Frequently Asked Questions

An ETFE roof is a lightweight, highly transparent roof made from thin fluoropolymer foils, with a service life of 30+ years and an estimated life of 50 years. The foil is typically 100 to 300 microns thick and is used either as a single-layer membrane tensioned with cables, or as multi-layer cushions kept inflated at low pressure. The material is 100% recyclable. Learn more

ETFE weighs roughly 1% of an equivalent area of glass and transmits up to 95% of visible light. A single-layer ETFE panel weighs under 1 kg/m² against roughly 30 kg/m² for double glazing, so steel tonnage, connection sizes and foundation loads all reduce. That structural saving frequently offsets a large part of the envelope cost difference against glass. ETFE also does not shatter into sharp debris. Learn more

Yes, multi-layer ETFE cushions need a permanent air supply, while single-layer ETFE needs no mechanical plant or power. A small air handling unit holds the cushions at about 250–300 Pa and uses roughly 60–120 W. Each unit has two fans running alternately, and non-return valves keep the cushions inflated for about 3 to 6 hours after a power failure, so we recommend standby power. Learn more

Solar gain through ETFE is engineered at design stage using four levers that are usually combined: silver fritting printed on the outer foil, white or matt diffused foil, tinted solar-control foil, and additional cushion layers. The target light transmission and G-value should be agreed early, because the frit pattern is printed on the roll before panels are cut and welded. Learn more

ETFE needs very little maintenance: rain removes most soiling, and cleaning every 2 to 3 years with light pH-neutral detergents is usually sufficient. Cushion roofs also need their air handling units serviced twice a year, with the air filter replaced at least every six months. Minor punctures are patched in situ, and TMSI runs a dedicated maintenance department with 24-hour technical support. Learn more

ETFE foil has low flammability and is self-extinguishing. Under fire, hot smoke makes the foil soften and shrink away from the heat source, venting the space naturally, and it produces no flaming droplets or molten debris. Typical classifications include DIN 4102 Class B1, EN 13501-1 B-s1,d0, BS 476 Parts 6 & 7 Class 0, UL 94 V-0 and NFPA 701; certification is issued for each project's foil. Learn more

ETFE foil systems come with a standard 5-year warranty, and an extended 10-year warranty is available at additional cost on request. For cushion roofs, the air blower station carries a 24-month bring-in warranty and turning parts (fans and dehumidifier) 12 months. Final warranty terms are confirmed against the specification at contract stage. Learn more

Cost depends mainly on the system, the area and span, and the supporting structure. For ETFE the drivers include single-layer versus cushion build-up and layer count, fritting or printing, the air supply units, and site-specific wind loading. Because ETFE is so light, savings in steel and foundations often offset much of its envelope cost. Send us the span, city and shading needed for an indicative budget. Learn more

Duration depends on the project's size, system and approvals, so we confirm a programme with each proposal. The main factors are the design and engineering analysis, agreeing frit and light targets before printing, factory patterning, cutting and welding, steel fabrication, and site installation. Mock-ups and fabric tests are done in our factory, so installation starts ready rather than solving problems on site. Learn more

Every TMSI ETFE roof is engineered for its site, with wind loading to the Saudi Building Code / ASCE 7 or EN 1991-1-4 as specified, and snow loading to EN 1991-1-3 where applicable. The membrane, cables and structure are checked by non-linear finite element analysis. Cushion assemblies are classified non-fragile Class C under ACR(M)001, and each project receives a calculation report, shop drawings and material certificates. Learn more

Yes, we manufacture locally at our own production facility in the Industrial Area, Dammam, and deliver projects across Saudi Arabia. Our projects include work in Makkah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Khobar, Dhahran, Al Jubail, Al Hasa, South Ghawar and Jafurah. Design, engineering, steel fabrication, membrane manufacture and installation all sit inside TMSI, so one party is accountable for the finished roof. Learn more