ETFE – The Stronger Alternative To Glass

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Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene, more popularly
known as ETFE, is becoming one of the most
preferred materials by architects and designers
for various commercial and residential projects.
In fact, it has replaced the most traditional
glass in many applications because of the unique
benefits it provides against the long-established
material. It provides equal amount of
transparency as glass, while being more durable
and stronger, along with other added distinctive
properties and design versatility. This is why
ETFE foil has revolutionized the architectural
industry, solving various issues otherwise faced
with glass.
ETFE is light weight yet strong ETFE is only 1
the weight of glass, yet it is stronger than
glass! This is why it is considered as a miracle
material by architects. And, due to this
lightweightedness, ETFE costs lesser to install
too as the labour and machinery costs are
reduced. And, when we speak about strength, you
will be amazed to know that ETFE can bear up to
400 times its own weight!
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ETFE provides excellent insulation ETFE is able
to transmit great amounts of light indoors, while
also providing more insulation to enclosed
spaces, which is just not the case with glass.
When installed in layers forming an ETFE
cushion, it traps the heat and keeps the indoor
space insulated thus proving a boon in both
winter and summer climates. ETFE is resistant to
chemicals ETFE comes with coatings that provide
it the quality of resisting chemicals and other
solvents that may otherwise quickly decompose
any other material. Exposure to any kind of
mineral acids, inorganic bases, halogens, and
metal salt solutions are no big issue for
ETFE. ETFE is resistant to corrosion, abrasion,
and high temperature ETFE is tough enough to
resist any kind of abrasion. And, it also has
high corrosion resistance. Furthermore, ETFE is
designed to withstand high temperatures as it has
a very high melting point, at which it doesnt
emit toxic fumes. This makes ETFE extremely
human-friendly. ETFE is easy to repair It is a
well-known fact that glass is prone to cracking
and breaking very easily, and when it does,
there is no option but to repair the entire glass
roof. And, as we mentioned above, ETFE is
stronger than glass and is less likely to be
damaged. However, even in the rarest case that it
does, it needs no replacement. In fact, it can
be repaired by placing patches over the
tears. If the above qualities of ETFE arent
enough to satisfy you, here is some more. ETFE is
enormously elastic, and can be stretched to
almost three times its length. Moreover, it is
highly dirt-resistant as it has a smooth surface
and self-cleaning properties, thus making it very
easy to maintain. This makes it again much
better than glass because glass is 100
non-elastic, and is prone to scratches, thus
making it difficult to maintain. All these
properties make ETFE foil a superior material as
compared to glass, where you neednt look at your
roof for another 50 years after installation!
However, one thing you need to keep in mind with
an ETFE roof is that the layers that the ETFE is
installed in requires constant inflation through
consistent air pressure. But, with this one
drawback, we cant ignore the amazing benefits
that the material comes with. So, whenever you
are looking for a revolutionary material for your
design, make sure to use the best quality ETFE
foil from Tuflite Polymers, who have partnered
with the renowned Vector Foiltec for supplying
the best ETFE solutions to the Indian
subcontinent.