Which is more suitable for use on building roofs, PTFE or ETFE membrane materials

ETFE Membrane: The Optimal Roofing Choice for High Transparency, Lightweight Design, and Construction Efficiency

Superior Light Transmission

• Light transmittance reaches 95% (comparable to glass), adjustable via surface-printed patterns (50%–95%) to balance natural lighting and energy efficiency.
  • Example: The Beijing Water Cube adjusts shading by regulating air pressure in ETFE cushions, optimizing indoor lighting and energy savings.

Lightweight and Safety

• Weight is 1% of glass, drastically reducing roof load and foundation costs.
• Fire-resistant (B1-rated), with a melting point of 200°C and a lifespan of 30+ years, ideal for long-span roofs.

Self-Cleaning and Low Maintenance

• Rainwater effectively cleans its anti-adhesive surface, requiring maintenance only every 5 years.
• Prefabricated air cushions enable dry, on-site assembly and easy repairs.

Cost Efficiency and Design Flexibility

• Total cost is lower than traditional glass roofs.
• Customizable into any shape and size for complex designs, such as the ETFE domes at Shanghai Disneyland.

PTFE Membrane: Durable, Fireproof, and Stain-Resistant for Permanent Roofs

Durability and Chemical Stability

• Glass fiber base coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin ensures resistance to strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizers, with a lifespan exceeding 25 years.
  • Example: The PTFE roof of the Shanghai Stadium remains intact after 20+ years of use.

Fire Safety and Anti-Stain Performance

• A-rated fireproof with low surface friction and self-cleaning properties, reducing maintenance costs.
• Light transmittance: 13%; heat reflection: 73%, ideal for roofs prioritizing insulation.

Strength and Aesthetic Versatility

• Tensile strength matches steel, with low elastic modulus for complex curved designs.
  • Example: The inner PTFE layer of the Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) provides insulation, condensation resistance, soundproofing, and dynamic lighting effects.

Cost and Construction Challenges

• High material and fabrication costs due to specialized tools and techniques required.
• Low flexibility increases risk of glass fiber breakage during installation.
• Unsuitable for high-transparency applications due to limited light transmittance.