ABOUT MEMBRANES

Polythene (PE) is one of the cheapest plastics, and is widely used for damp-proof membranes, damp-proof courses and vapour barriers. It is available both in low density (softening point 90 degrees) and high-density (softening point 125 degrees) forms. Polythene membranes are resistant to chemicals and are tough at low temperatures, but such membranes are rapidly embrittled by ultraviolet light unless carbon black is incorporated. Polythene membranes burn, and have a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion. High-density polythene, which is stiffer than the low-density type, is used for tanking membranes to basements.

PVC coated polyester is the standard material used for tensile membrane structures and canopies. The durability depends on the degree of transparency. At 15 percent transmission, a life of 15 years can reasonably be expected. Tensile membrane structures are made from tailored panels stitched or welded together. They are usually tensioned by wires or rods running through edge pockets in the membranes, or by fixing the membranes directly to structural elements.

SPONSORED LINKS

LEADING UK MEMBRANE SUPPLIERS

Click here for an easy-to-use listing of leading UK suppliers of membranes, provided by Archbone.

Other useful links relevant to membranes:

National Federation of Roofing Contractors

DETAILED INFORMATION RESOURCES ON MEMBRANES

We recommend the following professional construction directories, which include manufacturers' specifications and CAD details: Barbour Compendium at www.barbourcompendium.co.uk, RIBA Product Selector Plus at ww.productselector.co.uk, ASC Bricsnet at www.ascinfo.co.uk, Building Products Index at www.bpindex.co.uk, British Board of Agrément at www.bbacerts.co.uk, British Standards Online at www.bsonline.bsi-global.com.

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Other recommended portals: Archbone, Building Design, Homeone Australia, Lighting Directory, Sapling, Stone Network.

Publisher: Abacus Construction Index is a professionally edited directory of recommended construction websites, published by Extonet Ltd which also publishes a directory of the world's best websites. It is financed only by Google advertisements; no payment is received from included websites.