Lightweight

PTFE/Glass has approximately 1/30th the weight of a traditional steel roof, thereby decreasing construction costs of support structures and foundations. This also makes PTFE/Glass desirable from a sustainability perspective.

Energy Savings

High reflectivity coupled with low absorption rate of sunlight as well as low heat capacity, means reduced solar energy influx into a building, resulting in energy savings. 

Natural Light Transmission

The light transmission of PTFE/Glass ranges from 9-14% providing natural diffused light transmission to the internal environment under a PTFE/Glass roof/canopy. Dramatic night time lighting effects can be achieved with LED lighting onto PTFE/Glass roofing due to it’s light diffusing properties.

Low Maintenance

Due to the low friction coefficient of PTFE (Teflong) coating combined with its water repellancy, dust and dirt wash away with the action of rain. Minimal cleaning is required. 

Fire Resistance

PTFE/Glass has been tested to AS1530.2 and 3 with extremely low flammability, spread of flame, ignitability, and smoke developed indices. The glass fiber substrate is non-combustible. This makes PTFE/Glass the material of choice for cladding in high risk fire zones.

Longevity

PTFE coatings are unaffected by UV light and airborne pollutants and therefore maintains function and safety for minimum of 30 years. 

Sustainability

Due to various factors, noted below, PTFE/Glass makes a significant contribution to green construction:

• PTFE coated fiberglass has a low weight 1.31 kg/m2 and thickness of 0.8 mm and therefore requires minimal energy to manufacture, transport, and install.
• It is packed into crates with approximately 500 m2 of material per crate with foam padding to prevent creases in folds of the material.
• Its high tensile strength approximately 7000 N / 5cm in warp and 6000 N / 5cm in weft, combined with low weight allows it to be installed over long spans, which requires less structural support, therefore, less steel and less C02 emission.
• It has high solar reflectance of 71%, therefore improves the thermal efficiency of buildings
• It has a long lifespan of 30+ years. The first structure supplied is over 50 years old. Other installations are over 40 years old. 
• It requires minimal maintenance. Once properly installed, it is generally maintenance-free for many years. There is no need to re-apply tension. Due to the PTFE’s low friction co-efficient, it generally cleans with the action of rain and does not require frequent cleaning. Very dry or urban/polluted areas may accumulate some contamination on the surface; however, when cleaning is necessary, it uses very little chemicals or energy.
• The fabric’s PTFE (coating) is inert and does not interact with the vast majority of other materials in a wide range of conditions. There is no off-gassing of VOC’s from the coating. It does not become brittle over time. There have been some concerns with materials used in the manufacture of PTFE. The use of these materials has been greatly reduced, with many being eliminated, over recent years. In addition, Saint-Gobain has installed state of the art equipment to ensure all air and water effluent meets (and often well exceeds) all regulations.
• The addition of Tio2 Photocatalytic coating technology to the PTFE coating of the fiberglass further reduces NOx and SOx from the atmosphere around PTFE structures. The available TiO2 topcoat not only helps clean the air, but keeps the surface cleaner and whiter, helping to maintain high solar reflectance and minimizing demand on air conditioning systems.
• There are PTFE/glass products by certain suppliers which have received an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). (Available upon request).

>> See our PTFE Projects