architectural membrane association
PTFE coated glass fabrics have already been used for constructive membranes in the field of textile roofing for more than 35 years. Due to the molecular structure of the fluorpolymer coating, which is considered as one of the most stable organic compounds, the material is extremely resistant to all environmental impacts. In most of the cases, PTFE Glass fabrics are used for exterior application in complex and middle/ large size constructions.
The expected design life for such realisation can be settled on 35+ years. Thanks to the absence of plasticizers and the excellent anti-adhesive properties of its coating, the fabric will essentially not pollute and the surface won't transmute due to chemical degradation
Manufacturing and installation
For the manufacturing of PTFE glass fabrics high skill, experience and proper tools are needed. The fabric will be welded by use of an additional welding tape with heavy hot-bar welding machines. PTFE glass shall be not sharply doubled or folded due to the glass stiffness, so enough manufacturing space is required and special care for transportation is needed.
Installing a PTFE glass fabric surface needs very founded skill due to the above mentioned stiffness and the divergent elongation behaviour of the warp and weft glass yarns direction. Constant tension and adaptable tension devices, enough installation time and clement weather condition may help the distensile process at the best quality results
Cleaning & Maintenance
Due to the low adhesion of dirt on the material the pollution occurring is mainly removed by rain. The cleaning intervals can be fixed according to different optical requirements and common inspection schedules. The inspections primarily have the purpose of locating damages caused by mechanical impacts which, if already existing, can in most cases be repaired directly on site.
PTFE Glass is non-combustible in the praxis, however very comparable in many international normative as low-flammable. The fabric behaviour in fire case is however very resistant to heat and flames. The material will stop generating smoke and extinguish immediately after having lost contact to the fire.
Sustainability
PTFE Glass fabrics are not recyclable however due to the long life expectation in many case this aspect may be handled under the project prospective of the project performance as whole
Additional details
The maximum tensile strength vary by glass support type and total weight. The translucency of this kind of fabrics depends on the necessary thickness of the material and finally of the elements composition. Thus the translucency of a standard PTFE coated glass fabric is approximately between 8 % and 22 %. The reflectance is very high with a percentage over 70 %. Meanwhile there are special versions or laminated glass fabrics with higher translucency.
• Expensive raw material (compared with PVC-PES)
• Low flammability (fire classification DIN 4102, B1 or EN 13501 B-s1, DO)
• Colour white (delivered in beige it bleaches out within ~ 3 month)
• Strong and durable (> 35 years)
• Dirt repellent surfaces
• Waterproof
• Suitable for use in all weather conditions
• Suitable for hot bar welding
These highly durable fabrics are used mainly for middle and large sized permanent architectural applications. Suitable for roofs, façades or other tensile structures for sporting arenas, shopping malls, bus stations and airport terminals. The material can be delivered in high translucent versions. Due to its mentioned stiffness Glass PTFE cannot be used for temporary or retractable applications.
