An ETFE roof system should be specified as a complete roof package, including the foil configuration, supports, perimeter details, drainage and, for pneumatic cushions, inflation equipment and controls.
For contractors and developers, the early decision is whether the proposed system can meet the building’s environmental requirements and be installed and maintained under the available site conditions.
We recommend defining these requirements before requesting a firm square-meter quotation. Roof area alone does not establish the system configuration or supply scope.
Choose Between Single-Layer Foil and Pneumatic Cushions
Single-layer ETFE uses mechanically supported and tensioned foil. Pneumatic cushions use multiple foil layers maintained by an air-supply system. The choice affects structural behavior, thermal performance, interfaces and operating requirements.
| Review item | Single-layer system | Pneumatic cushion system |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Mechanically supported foil | Multiple foil layers forming pressurized cushions |
| Thermal assessment | Limited insulation from a single foil layer | Performance depends on the proposed layer and cushion configuration |
| Equipment | No cushion inflation system | Air supply, distribution and controls |
| Procurement focus | Foil support, tensioning, connections and drainage | Cushion design, profiles, inflation equipment and operating arrangements |
Neither option should be selected solely because it uses fewer components or more foil layers. The proposed assembly must meet the project brief.
Set Environmental Targets for the Space Below
An open courtyard canopy and a roof over a conditioned atrium require different performance criteria.
For enclosed occupied spaces, define daylight, solar heat gain, thermal performance, condensation and acoustic requirements. High transparency alone does not establish acceptable indoor comfort.
Ask the supplier to state the performance of the proposed foil, printing and layer arrangement. Where a value applies only to part of the assembly, clarify how the remaining profiles and interfaces are assessed.
If glass remains an alternative, use our ETFE roof vs glass roof comparison to establish a consistent basis for the two proposals.
Coordinate Geometry, Supports and Drainage
The roof layout should show foil or cushion boundaries, supporting members, perimeter conditions and water-discharge routes.
Provide the applicable design criteria and identify restrictions on support positions or building connections. Changes to roof shape or support spacing can affect several parts of the package and should be reviewed before fabrication.
Drainage must also connect with the wider building. Identify who supplies gutters, outlets, flashings and connections to the site system. For retrofit work, confirm the existing structure and waterproofing information available for review.
Define Inflation Equipment Responsibilities
For cushion systems, confirm the air-supply and control arrangement as part of the original proposal.
The review should establish:
- Who supplies the inflation equipment and air-distribution components.
- Where equipment will be located and how it will be accessed.
- Required electrical connections and responsibility for site wiring.
- Monitoring, alarm and building-management interfaces where specified.
- The proposed response to equipment faults or power interruption.
- Commissioning responsibilities and information provided to the operator.
Do not assume that every cushion roof includes the same redundancy, monitoring or backup arrangements. The required provisions should be agreed for the proposed system and operating conditions.
Confirm Material and Approval Documentation
Request identification of the foil manufacturer, product, thickness and any specified printing. Supporting reports should correspond to the proposed configuration and project requirements.
Fire documentation should identify the relevant product and test basis. A general statement about ETFE does not establish approval for every roof application.
Our membrane specification guide provides a separate checklist for reviewing material documents.
Compare the Quotation as a Complete Package
| Package item | Information to confirm |
|---|---|
| ETFE covering | Foil specification, layers, printing and panel or cushion arrangement |
| Profiles and connections | Perimeter components, seals, fixings and building interfaces |
| Supporting structure | Included steelwork, connections, finishes and design responsibilities |
| Inflation system | Equipment, controls, distribution and site interfaces where applicable |
| Drainage | Gutters, outlets, flashings and discharge connections |
| Installation | Site labor, lifting, access, temporary works and supervision |
| Handover | Inspection records, operating information, training and warranty documents |
Ask each supplier to identify assumptions and exclusions. Two prices for the same roof area may cover different structural, equipment and installation responsibilities.
A fixed cost saving should not be inferred from ETFE’s low covering weight. The installed cost depends on the complete design and the work included.
Plan Inspection and Maintenance Access Before Ordering
ETFE’s surface characteristics can reduce dirt retention, but the roof still requires an agreed inspection and maintenance plan.
For cushion systems, the plan should cover foil condition, welded joints, perimeter components and inflation equipment. Cleaning and servicing arrangements should reflect the supplied system and local environment.
Ask how individual panels or cushions can be reached and replaced, particularly above occupied or difficult-to-close spaces. Confirm the maintenance obligations associated with the warranty.
Agree on the Handover Requirements
Before production, establish the documents and checks needed at delivery and completion. These may include approved drawings, component identification, material records, installation information and system-specific commissioning records.
For pneumatic systems, the operator should receive clear instructions for routine checks, alarms and escalation. The installation contract should identify who demonstrates the agreed operating functions and closes outstanding issues.
Our contractor project workflow explains how fabrication and delivery information should remain coordinated.
Order & Project Support
Send us the roof plan, project location, intended use and required supply scope. Include whether the space is open or conditioned, the environmental targets, available structural information and installation restrictions.
We can review the proposed ETFE package and identify the technical and commercial details needed for a project-specific quotation.
