Services

We offer you comprehensive concept planning

• Feasibility Study
• Concept Design
• Schematic Design
• Preliminary Structural Analysis
• Thermal Analysis
• Refurbishment Concept
• Value Engineering
• Specification & Bid/Tender Support
• Estimation & Costing
• Visualizations
• Installation & Maintenance Concepts

Most of the challenges in aesthetics, technical data and finances, occur as your project takes shape in the very beginning with the concept design.

The earlier you involve a specialist in your  architectural, engineering and user concept, the more advantage you can take from our experience:

• Is Texlon^® ETFE an adequate system? Does it work with the anticipated architectural and user concept?
• What are the options for structure materials and resulting engineering concepts?
• Which set-up is best for the cladding? Highly transparent, partly shaded, tinted foils, how many layers of foil should be used?
• What operational requirements should be integrated into the cladding (venting, fire precautions, access for maintenance, shading systems, rainwater drainage etc.)?

Texlon^® ETFE inflated cladding systems can be manufactured with much larger panel sizes spanning greater areas than conventional cladding technology.

Under normal environmental loading conditions panel sizes can be coordinated with structural modules for primary structural members. Integrated cladding and structural design delivers simple and elegant cost effective solutions for a wide range of cladding requirements.

The innate toughness, high tear resistance and unique elastic properties of Texlon^® ETFE means that this technology is particularly suited to applications where large deflections may be anticipated; large span lightweight structures, buildings in earthquake or hurricane zones or a requirement for bomb blast resilience.

The air in the large inflated pneumatically pressurised panels acts as a fluid that dampens short term loads and reduces their intensity. This leads to an overall decrease in the loads imposed on the primary structure. Ultra lightweight structures such as uni-axial cable nets and large scale geodesics can utilize this phenomenon.

It is necessary to consider all load cases including potential water ponding loads for Texlon^® panels with a horizontal and/or near horizontal orientation. The overall geometry, the maximum span, the radii of curvature and the thickness of the foils of the Texlon^® inflated panels are defined by the membrane stresses generated by inflation and external loads.

We are industry leaders in the production of ETFE cladding systems for over 35 years.

Our two state of the art production facilities, in China and Germany, mean than we can provide our clients with customized design solutions, through to supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the ETFE cladding system.

The Texlon^® ETFE system consists mainly of three components: ETFE foil, the aluminum profiles and an air supply. The ETFE foil can be used as a single-layer or multi-layer system, it can be transparent or printed. The number of layers used in a panel depends on project specific requirements for structural and thermal performance. In addition to the number of foil layers, printing patterns with embodied pigments can also be utilized to fine tune g-values and U-values for any system. Different specifications can therefore deliver a wide range and combination of visual transparency, solar control and thermal resistance.

The thickness of individual foil layers can vary between 80 µm and 300 µm depending on the mechanical performance required for given loading conditions.

If the system is used as a multi-layer (from two to up to five layers) system, it is welded to so-called “cushions” and filled with the air from the air supply. To date, our longest cushions span over 140 meters. A “keder” rope is welded around the perimeter of the cushion. Both the single-layer foil and multilayer ETFE system cushions are mounted in aluminum profiles, with the help of the keder rope. The aluminum profiles themselves are attached to the building structure. The structure can, for example, be made of steel, wood, aluminum, concrete, stainless steel or else.

We are committed to delivering projects to the highest possible standard of quality and service to all our clients. During all stages of ETFE cladding fabrication we adhere to strict a Quality Management Program, which involves self-monitoring and monitoring by an independent third party institute. QA sheets will accompany every ETFE cladding panel or cushion produced. This ensures that we deliver products of the highest quality possible.

We are in the business of construction and work with some of the most experienced construction teams in the industry.

Texlon^® ETFE installations are precision-engineered systems and require the highest levels of craftsmanship and skill to install. Site installation, testing and commissioning is undertaken by fully trained rope access technicians, who are familiar with the levels of careful handling associated with Texlon^® ETFE foil systems. The various components making up the system are specially manufactured and require the most sensitive levels of care and attention during transport, handling and installation.

All projects start with a handover meeting between the dedicated internal project manager and the site installation teams to discuss the project in detail. This includes examination of drawings, standard and non-standard details, site location and layout.

Regardless of a project’s size or complexity, we combine global experience with local knowledge to deliver high quality projects. All site work is planned and carried out to ensure that the final installation has been delivered to the highest quality in terms of functionality and aesthetics.

ETFE roof and facade maintenance service – always by your side

It is essential that Texlon^® ETFE systems are correctly maintained to ensure optimal performance and longevity of both static and moving components. Regular maintenance of Texlon^® ETFE “live” inflated systems and single membrane systems is a skilled operation. We have dedicated rope access teams specially trained to maintain the ETFE installation to the highest standard. Our on-going commitment to training ensures each Vector Foiltec operative is able to provide advice on all aspects of the technology. Sharing our vast technical knowledge and expertise provides clients with assurance and peace of mind that the Texlon^® ETFE system will perform over the course of the building’s life.

Texlon^® ETFE inflated installations are “live” systems – the optimum operating pressures are maintained by permanently connected inflation units responding to ‘feedback’ signals.

It is necessary to perform visual and physical inspections throughout the lifecycle of the Texlon^® ETFE installation to identify damage at roofs or facades and repair it at an early stage.

The Vector Foiltec ETFE roof maintenance services

• Comprehensive maintenance and inspection of all ETFE elements, as roofs and facades
• Survey of ETFE installations
• Rope access services including inspection, localized repair, cleaning, etc.
• Fabrication and installation of bespoke architectural components
• Ventilation servicing, installation and environmental control assessment