Keep it Kool at Broxap working in partnership with CENO Membrane Technology GmbH.

Modern architecture is hard to imagine without use of transparent structures for facades and roofs. Besides glass structures, innovative structures made of ETFE foil are increasingly gaining significance.

Where the conventional approach would often be to use glass in roofs, skylights and atriums, more recently an increasing number of sectors are benefitting from the advantages provided by an ETFE system.

Advantages of ETFE structures:

• Light transmission (90% in the visible wavelength)
• High UV resistance
• Good thermal insulation: U values
• Light-weight, thereby facilitating slender, intricate substructures
• High tensile strength, as well as tear and hail resistance
• Flame retardant
• Low maintenance costs due to anti-adhesive surface
• Long service life of at least 25 - 35 years
• Cost savings in comparison with conventional transparent roofs
• Highly recyclable
• Heat from sunlight can be reduced by imprinting graphic designs

ETFE is used in building as extruded foil and is primarily used in the form of air-filled cushions. The foil cushions can be equipped with multiple air chambers to attain low U-values.

ETFE foils can also be installed in single layers. The material-specific properties of relatively low elastic deformation and high plastic deformation, as well as high ultimate strain, must be taken into account when doing so.