
while also being protected against over exposure
to the sun. With all of these benefits, it can
be clearly said that ETFE is one of the best
materials that can be used for a transparent and
translucent roof. For the best quality ETFE foil
and cushion, you can get in touch with Tuflite
Polymers, the leading suppliers of ETFE from the
renowned Vector Foiltec.