The first thing you will notice when you look at the word ETFE is that it's a mouthful, but that is just one part of the story. The real story is that it's an abbreviation for Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene, a lightweight, translucent polymer material used in more buildings in place of glass and hard plastics.
ETFE is the favorite choice for use in gymnasiums, commercial streets, commercial plazas, subway stations, airports, and railway stations. When used in large-span roofing, skylights, and facades, it helps in the maximum transmission of UV and light.
So what is it about this material that makes it an acceptable replacement for glass? Are there other benefits to it, and if they are, what are they? Let's find out.
The Advantages of ETFE Foil
The truth is that when it comes to choosing materials for use in tensioned membrane architecture, they have to be of optimum quality. And this necessitates that we talk about the qualities of etfe foil that make it an ideal choice for your next building project.
It is long-lasting – The result of many lab tests conducted on ETFE foil showed its life expectancy to be in the range of 40 to 50 years. Note that the strength, color, physical properties, and flexibility remained intact the whole time.
It’s Eco-Friendly – In this age where everyone is becoming increasingly aware of the devastating effects of climate change, it makes both economic and social sense to use environmentally-safe products. ETFE foil is recyclable, 100%.
It Reduces Waste – Its lightweight nature means that only a few materials are needed in the framework, causing reduced construction waste.
It’s Energy Efficient – When surface treatments are applied, ETFE helps in reducing solar heat gain in a building.
Has High Light and UV Transmission – Studies have shown that ETFE can transmit as much as 95% of light and UV. And this is due to its high translucency. Its ability to provide more access to natural light makes ETFE an attractive architectural solution.
It’s Safe – ETFE has been subjected to and passed many safety codes and standards. A first-rate quality is its self-extinguishing property - in the event of a fire outbreak. Its melting point is considerably high, and it's not affected by extreme temperature change.
It’s Has Low Maintenance – ETFE is highly resistant to corrosion. It also has a low friction coefficient that prevents dirt and dust from sticking to its surface.
It’s Cost-Effective – Compared to glass, ETFE foil is a low-cost alternative. Its lightweight means less load will be placed on the supporting structure, translating to reduced cost. In cases of puncture or tear, the affected part can easily be traced and patched instead of the whole foil being removed.
Is ETFE Foil the Right Material for Your Next Project?
The truth is that ETFE foil cannot be used for all types of building projects, but it's a preferable choice for constructing iconic structures. Also, ETFE foil is another innovative solution that you can add to your ever-expanding building options.
If you want to know whether ETFE foil is a suitable material for your next building project or how you can build eco-friendly, cost-effective, and durable fabric structures, contact us today, and we will gladly help out.
