Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene etfe is a fluorine based plastic polymer that offers a creative and lightweight alternative to glass.
Etfe roof disadvantages.
Not as transparent as glass.
There is no doubt in the fact that glass is the most clear most transparent material but there are many other disadvantages that are associated with this material.
They are called etfe cushions.
Creep is very high.
As being prestressed it can accomodate the live loads.
Benefits of an etfe roof etfe has started ruling the world of transparent materials which once glass was.
However etfe foil cushions offer some benefits over glass.
Disadvantages of metal roofing.
Relatively weak for a membrane material.
Materials can range from 7 00 to 9 00 per square foot and the installation of a metal roof can cost between 21 000 to 50 000.
Metal roofs are a significant investment for homeowners.
Elongations of 200 300 are possible.
Cushions distort the view.
To maintain their shape and structural stability multi layer etfe foil cushions require air inflation.
Etfe is a very flexible material and is able to cope with large deformations before breakage.
Blurring the division between the inside and the outside somewhat they are as much a feature in themselves as a method of construction.
The cushions are kept continually inflated at a predefined pressure by a small air handling unit or ahus connected to a control panel which inflates monitors and maintains the pressure in each individual cushion.
Disadvantages of etfe foil.
The crystallinity of etfe ranges from 40 to 60 and it has a melting temperature of 225 300 c depending on the comonomer ratio and the processing method further the ratio of the two monomers are varied to obtain several grades of etfe with optimized properties for specific end applications.
In the unlikely case of a power failure the air handling unit will cut out.
Since the first application of etfe in construction at the burges zoo in 1982 etfe roofing has gradually gained market share and is now successfully used in several buildings.
The swiss architecture team of jacques herzog and pierre de meuron created a sculpted look for the allianz arena 2005 one of the most beautiful etfe structures in münchen.
A photo journey of etfe architecture quickly dispels the notion that this is a simple plastic cladding material you might put over your roof or boat on a rainy day.
Both systems provide some capabilities like thermal insulation or light translucency.
The most used technology consist of two or more layer inflated with dry air.
Developed over 40 years ago by dupont etfe has similar light transmission to glass but at just 1 of the weight.
Disadvantages of etfe foil.
Etfe cushions are finally being recognized as a striking piece of architecture in themselves not just being chosen to form roof structures and rooflights they can be used to create striking canopies.
