If you're in the market for a fabric that is not only durable and weather-resistant but also sustainable, PTFE coated glass cloth might just be what you're looking for. This high-quality woven fiberglass membrane is coated in Teflon, making it an ideal choice for tensile membrane structures.
One of the reasons why PTFE coated glass cloth is a sustainable choice is because of its low weight and thickness. At just 1.31kg/m2 and 0.8mm, less energy is needed to manufacture, transport, and install the material. Additionally, the packaging allows for around 500 m2 of the material to be packed into each crate lined by foam padding, which helps prevent folds or creases in the PTFE material before it's installed.
Because of its high tensile strength and lightweight properties, PTFE coated glass cloth can be installed in long-span projects that require less steel and emit fewer CO2 emissions. The material also boasts a high solar reflectivity of 71%, improving the thermal efficiency of buildings and reducing the need for energy-hungry air conditioning systems.
Another sustainable factor is the material's lifespan of over 30 years. The first PTFE structure was erected over 50 years ago, and other installations have been in place for over 40 years now. This minimizes the materials and energy required to regularly replace the materials of the structures.
Maintenance is also minimal once the material is installed. It generally does not require maintenance for several years and does not require regular cleaning, as rainfall friction effectively keeps the material clean in most environments. When cleaning is necessary, the chemicals and energy required are minimal, ensuring sustainable practices throughout the lifespan of the structure.
PTFE coated glass cloth is also environmentally friendly due to the inclusion of Iro2 Photocatalytic coating technology in the PTFE coating of the fiberglass. This technology reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SOx) around the structures, supporting a cleaner atmosphere. The Tio2 topcoat also keeps the material's surface cleaner and whiter, supporting solar reflectance, which minimizes the demand placed on building's air conditioning systems and the energy required to run these systems.
In summary, PTFE coated glass cloth is a sustainable choice for tensile fabric structures due to its low weight and thickness, high tensile strength and solar reflectivity, long lifespan, low maintenance requirements, and environmentally friendly coatings.
To learn more about PTFE and the fabrics we make in house at Fabric8, visit: https://fabric8membraneservices.com/products/ptfe/
See the PTFE projects that we have been a part of here: https://fabric8membraneservices.com/portfolio/