Tedlar
Tedlar® PVF Film
Compared to paint-based protective metal coatings, Tedlar® PVF Film’s unique combination of strength, chemical inertness and weatherability offers superior protection for metal panel roof and wall systems. This next generation protective metal coating from DuPont™ is the ultimate defense against Mother Nature, even in the most extreme environments. Available exclusively through Metal Alliance in the United States and the Caribbean, Tedlar PVF film for metal roofing and exterior wall panels offers revolutionary new performance in metal panel protective coatings.
Advantages of Tedlar PVF Film:
Durability
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No saltwater corrosion
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No cracking, blistering or checking
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Virtually no fading or chalking
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Impervious to harsh chemicals, cleaning agents and pollution
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Impact resistant
Easy to Clean
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Stain-resistant
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Safe to clean with strong detergents and solvents
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Remove graffiti without ghosting
Aesthetics
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Unmatched formability to 1 T-Bend
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Uniform, smooth, matte finish
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Lot-to-lot color consistency
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Matte surface prevents light pollution
Eco-Friendly
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No support for mold, mildew or bacteria growth
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Non-reactive, inert & non-flammable
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Produces minimal VOC emissions during processing
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LEED credit eligible colors available
NO COASTAL RESTRICTIONS!
Proven in the most extreme conditions, Tedlar® PVF film is the ultimate solution against corrosion in coastal and tropical environments that are exposed to sea water and salt spray and experience high temperatures and humidity. And with its advanced resistance to color fade and chalking over other coatings, metal surfaces finished with Tedlar will maintain their original appearance for decades.
Metal roofing and wall panels finished with Tedlar have been time-tested against rigorous ASTM testing standards, and Mother Nature, including South Florida's HVHZ zones, to deliver unmatched weather resistance and durability.
Unlike other finish warranties that require a minimum 1500 ft. setback, metal roofing and wall panels finished with Tedlar® PVF film are covered†. Even for projects located directly on the shorefront!
Metal roofing and wall panels made with Tedlar® PVF Film come with up to a 50-year limited warranty† against:
• Color change ΔE94 ≥ 5
• Visible checking, cracking or blistering
• Chalk rating ≤ 6
NO COASTAL RESTRICTIONS!
WHAT IS TEDLAR?
When DuPont researcher Roy Plunkett discovered the first fluoropolymer in 1938 it revolutionized the plastics industry. Exhibiting extreme resistance to known solvents, acids or bases, the breakthrough would give birth to widespread applications and countless products used throughout the world every day. DuPont went on to successfully polymerize vinyl fluoride (VF) in 1942, creating a new member of the fluoropolymer family, polyvinyl fluoride or PVF. that demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties that could withstand harsh and corrosive environments, resist UV light and repel water. Recognizing PVF’s unique potential as a film, DuPont trademarked its proprietary Tedlar® PVF Film in 1961 and introduced it for commercial use. Today, Tedlar’s steady chemical, physical and thermal properties continue to deliver superior protection to surfaces all over the globe from building construction and aerospace, to healthcare and transportation.
THE SECRET OF TEDLAR'S STRENGTH
The precursor of polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) is vinyl fluoride (VF), an organic compound of carbon, fluorine, and hydrogen. During polymerization, vinyl fluoride molecules combine to produce the polyvinyl fluoride polymer, a chainlike network of repeated VF monomers. Significantly, VF’s single fluorine, the most electronegative of all elements, draws electron density away from the linear carbon backbone, effectively creating even stronger bonds when repeated throughout the PVF polymer chain.
Vinyl Fluoride Monomer
Polyvinyl Fluoride Polymer after polymerization
The resulting combination of unusual strength, chemical inertness and low permeability to air and water contributes to the superior performance of Tedlar against UV light, salt spray, pollution and harsh chemicals.
HOW IS TEDLAR DIFFERENT?
Tedlar outperforms all other types of protective metal coatings, including paint, in critical performance areas. This is a result of the film’s intrinsic chemical properties and physical properties as well as its unique formulation, finishing and adhesion process.
Paints, for example, require the addition of co-resins or plasticizers to adhere to their substrate, manage flexibility or promote uniform coating or drying. These additives, however, are susceptible to UV and chemical degradation, while also imparting nutrients that can support microbe growth, thus compromising the substrate they are meant to protect.
TEDLAR FILM COMPOSITION: UNRIVALLED BALANCE OF DURABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY
Tedlar PVF film is made from just two primary ingredients: polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) polymer and pigments. The film’s formula does not require a tradeoff between native resistance and additives to facilitate processing, resulting in a more durable protective finish with unmatched resistance to corrosion from harmful UV rays, harsh chemicals, high heat and humidity.
100% PVF IS THE SOLE BINDER
that creates Tedlar and the central factor in its durability. Using only the highly stable polyvinyl fluoride matrix, the transparent and flexible film requires no additives to aid in processing, The film can be surface treated to accept a range of adhesives without additives keeping the exterior surface pure and maximizing performance outdoors.
INORGANIC PIGMENTS
with the highest level of inertness and durability provide color with the extra benefit of absorbing UV light and dissipating solar energy as heat. Gloss level is achieved using ceramic particles which roughen the surface for a smooth and matte finish that endures for many years.
STRETCHING AND FINISHING
are done using a biaxial stretching and drying process creating a dense molecular grid for additional mechanical strength, abrasion resistance and a smooth surface free of pinholes and other uneven formations. Extruded under DuPont’s strict quality standards, each batch of Tedlar PVF film is then certified to ensure that it meets the technical specs for metal substrate protection and batch-to-batch color uniformity. When finished, free-standing Tedlar PVF film can be stretched in any direction to more than twice its original length without cracks, loss of adhesion or color change. This superior formability and impact resistance compared with painted coatings make it an ideal choice for fabricating architectural metal building products. protection and batch-to-batch color uniformity.
HOW IS TEDLAR APPLIED TO METAL?
Similar to paint-based protective metal coatings, Tedlar PVF film is applied in an automated, continuous fashion. Using flexible adhesives specially developed by DuPont for superior durability that resists moisture degradation, UV radiation and discoloration, the film is applied via a hot lamination process.
Lamination is accomplished by cleaning the metal, depositing a controlled conversion coating on the metal, coating metal with a solvent-based adhesive, evaporating the solvent, heating the metal to activate the adhesive, and then combining with Tedlar® PVF film in nip rolls and quenching the laminate.
TEDLAR: An Unbreakable Bond
Once the application process is complete, Tedlar PVF film permanently becomes a part of the metal substrate. It will expand and contract with the underlying substrate during fabrication and temperature fluctuations when exposed to the environment. Even after extensive aging, Tedlar film cannot be removed, ensuring a low maintenance, durable structure with superior resistance to the wind, water, sunlight, hail, acid rain, chemical exposure and pollution.
TEDLAR FAQ
QUALITY
WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT TEDLAR COMPARED WITH OTHER METAL COATINGS?
Tedlar PVF film is superior to other protective coatings, including paint. With proven performance in the most extreme environments, it won’t crack, blister or check from UV rays, corrosion, acid rain or dirt, and there will be virtually no color fade or chalking. Aluminum applications will not experience corrosion from sea water and salt spray, including on direct oceanfront properties. Tedlar is also impervious to harsh chemicals and can be fabricated to the tightest of radii without cracks, loss of adhesion or color change.
AESTHETICS
I HAVE A LARGE PROJECT THAT REQUIRES A COLOR NOT ON THE CHART. HOW CAN I GET TEDLAR?
Stock colors are always the best choice for timely project completion, but on larger projects we can evaluate additional film and color choice availability to meet your needs.
CAN I ORDER TEDLAR FINISHED METAL TO MATCH A TEDLAR PROJECT I DID YEARS AGO?
Yes! Due to the color uniformity of Tedlar film from lot-to-lot and the resistance to fading once installed, replacement metal panels or new panels for an addition can be ordered in the same color as the original order.
VALUE
DOES TEDLAR PVF FILM COST MORE THAN PAINT COATINGS?
Tedlar is a premium product priced comparably to many paint-coated products. At Metal Alliance we are committed to offering the best metal roofing panel products in the industry, at the best value. Depending on the supplier, investment in Tedlar protected coil and flats may be slightly higher.
IS TEDLAR PVF FILM ECO-FRIENDLY?
Yes, Tedlar PVF film’s dense surface is non-reactive and inert. It is non-flammable and has low smoke toxicity. It does not support mold, mildew or bacteria growth and produces very low VOC emissions. Projects that specify Tedlar PVF film qualify for LEED credits based on color selected.
PERFORMANCE
HOW DOES TEDLAR PVF FILM PROTECT METAL ROOFING AND WALL PANELS?
Metal panels finished with Tedlar have been time-tested against rigorous ASTM testing standards, and Mother Nature, for over 60 years delivering unmatched weather resistance and durability. From superior film integrity to better protection from harsh UV rays, pollutants and even salt water, no other metal panel coating performs like Tedlar.
IS TEDLAR TESTED FOR PANEL PERFORMANCE IN HURRICANE ZONES?
Yes, metal roofing and wall panels made with Tedlar PVF film are UL listed, Florida Product Approved and approved for use in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), including Miami-Dade County.
INSTALLATION & SERVICE
DO I NEED SPECIAL TOOLS OR EQUIPMENT TO INSTALL PANELS FINISHED WITH TEDLAR?
No. Roof and wall panels made with Tedlar protected metal can be installed by an experienced professional in accordance with your supplier’s installation guidelines, regulations, building codes and industry practices in your jurisdiction.
WHAT TYPE OF TECHNICAL AND DESIGN SUPPORT DO YOU OFFER FOR SPECIFYING TEDLAR?
The technical support and engineering teams at Metal Alliance are available to answer your questions or provide design assistance for your architectural metal building projects.
HOW RELIABLE IS THE COMPANY BEHIND TEDLAR?
Developed by DuPont™ in 1961, Tedlar® PVF film has a 60-year history of protecting important surfaces all over the globe. DuPont, founded in the U.S. in 1802, remains one of the world’s premier manufacturers of products that have transformed everyday living, including those with familiar names like Kevlar®, Nomex®, Tyvek®, Corian® and many more.
†For detailed product specifications, limited warranty information and exclusions, contact a Metal Alliance representative. Tedlar® is a registered trademark of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. and is used under license by Titan Steel Corporation and its affiliate Metal Alliance. Galvalume® is a registered trademark of BIEC International Inc. MagnaGuard™ is a registered trademark of Metal Alliance Supply, LLC. Kevlar®, Nomex®, Tyvek®, Corian® are registered trademarks of DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
